NHS tracing app went public today 24th September. Will you use it?

[Charlie Chalk]

You’re stupid

And you're a useless parasite.

That was a productive discussion, wasn't it

[daviemac]

You’re stupid

You have the nerve to call another member stupid when you have been a member of this site for almost 7 years and your useful contributions total zero. You need to change that if you want to remain a member.

[winkywanky]

You’re stupid

Says the member of SEVEN years with no reviews whatsoever, and posts containing various questions and allusions to punts he's had but not bothered to write about .

[catweazle]

You’re stupid

+1000

[Gordon Bennett]

I think it works on versions of Android that date back to 2016 but on Apple it'll only work on their OS dated 2020. I don't know much about Apple but that sounds like you'll need an iPhone that's no older than 2/3 years?
Makes me laugh that huge swathes of population are happy to play with puerile apps that do nonsense like put dreadlocks on a selfie despite that app being developed by a dodgy Russian or Chinese outfit but, they suddenly get all precious and security conscious about this UK app designed to put a lid on Covid?

[WASA38]

I have an old-ish Android tablet which seems to offer me the option of downloading the app but to do so is pretty pointless since it never leaves my house.
Nevertheless, being an aged IT-illiterate I asked a younger relative if they were aware of any cons. I was told that running it on a smart phone mean't that bluetooth would be automatically activated at all times when the phone was switched on and that this would result in significantly faster battery run-down.
Also , was told that in England there are only two risk classifications, ie 'medium' and 'high' whilst in Wales there are three, 'low' being included. Latter sounds much more sensible to me. I live in a very low risk area classified as 'medium' so might feel an irrational need to get tested.

Constructive comments from pundits welcomed. Is this info. correct?

[advent2016]

No. I don’t trust this govt to get it right, and particularly Dido Harding (who ran TalkTalk when they had 3 massive security breaches in a year). The minute I load the app I expect my bank and CC details to be harvested and sent to a Nigerian prince. They are all fucking incompetent and I also refuse to be forced to self isolate on the app’s say so - I’ll decide whether it is necessary, thank you very much.

Charlie
I can understand that you may be risk adverse, but why would you have your bank and CC details on your phone in the first place, that sounds like real stupidity.

The app only asks
your age if under / over 16
Your postcode
and if you want to turn on bluetooth

[Strawberry]

Charlie
I can understand that you may be risk adverse, but why would you have your bank and CC details on your phone in the first place, that sounds like real stupidity.

The app only asks
your age if under / over 16
Your postcode
and if you want to turn on bluetooth

Some people have banking apps on their phones, as pushed by banks especially in areas of branch closure.

Some people have their card details saved in their browser, leave themselves logged in or have various things saved in other parts of their telephones.

Phones are now notepads, watches, clocks, music players, radios, a lot of other things.

And of course apps required for access to many facilities booking systems.

[Charlie Chalk]

Charlie
I can understand that you may be risk adverse, but why would you have your bank and CC details on your phone in the first place, that sounds like real stupidity.

The app only asks
your age if under / over 16
Your postcode
and if you want to turn on bluetooth

I wasn't being entirely literal, although I do have Apple Pay on my phone which is a potential risk if the app is as crap as I expect it to be. I was making the point that if Dido Harding is involved then I can't/won't trust that the app is secure, based on her history with TalkTalk. I have no idea how someone could exploit any security loopholes to get at personal information on my phone, but I don't intend to give them the opportunity either. If there is a risk that something unspecified but bad may happen as a result of installing the app then I'll have nothing to do with it, and the utter incompetents who have been involved with the whole test and trace programme give me zero confidence that it will work, work properly or be secure. Besides, I take more care than the average person, have a better understanding than they do of how to avoid contracting it in the first place and also have less chance anyway of passing the virus on if I did catch it based on my personal circumstances. So I have no real need to install it, much less any desire to do so.

[Wadebridge]

I really can't see any issue with downloading and using it.

The app is, by and large, going to be a complete waste of time.
1. A large percentage of the population will have older smartphones, with OS versions not compatible with the app.
Most will not relish the idea of inflicting a higher monthly cost on themselves to upgrade their phone just so they can use a T&T app with unproven benefits.
2. Amongst those who have the app downloaded on their phone, there are many, many reasons why they cannot have their phone by their side at all times. It is far too simplistic to say 'well switch it off if it's in a locker'. I can think of several reasons why someone, eg a temporary agency worker, would not wish to comply with that.
3. Bluetooth on and active will drain a smartphone's battery even more than normal. There are Google; and likely similarly Apple; apps running now in the background at all times that drain battery power as it is. Without bluetooth making the situation worse. 
The govts T&T app development team probably ran with the expectation that everyone had the newest smartphones and they would be switched on and inexhaustible battery life for at least 14 hours of a 24 hour day. 
The T&T is only working well in countries that have a good manual test and trace system with actual people to follow up.
In this respect Scotland is doing reasonably well. Got its act together over the summer whilst cases and deaths were low.
England, meanwhile, did fuck all with more blather and bluster 'moonshot' buzzwords, meanwhile zero meaningful action.

[gbyld87]

I think it works on versions of Android that date back to 2016 but on Apple it'll only work on their OS dated 2020. I don't know much about Apple but that sounds like you'll need an iPhone that's no older than 2/3 years?
Makes me laugh that huge swathes of population are happy to play with puerile apps that do nonsense like put dreadlocks on a selfie despite that app being developed by a dodgy Russian or Chinese outfit but, they suddenly get all precious and security conscious about this UK app designed to put a lid on Covid?

It works from the 6s onwards, which was released September 2015.  Not many people will have a phone older than that, and if they do they can't be using it much.

[gbyld87]

I have an old-ish Android tablet which seems to offer me the option of downloading the app but to do so is pretty pointless since it never leaves my house.
Nevertheless, being an aged IT-illiterate I asked a younger relative if they were aware of any cons. I was told that running it on a smart phone mean't that bluetooth would be automatically activated at all times when the phone was switched on and that this would result in significantly faster battery run-down.
Also , was told that in England there are only two risk classifications, ie 'medium' and 'high' whilst in Wales there are three, 'low' being included. Latter sounds much more sensible to me. I live in a very low risk area classified as 'medium' so might feel an irrational need to get tested.

Constructive comments from pundits welcomed. Is this info. correct?

Leaving Bluetooth switched on will not adversely affect your battery life unless you're actively connected and streaming to a device, and even then it's significantly lower powered than any other connectivity options on your device, such as WiFi or  4g modem.  Just about everything else you do on that device will drain the battery faster than leaving Bluetooth enabled.

[RedKettle]

The app is, by and large, going to be a complete waste of time.
1. A large percentage of the population will have older smartphones, with OS versions not compatible with the app.
Most will not relish the idea of inflicting a higher monthly cost on themselves to upgrade their phone just so they can use a T&T app with unproven benefits.
2. Amongst those who have the app downloaded on their phone, there are many, many reasons why they cannot have their phone by their side at all times. It is far too simplistic to say 'well switch it off if it's in a locker'. I can think of several reasons why someone, eg a temporary agency worker, would not wish to comply with that.
3. Bluetooth on and active will drain a smartphone's battery even more than normal. There are Google; and likely similarly Apple; apps running now in the background at all times that drain battery power as it is. Without bluetooth making the situation worse. 
The govts T&T app development team probably ran with the expectation that everyone had the newest smartphones and they would be switched on and inexhaustible battery life for at least 14 hours of a 24 hour day. 
The T&T is only working well in countries that have a good manual test and trace system with actual people to follow up.
In this respect Scotland is doing reasonably well. Got its act together over the summer whilst cases and deaths were low.
England, meanwhile, did fuck all with more blather and bluster 'moonshot' buzzwords, meanwhile zero meaningful action.

Why do you alway lurch around desperately looking for negatives about anything British? Is it that agenda you deny having?

The fact that some people cannot download because their phone is too old is not a reason for the rest of us to do so.  It was never going to get 100% coverage.

Likewise just because for some people they will not have the phone with them all the time is again not a reason to ignore it.  Better to be effective part of the time then none.  In any case the young are the major factor at the moment and most of them are glued to very modern smart phones.

The battery point is simply wrong.

[Chorley]

Says the member of SEVEN years with no reviews whatsoever, and posts containing various questions and allusions to punts he's had but not bothered to write about .

Exactly! PMSL 

[Gordon Bennett]

It's some sort of low-level bluetooth purely for "shaking hands" with nearby users. They say it'll use about 5% of your battery over a normal day I think?

[redjay]

And you're a useless parasite.

That was a productive discussion, wasn't it

I’m really sorry the truth offend you...just download the app, i highly doubt the government would want to track a yourself, perhaps pick a better disguise??

[redjay]

You have the nerve to call another member stupid when you have been a member of this site for almost 7 years and your useful contributions total zero. You need to change that if you want to remain a member.

I have a nerve yes, I can say what I want when it’s the truth.

Don’t be so overly sensitive sunshine..

[redjay]

Says the member of SEVEN years with no reviews whatsoever, and posts containing various questions and allusions to punts he's had but not bothered to write about .

Who asked you to speak? Get back in your box...

[redjay]

Exactly! PMSL 

I’m glad you find it funny that people opening won’t bother using the app which is designed to help save life’s.

I really hope no one in your family contracts COVID and dies, won’t see the funny side then will you..

[daviemac]

I have a nerve yes, I can say what I want when it’s the truth.

Don’t be so overly sensitive sunshine..

Not your wisest post on here.   

You obviously didn't notice this part of my post.

"You need to change that if you want to remain a member."

[redjay]

Not your wisest post on here.   

Seriously, I have called someone for making stupid and possibly life threatening remark and you come at me with this?

I would suggest this wasn't your wisest post....

[daviemac]

Seriously, I have called someone for making stupid and possibly life threatening remark and you come at me with this?

I would suggest this wasn't your wisest post....

No I have called you out for your lack of useful contributions over the almost 7 years of membership. You have no reviews and your first post in 12 months is two words to call someone an idiot, perhaps if you had given some sort of explanation as to why you think that, as is normal in a discussion environment, then it wouldn't be so bad.

Then you come out with this, aimed at another member. 

Who asked you to speak? Get back in your box...

I don't know who you think you are sunshine.

[redjay]

No I have called you out for your lack of useful contributions over the almost 7 years of membership. You have no reviews and your first post in 12 months is two words to call someone an idiot, perhaps if you had given some sort of explanation as to why you think that, as is normal in a discussion environment, then it wouldn't be so bad.

Then you come out with this, aimed at another member.  I don't know who you think you are sunshine.

No, I called them stupid, not an idiot (slight correction) which due to the nature of their post is obviously very close to the truth, It was evident why i said called them that. Track and Trace is designed in parts to help save lives. the more people that use track and trace, the quicker we can get back to some level of normality. I'm sorry they were offended, but i can't help them not being stupid, I'll also add ignorant as well for good measure.

Sunshine? oooo scary word. Honestly, you should not be a moderator on here, you're really not worthy of it...

[Steve2]

No, I called them stupid, not an idiot (slight correction) which due to the nature of their post is obviously very close to the truth, It was evident why i said called them that. Track and Trace is designed in parts to help save lives. the more people that use track and trace, the quicker we can get back to some level of normality. I'm sorry they were offended, but i can't help them not being stupid, I'll also add ignorant as well for good measure.

Sunshine? oooo scary word. Honestly, you should not be a moderator on here, you're really not worthy of it...

Thin Ice comes to mind sunshine 

[redjay]

Thin Ice comes to mind sunshine 

I’m just being truthful, of people can’t handle the truth that’s up to them.

[daviemac]

No, I called them stupid, not an idiot (slight correction) which due to the nature of their post is obviously very close to the truth, It was evident why i said called them that. Track and Trace is designed in parts to help save lives. the more people that use track and trace, the quicker we can get back to some level of normality. I'm sorry they were offended, but i can't help them not being stupid, I'll also add ignorant as well for good measure.

Sunshine? oooo scary word. Honestly, you should not be a moderator on here, you're really not worthy of it...

Can't be bothered with you to be honest I have better things to do, so I'll just follow the rules and revoke your membership for a lack of meaningful contributions.

[Steve2]

I’m just being truthful, of people can’t handle the truth that’s up to them.

THIN ICE is the truth 

[redjay]

Can't be bothered with you to be honest I have better things to do, so I'll just follow the rules and revoke your membership for a lack of meaningful contributions.

Yeah nice one, I hope that includes downloading the Track and Trace app.

Ohh and don’t forgot to Google “how to be a good forum moderator” and read up, you obviously need it...

[daviemac]

THIN ICE is the truth 

He's reported me to me. You couldn't make it up.   

[redjay]

THIN ICE is the truth 

Steve tip for you, just don’t....

[Blackpool Rock]

Thin Ice comes to mind sunshine 

Yeah coming on here insulting people then calling out a Mod for not being worthy, I was thinking more like Fucking retard 
And he was the one calling other people stupid 

[redjay]

Yeah coming on here insulting people then calling out a Mod for not being worthy, I was thinking more like Fucking retard 
And he was the one calling other people stupid 

Talking of retarded, you show up...

[Steve2]

He's reported me to me. You couldn't make it up.   

Maybe time to save some Bandwidth then

[redjay]

Maybe time to save some Bandwidth then

You used spell check for this?

[daviemac]

Maybe time to save some Bandwidth then

He's done it again.   

You are right though time to get rid.

[Blackpool Rock]

Talking of retarded, you show up...

Actually i've been here a while, admittedly about a year less than you but then again 1 of us has made a useful contribution and 1 of us hasn't, make your last posts especially meaningful and you probably don't have many left 

[redjay]

He's done it again.   

You are right though time to get rid.

Of you? yes I agree. Joking aside please delete me, I really don't care...

[Blackpool Rock]

Of you? yes I agree. Joking aside please delete me, I really don't care...

Oh come on Jay please don't go, we'll be lost without all the reviews you do 

Oh he's gone, surprised he lasted that long 

[Charlie Chalk]

He's reported me to me. You couldn't make it up.   

 And he called ME stupid?? Best get yourself banned, mate. I'd love to see the banning reason for that one...

[Charlie Chalk]

I have a nerve yes, I can say what I want when it’s the truth.

Today's winner of the "How wrong can you be" prize. I'll miss him though, he brought so much to the forum 

[Doc Holliday]

Ah, being the BBC they probably got her because she was the only female 'techie expert' available at that time in the morning 

Cynic 

[kayak]

I already have Google Maps on my phone so The Man has been tracking and watching me for years anyway so I'm not gonna get worked up about NHS app spying on me.

Here's my take: I also have google maps, mail, drive, youtube etc, but I feel safer with Google than the "Man" who I believe has a lot to do with this app - Cummings, and I ain't giving him my info. And I suspect the app has more to do with Serco, Deloitte and G4S than the NHS in reality. Why would anyone trust or believe this incompetent, corrupt shower, after the hypocrisy of Cummings carry on, and the way he was allowed to get away with it?

[GingerNuts]

Here's my take: I also have google maps, mail, drive, youtube etc, but I feel safer with Google than the "Man" who I believe has a lot to do with this app - Cummings, and I ain't giving him my info. And I suspect the app has more to do with Serco, Deloitte and G4S than the NHS in reality. Why would anyone trust or believe this incompetent, corrupt shower, after the hypocrisy of Cummings carry on, and the way he was allowed to get away with it?

The app works by generating random tokens to share with other phones that the app installed. It's just that. Its an app that detects and saves, on your phone, the random tokens of other phones it's been in contact with for the last 14 days. It connects to a central server once a day to tell it your phone's random token. And connects again if you tell it you've had a positive test. The server then alerts all the other phones that match the tokens your then phone gives it.

It doesn't do anything else as that's the API that google and apple have provided. That's all it can do. It's baked hard into the OS to make sure that's all it does.

The government don't have access to this data it's all done through Google/Apple APIs baked into the OS so exactly the same people you're handing mountains of properly personal information to already.

[Chorley]

He's reported me to me. You couldn't make it up.   

PMSL! 

[Chorley]

Here's my take: I also have google maps, mail, drive, youtube etc, but I feel safer with Google than the "Man" who I believe has a lot to do with this app - Cummings, and I ain't giving him my info. And I suspect the app has more to do with Serco, Deloitte and G4S than the NHS in reality. Why would anyone trust or believe this incompetent, corrupt shower, after the hypocrisy of Cummings carry on, and the way he was allowed to get away with it?

This is my issue. I think Cummings is a nasty, immoral piece of shit-and yes before anyone says it- I know pretty much eveyone involved in top line politics is like that, but I juist think there's something really sinsiter and quite disturbing about him that Boris is either reluctant or afraid to deal with.  I'm sure others will disagree but that's my two cents.

[daviemac]

This is my issue. I think Cummings is a nasty, immoral piece of shit-and yes before anyone says it- I know pretty much eveyone involved in top line politics is like that, but I juist think there's something really sinsiter and quite disturbing about him that Boris is either reluctant or afraid to deal with.  I'm sure others will disagree but that's my two cents.

We shouldn't need reminding but obviously some do.   

Hidden Image/Members Only

[Chorley]

We shouldn't need reminding but obviously some do.   

Hidden Image/Members Only

Fair enough. 

[hendrix]

No, because it isn't fit for purpose.

External Link/Members Only

External Link/Members Only

[gbyld87]

Here's my take: I also have google maps, mail, drive, youtube etc, but I feel safer with Google than the "Man" who I believe has a lot to do with this app - Cummings, and I ain't giving him my info. And I suspect the app has more to do with Serco, Deloitte and G4S than the NHS in reality. Why would anyone trust or believe this incompetent, corrupt shower, after the hypocrisy of Cummings carry on, and the way he was allowed to get away with it?

The app doesn't request or require any personal data to function.  The matching happens on the local handset.  It's a decentralised system.  Cummings doesn't get or care about your data

[winkywanky]

I think it works on versions of Android that date back to 2016 but on Apple it'll only work on their OS dated 2020. I don't know much about Apple but that sounds like you'll need an iPhone that's no older than 2/3 years?
Makes me laugh that huge swathes of population are happy to play with puerile apps that do nonsense like put dreadlocks on a selfie despite that app being developed by a dodgy Russian or Chinese outfit but, they suddenly get all precious and security conscious about this UK app designed to put a lid on Covid?

I have an Android phone but I think I heard the earliest iPhone the App will work on is a 6s (ie that will support the latest software but no earlier models will).