Will you be getting the track and trace app? If not, why not?

[FairIsleFenella]

I've downloaded it. The only info I had to give was the first half of my postcode. I'm happy to use it, I have nothing to hide! However, I know there will be people who are unhappy to use it. If you are one of them, please tell me why. Is it a civil liberties issue?

[quote Bargebill19]@MJMG2015

iPhone have built in obsolescence. At a certain point the new software systems cannot be downloaded on to older technology. - this is why iPhone 6 users can’t update to ios14.[/quote]
I don’t understand the point of your post.

The iPhone 6 was released in 2014. That was 6 years ago. Tech as a rule is not supported with software updates for that long - if you’re attempting to bash Apple, most android manufacturers support their devices for even LESS amount of time; the longest time an Android phone has been supported with software updates is 3 years, compared to Apple’s 6 years. And that was a flagship device, budget Android lines are supported for less time. ALL phones have this “built in obsolescence” you speak of.

The iPhone 6S, which was released a year later, is still updated as the hardware can still support the software.

Just been watching Newscast on catch up and a chirpy lady has been talking about the app, including addressing the points below:

- a bus with someone with Covid stops right next to when I walk along the main roads - you have to be close to someone for at least 15 minutes to register a contact, so fair enough if you were walking exactly alongside the exact same point of a bus for 15 minutes that might be a problem
- someone has Covid and puts their phone in the locker close to mine, and even though we never even see eachother or are in the same room, I have to isolate - in order for the app to work correctly you need your phone with you. She advised if you don’t, as in the example, you should switch your Bluetooth off
- I don’t want the government to track and trace me for any reason anyway - the data is kept on your phone and is not accessible centrally.

Also (rather depressingly, given some of the statements on this thread) if you receive a notification on your phone that you have been in contact with an infected person, ONLY YOU WILL KNOW ABOUT THAT NOTIFICATION and therefore you can choose whether you isolate or not or expect everyone else to put the effort in on your behalf

@CrunchyCarrot

No, I don't have a smart phone. But as I'm housebound I don't think it would be much use to me. Would get it if circumstances were different.

Are you not scared of passing it to someone else in you got ‘reinfected’?

My iPhone 6 was bought brand new 2y ago. Wasn’t even that cheap! they didn’t bring it out 6y ago and then stopped selling it. They just went through phase of new phone every year and charging people £700-900 for each new one. Whilst still selling cheaper earlier versions. No one said “oh by the way it only lasted for 6y from release” so even though it’s new and shiny and on our shelves it’s got less than 2y life span so don’t bother.

I’m ignorant as to the app. It appeared on my phone.

No it didn’t. You’re thinking of the software required to run the app (I think it has a name but I can’t remember) which was part of an update to enable the app to run SHOULD YOU WISH TO INSTALL IT. Cue a lot of hysterical Mumsnetters insisting that their phones were being controlled by the government.

@Frappuccinofan

It wasn’t an Apple bashing post. It was n explanation as to why a pp couldn’t update their phone and support the new app.

Presumably if crunchycarrot is housebound she’d be able to narrow down the people she’s been in contact with without the need of an app.

I’d happily have the app but I’ve got an iPhone 6 and am holding out for the release of the iPhone 12 before I replace it. In the meantime I can scan QR codes with my camera if I want to sign in at a restaurant or pub and my hairdressers have all my details when I make a booking.

I don't have it and won't download it. I don't want to be flagged and ordered to isolate at the pain of a massive fine. I mean, why would you?

You will not be identified therefore cannot be traced to be fined.

I only have a basic mobile phone, for emergencies. It isn't a smartphone so I don't have the option to download the app.

I don't intend to buy a smartphone just to use the app, but would be happy to use it if I had a smartphone already. Many young people seem to be glued to their smartphones, and they also tend to socialise a fair bit, so the new app might be very useful for them. Mind you, some surveys have found that people don't always isolate after notifications from the app, or pick up calls which are shown to be from an unknown caller. I hope most people would do the right thing though.

MrsFezziwig thanks that makes sense. Have had week from hell at work and just saw the icon somewhere in settings. Didn’t have time to investigate what it was and why it was there.
Does gov.com have a page in their rather disorganised Covid pages (it’s hard to find simple clear updates I think whenever I go there) setting out what the app is how we can use it if we choose etc ?
I’ll take a look.
Not at all averse to doing what’s required but I’m one who right now isn’t really going anywhere where I’m having to be in contact with random strangers or if i am (a few of my work places) there’s always been a sign-in arrangement in place.

I've got it and happy to have it. Probably won't have much use for it as we don't go far.

Not compatible with my iPhone either. Need iOS 13 and mines only 12.something with no further updates listed.

It makes me think it would be good to have a Track and Trace Myth-Buster thread to dispel all the misinformation and inaccuracies on this and other threads.

DH wasn't going to use it, but we looked up what it was all about and decided we would both install it, because like mask wearing we all need to think about the bigger picture. It isn't just about individuals it's a collective effort, so it's good to support an initiative that tries to enable us to live with this virus more safely until a vaccine is available.

So if you turn off the contact tracing part then can it only be used to check in? You won't get any notifications?

Mind you, some surveys have found that people don't always isolate after notifications from the app, or pick up calls which are shown to be from an unknown caller

It's really unfortunate for those who stand to lose income by self isolating, but I think the Government has upped the compensatory payment so people don't lose out so much. Plus they've passed regulations (or maybe even statute) that employers cannot penalise employees for genuine cases of needing to self isolation. The employee would need to prove they've been picked up on a T+T or have had a positive test etc.

we looked up what it was all about and decided we would both install it, because like mask wearing we all need to think about the bigger picture. It isn't just about individuals it's a collective effort, so it's good to support an initiative that tries to enable us to live with this virus more safely until a vaccine is available.

I'd love to agree it's like mask wearing but I dont see how it's comparable. A mask costs a few quid at most and everyone can access one equally.

However, for those who have incompatible phones the only option for using the app is to upgrade and replace their existing phones. I appreciate they are trying to help reduce the spread but out of my 10 closest friends and relatives only 2 have phones that will allow the app to run. There's not much point to creating a test and trace app that's inaccessible to a huge portion of the population.

The app has been available where I live for quite some time. It is compatible with my phone so of course I downloaded it, anything to try and help. This thread is massively misinformed. You don't put any personal details in for a start. BTW, Helena this does not mean I am offering to buy you a phone like you seemed to assume from someone who posted similar to me My smartphone costs me £8.50 a month through Tesco so really doesn't break the bank anyway.

I haven't rtft sorry! But what's the point of checking in to places if the app constantly scans anyway?

@TinySleepThief

we looked up what it was all about and decided we would both install it, because like mask wearing we all need to think about the bigger picture. It isn't just about individuals it's a collective effort, so it's good to support an initiative that tries to enable us to live with this virus more safely until a vaccine is available.

I'd love to agree it's like mask wearing but I dont see how it's comparable. A mask costs a few quid at most and everyone can access one equally.

However, for those who have incompatible phones the only option for using the app is to upgrade and replace their existing phones. I appreciate they are trying to help reduce the spread but out of my 10 closest friends and relatives only 2 have phones that will allow the app to run. There's not much point to creating a test and trace app that's inaccessible to a huge portion of the population.

As has been explained, the initial version rolled out was aimed at the operating systems that they know most people have. Further updates will be rolled out, but it wouldn't make sense to hold the whole thing back to try and accommodate a small % of people. Obviously makes more sense to target the biggest group first.

I haven't saw anyone suggest you should update your phone? Just be patient, more updates will come.

Much like mask wearing, some people cannot wear one and some people cannot download the app. That's ok. However what people are saying is, it would be great if anyone who CAN download the app WOULD.

Personally I don't really care whether people do or not, I only worry about what I do.

@EdwardCullensBiteOnTheSide

I haven't rtft sorry! But what's the point of checking in to places if the app constantly scans anyway?

I don't get this either tbh. We have had an app in NI for ages and we don't check in, it just runs in the background. You don't actively do anything with it.

Nope my phone is too old.
Wonder if the next thing Sunak splashes the cash on will be shiny new smart phones for every citizen

I'm happy to leave my details for test and trace, but I have no faith in the way the government has handled the app and awarding contracts etc so won't be getting the app.
I don't go many places anyway.

If the government had shown they were the slightest bit competent and/or actually cared about the public then I might choose differently.

the initial version rolled out was aimed at the operating systems that they know most people have. Further updates will be rolled out, but it wouldn't make sense to hold the whole thing back to try and accommodate a small % of people. Obviously makes more sense to target the biggest group first.

I appreciate further updates will be released but am realistic that these wont happen for a while, and probably not at all for some operating systems. I also dont see that it's a small percentage of the population that are unable to access it. I actually do think it should have been held back until it was more compatible, it's not going to achieve its intended aim if many people can't use it.

I was also merely clarifying that I didn't see how it was comparable to mask wearing as at present everyone can access a mask and a significant portion of the population can't access the app.

Its the faffing for me. No phones at work, so all in the secure cupboard, have to remember to turn Bluetooth etc off, then remember to turn it on again. They say mobiles/apps etc are clever... sorry, anything requiring intervention like that is ultimately flawed.

I'll keep my distance - which I should anyhow, and keep my phone for phoning people...

Aus has a version
Its been a flop, a waste of tax payer money.
Barely any connections made, more success with manual T&T, only a small number of Aussies downloaded it for the reasons in this thread, battery drain, no trust in government, where data is/could be taken and stored or used, Bluetooth requirements, compatibility issues, civil liberties
It went from the most spouted thing to open up yet aside from Vic most of aus is open within state and travel between say South Aus and Queensland is easy, dp went a couple weeks ago, crowds at footy, events starting up again.

I haven't got it and won't be, I dont know anyone who does have it
Here it's still thankfully illegal for businesses or employers to force the app on people too, they can't say it's a condition of entry or employment.