Each month, our Consumer Tech Briefing series discusses recent developments in the world of technology. This month, we focus on recent innovations designed to help tackle the current coronavirus crisis.

Social Distancing

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the coronavirus can spread between people who are in close contact with each other (within six feet/two meters). Essential retailers such as grocers and pharmacies that remain open during the pandemic have therefore implemented stringent measures to enforce social distancing in store. However, many are struggling to keep up with this, due to excess demand and stockpiling trends. In this context, technology efforts that encourage social distancing between shoppers have moved to the forefront—enabling retailers to take precautionary measures to protect shoppers and staff from contracting the coronavirus. New Lenses Launched on Snapchat To Promote Safe Social Distancing Snap Inc has launched two new AR-powered lenses—designed in collaboration with the WHO—on its instant photo and video messaging app Snapchat. The lenses encourage people to maintain social distancing and practice good hygiene. The first lens, “My Social Distance,” draws a virtual circle on the ground around the user overlaid onto the live image provided through their smartphone camera. The circle has a radius of the recommended two meters and changes color from green (safe) to red (too close) if someone steps inside it, letting the user know that they are no longer practicing adequate social distancing. The second lens uses animations to remind users about washing hands, staying indoors and the importance of not touching the face to avoid the infection. Both the lenses include links to the WHO website for those seeking further advice. [caption id="attachment_108087" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Snapchat’s new My Social Distance lens lets users know how close they can get to others while maintaining a safe social distance.
Source: Snap Inc[/caption]   Indyme Launches Social-Distancing Notification Tool Shopper-engagement and loss-prevention solutions provider Indyme unveiled SmartDome, a tool that provides real-time awareness of social distancing in retail stores—which may be especially useful for busy shops frequented by multiple shoppers. SmartDome, which resembles a security camera, is equipped with a passive infrared motion sensor that monitors the presence of people in a specified area. If it detects shoppers disobeying the rule of social distancing, it alerts them by announcing an automated message such as, “For your safety, please maintain at least six feet of social distance.” The SmartDome is battery operated, so store staff can quickly install these compact devices in any area where safe social-distancing reminders are most needed, such as service counters, checkouts, entrances and busy aisles. According to Indyme, SmartDome can be repurposed to help reduce theft and drive shopper engagement once the pandemic subsides. [caption id="attachment_108088" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Indyme’s SmartDome social-distancing device
Source: Indyme[/caption]  

Minimizing and Tracing Contact

Apple and Google Team Up To Create Contact-Tracing Technology Technology giants Apple and Google have joined forces to develop a digital contact-tracing system that helps public health authorities to manage the pandemic. The technology will use Bluetooth wireless technology to alert users when they have been in contact with someone who then tests positive for the coronavirus. The technology will be built in two phases:

• In May 2020, Apple and Google will develop application programming interfaces that enable interoperability between Android and iOS platforms, allowing apps from public health authorities to function across the two operating systems. Users who want to opt into the program can download the apps from their respective app stores.
• The second phase—to be completed in the coming months—will involve the two companies building Bluetooth-based contact-tracing functionality directly into their operating systems, eliminating the need to download an app.

In terms of user privacy, Bluetooth-based contact tracing will require explicit user consent, and the system does not collect personally identifiable information or user location data, according to a white paper published by Apple and Google. The white paper also clarifies that the system will not specifically identify coronavirus-positive people to other users or to the two companies—the alerts to users will comprise a general notification, such as “You have recently been exposed to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.” Materialise Rolls Out 3D-Printed, Hands-Free Door Openers With door handles presenting a high risk of cross-contamination, 3D-printing technology company Materialise launched a 3D-printed door opener that eliminates the need for people to touch door handles directly with their hands. The paddle-shaped extension can be fitted without drilling holes or replacing existing door handles. The company plans to create several variations of its hands-free door opener in the coming weeks, to ensure compatibility with multiple types of doorknobs. Materialise is also offering its designs for free, calling upon global 3D companies to print these products and make them available around the world. [caption id="attachment_108089" align="aligncenter" width="580"] The hands-free door opener enables people to open and close doors with their arms, to avoid touching the handle with their hands.
Source: Materialise[/caption]