This month in technology: NHS Covid-19 app hits 12 million downloads and Burger King unveils restaurant of the future
The latest news, insight and analysis from the general technology sector
NHS Covid-19 app hits 12 million downloads
The NHS Covid-19 track and trace mobile app has been downloaded by more than 12 million people across England and Wales since its launch on 24 September.
The app alerts users if they have come into close contact with a coronavirus case, as well as providing guidance on self-isolation and testing.
The Department for Health and Social Care has emphasised that using it is voluntary, but the UK government hopes to stem the evident second wave ahead of the winter months.
However, users have complained of difficulties with the app, with thousands of test results left unprocessed over one weekend.
The app, which has been developed out-of-house, received harsh criticism from government adviser Professor Stephen Reicher on Twitter.
He said: “It exemplifies precisely why test and trace continues to fail: the divorce between the new privatised testing system and NHS/Public Health structures.”
The new #NHSCOVID19app is the fastest way of knowing when you’re at risk from coronavirus.
Download now:
Google Play Store: https://t.co/VHeUifthBs
Protect your loved ones. Get the app.
Find out more: https://t.co/A67G2Azayn pic.twitter.com/a3Jslf9tuQ
— NHS COVID-19 app (@NHSCOVID19app) September 27, 2020
Smart speaker usage soars
Nearly one in three Brits now own a smart speaker such as a Google Nest or Echo Dot, according to research undertaken by GfK.
Twenty-nine percent of all Britons now own a device, with ownership having soared by nearly four times since 2017.
Three years ago, only 7% of the UK population owned a smart speaker, but their growth in popularity has seen them become the second most popular smart home device after TVs.
However, 53% of people in the UK hold privacy concerns over smart devices in general, an increase from 2019 (49%).
Trevor Godman, GfK account director, said: “People’s stated interest in buying connected devices for security and energy management is actually strong. The problem is that 58% of people hesitate about the higher cost of smart devices over conventional devices.
“The onus is on the industry to win consumers’ trust in these areas, and also address ease of use and interoperability of connected home devices,” he added.
Howay the lads
Newcastle-upon-Tyne has been named as the smartest city in the UK in a ranking of the world’s most technological urban spaces.
Newcastle ranked 23rd in the Smart City Index, beating the likes of Los Angeles, Berlin and Chicago in the rankings.
The list is based on interviews undertaken with people living in cities around the world, and how the technology used in each impacts their daily lives.
A new industrial site, Helix, is being developed on the edge of the city and is home to both the National Innovation Centre for Data and the Urban Observatory.
Nick Forbes, Newcastle City Council leader, said: “I couldn’t be prouder that Newcastle has joined more than 100 cities from across the world on this highly regarded global index.
“Technology and our smart city credentials have not only helped to support new innovations throughout the global pandemic, they will play a vital role in the recovery of our economy,” he added.
Amazon unveils cloud-based gaming platform
Amazon has unveiled its new cloud-based gaming platform, Luna, which will boast more than 100 different games that users will be able to stream across several third-party devices.
Luna will be afforded access on both Apple and Android devices, and users can play games with either a keyboard and mouse, or a PS4 or Xbox One controller.
Players can also purchase a dedicated Luna controller for $49.99.
The new platform, which will launch with an introductory price of $5.99 per month, has also partnered with Amazon-owned streaming service Twitch.
Earlier this year, Amazon VP for game service Mike Frazzini said the transition into video games was the obvious one to make.
Frazzini said: “It was very clear to everyone that people, customers, love video games. It was so obviously important to customers that we need to be doing something.”
Meet Amazon Luna. If you missed our announcement (
), here’s that same info in a thread (
): pic.twitter.com/tNEwpRmygD
— Amazon Luna (@amazonluna) September 25, 2020
Burger King unveils ‘Restaurant of Tomorrow’
Fast food giant Burger King has unveiled its plans for newly designed restaurants as it looks to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary contact between customers and staff.
The plans were developed by the in-house design team at Burger King’s parent company Restaurant Brands International.
The new designs include multiple ordering and collection modes, as well as the new spaces taking up a physical footprint 60% smaller than that of a traditional Burger King restaurant.
Customers will be able to order ahead of time on a dedicated mobile app and can collect their food either from a parking spot delivery or a code-protected pick-up locker adorned to the front of the restaurant.
Josh Kobza, Restaurant Brands International chief operating officer, said: “We took into consideration how consumer behaviours are changing, and our guests will want to interact with our restaurants. The result is a new design concept that is attractive to guests and will allow our franchisees to maximise their return.”
Rapha Abreu, global head of design at Restaurant Brands International, added: “The designs we’ve created completely integrate restaurant functionality and technology. The restaurant of the tomorrow merges the best functional technology with unique modern design to elevate our Burger King guest experience.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoHONJCu4T0&feature=emb_title