Some of the top Huawei devices on the market today won't be able to download and use the coronavirus contact-tracing app being developed by the NHS.
NHSX, the body behind the contact-tracing app, currently being trialled in the Isle of Wight in preparation for a nationwide rollout, has admitted that only "the majority" of Huawei devices users will be able to use the tool due to incompatible software.
This includes the Huawei P40 Pro, the company's newest flagship device launched earlier this year, but the first such device to not run on Google's Android software.
- NHS bans staff from using Zoom over privacy concerns
- Huawei Mobile Services apps and how to set up your new Huawei phone
- Trump wants chipmakers to set up factories in the US
Huawei ban
"The majority of those with a Huawei phone will be able to download and use the app given most devices are running Android and can use Google Playstore," NHSX said in a tweet.
"For the small number of Huawei devices that use the AppGallery, NHSX is working to provide support."
Following a number of bitter recent disputes with the US Government, Huawei had its access to Google's Android software blocked in 2019, with new launches and existing devices both affected.
The Huawei P40 and P40 Pro devices, released earlier this year, were the first flagship devices affected by this ban, running the Chinese firm's in-house AppGallery marketplace. This has meant that many popular Google apps, including YouTube, Gmail and the G Suite selection of services are unavailable on these devices.
NHSX says that it is working with Huawei to provide support to the app, which is hoped to roll out across UK soon. NHSX released the code behind the NHS Covid-19 app last week, making the beta version of the app open-source for developers around the world.
The app is also thought to not run properly on "some older" mobile phones, although it's not yet been revealed what exact devices this includes.
BBC Solent reported that compatible devices would need to be able to run Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and to be running either Apple iOS 11 upwards or Android 8 upwards. This has raised concerns about the elderly or at risk members of the population, many of whom do not update or buy new devices regularly.
TechRadar Pro has contacted Huawei for comment.
- The best Huawei phone deals in May 2020
from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/2WOManG
