In many ways, the nature of the tech industry has made it well suited to face the challenges of virtual work. Technology companies small and large have spent the last couple months creating innovative solutions to the problems we’re all facing during the coronavirus pandemic. Read on below for the most inspiring news from the tech industry.

Apple & Google Help Trace Potential Cases

Since covid-19 began rapidly spreading around the world, tech giants Apple and Google have been working to update their smartphone operating systems with new technology to help track potential cases. The software is now nearly ready and will be implemented in Apple and Android smartphones next month. With the updated systems in place, public health officials will subsequently be able to distribute apps that use Bluetooth signals to trace users’ contact with infected patients.

Though the contact tracing may help authorities more accurately track the spread of the virus, it’s also raised concerns about user privacy. On Friday, the companies detailed their plans to protect privacy, including decentralizing and encrypting data and removing the technology from phones once the virus is contained. Will these measures be enough to quell users’ concerns? Find out additional information about the technology here: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/24/apple-and-google-update-plans-to-help-officials-track-coronavirus.html

New Apps Help Organizations Manage the Pandemic

ServiceNow, a software firm that helps companies manage digital workflow, has developed an app that organizations can use to virtually manage their team members and track those who have self-reported coronavirus exposure. So far, thousands of organizations have implemented the software to keep their employees connected. One of the early adopters was the city of San Francisco, which used the app to both track the health of their employees and keep city managers updated with current information.

In addition to the team management app, ServiceNow has already created apps built for emergency self-reporting and resource management of government organizations. All the apps are available for free to help navigate the spread of the coronavirus and keep more people safe. Check out more details on the apps here: https://www.crn.com/news/channel-programs/servicenow-gives-free-apps-to-help-manage-workers-during-crisis

Microsoft Creates a Healthcare Chatbot

Throughout the pandemic, access to doctors and healthcare has been a problem for many Americans. For those who aren’t able to reach a physician or want a quicker solution, the CDC has partnered with Microsoft to offer a healthcare chatbot. The program provides users with next steps and local contacts based on their self-reported symptoms and risk factors. Within the first few weeks, the bot had already generated more than 40,000 sessions.

There are a few limitations to the bot, because a true diagnosis still requires in-person testing. However, the tool is helpful for reassuring the “worried well” that they don’t need immediate medical attention, which will free up more space in ERs and doctor’s offices. Read on for more information about the chatbot here: https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/21/21189227/cdc-microsoft-chatbot-coronavirus-symptom-checker

The Global Hackathon Trend

If there’s any time when innovative is especially needed, it’s during a pandemic. To help generate new solutions to the coronavirus, organizations around the world have held virtual “hackathons” to crowdsource ideas. During a hackathon, anyone can submit his or her idea for consideration, whether it’s a big-picture concept or tactical ready-made solution. Tech companies and researchers can then use the ideas to quickly produce new software and prototypes.

While the WHO organized the largest hackathon , some of the most helpful ideas have come from events hosted by local governments. Some of the best solutions so far include apps that track public transportation capacity to encourage social distancing and online spaces for conducing virtual government. Check out more great ideas from the hackathons here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomokoyokoi/2020/04/16/the-hackathon-approach-to-covid-19-showcases-agile-innovation-at-its-best/#26a686be1e0c