Google is launching Bluetooth smartwatch at work for contact tracing
A few months ago we discovered that the Bluetooth SIG was working to make a standard that also allowed wearables to carry out contact tracing in pandemic cases like the one we are experiencing. Now we have discovered that Google is also working to ensure that a contact tracing standard is available onboard Wear OS smartwatches.
The developers of XDA have identified some strings indicating the functionality added in the latest beta of Play Services v20.50.14. Such strings of code reveal that we may soon be able to pair our Bluetooth wearable device with your phone and use both devices to make tracking even more accurate.
One of the strings reads: "The phone will use this device to securely collect and share random IDs with other devices that are nearby. If you've been close to someone who has reported having COVID-19, the signal strength associated with exposure will be shared with the app.“
This could allow you to leave your phone at home when you have the smartwatch on without worrying about not contributing to the tracking system anymore.
Operation is very similar to how it already happens on smartphones today (from us in Italy through the Immuno app): the smartphone will use the wearable to securely collect and share random IDs with other nearby devices. You will then receive a notification if you have been close to someone who has reported having COVID-19. The date, duration, and signal strength associated with an exhibition will be shared with the app.
XDA developers suspect that work on this framework is enabled thanks to the draft about the Bluetooth SIG exposure notification service recently published and we were talking about before. It is likely that Google will still have to wait for the standard to be finalized, but it appears the company is doing its part to ensure a quick launch.