Huawei’s new phone screens coronavirus symptom with temperature sensor
Health app ëlarm can screen for other COVID-19 symptoms too
U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross says he's disappointed rural American areas believe limiting the use of Huawei will protect them from any cybersecurity threats, which he sees as flawed. Ross goes on to explain why the U.S. is behind Huawei on the 5G race, saying America doesn't have a champion behind the efforts yet.
Smartphones just got a little smarter.
In fact, Huawei’s new phone could even help users screen themselves for the coronavirus with a built-in thermometer.
The Honor Play 4 Pro, which was released Wednesday, includes an infrared temperature sensor near the back camera, according to Ars Technica.
CAN APPLE AND GOOGLE TRACK CORONAVIRUS PATIENTS?
Though it isn’t the only sign of COVID-19, a fever is one of the most common symptoms of the virus.
The sensor works when someone touches it to a person or object and taps through the app, Ars Technica reported.
According to Forbes, the sensor measures temperatures between -4 degrees Fahrenheit (20 C) and 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 C).
DOES THE US HAVE ENOUGH CONTACT TRACERS?
But Huawei isn’t the only company offering possible coronavirus screening technology.
A man uses his smartphone outside a Huawei store in Beijing. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)
One newly released app, ëlarm, connects to users’ wearable devices and monitors for specific coronavirus symptoms and other viruses, the website says.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Ëlarm costs $4.50 per month for the “Early Adopter Plan” and the second month is free for early users, according to the website.
The app works with wearable devices from Apple, Fitbit, Google Fit, Samsung, Huawei, Withings, Motorola, Fossil and Sony, among others, as long as they can connect to Google Fit, the website says.