Survey Shows People Aren’t Using TraceTogether Due to It Using Too Much Battery Power

Much like that Get a Six-pack in Six Days app that you have on your phone, many people have downloaded TraceTogether but aren’t using it.

TraceTogether sounds like a dating app for amateur artists, but it’s actually an application that aids contact tracing efforts.

But there’s just one problem.

Many people who have downloaded the app are still not using it.

Survey Shows People Aren’t Using TraceTogether Due to It Using Too Much Battery Power

A survey of more than 1,000 Singaporeans revealed that a significant number of residents are not using the TraceTogether app.

YouGov, a British data analytics firm, conducted a survey last week on the app’s usage here.

23% of respondents had not downloaded the app yet while another 11% said they downloaded it but then deleted it.

The Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG) said the adoption rate is “in the low 60%”, but did not give a specific number.

So, why are people hesitant to use the app?

One word: battery drain. 

Reader: That’s two words. 

While privacy concerns have eased, many are reluctant to use or even install the app as they’re worried about it potentially draining their batteries.

Besides this, Singaporeans cited two reasons for not downloading the app:

• they didn’t want to turn on Bluetooth all the time
• they didn’t want to download more apps

Battery Consumption Only “Marginally Greater” With App Running

In response to users’ concerns, SNDGG said it is constantly improving the app, including tweaking it to be “as power-efficient as possible”.

“Current battery consumption on tested phones is only marginally greater with the App running, particularly on phones that already have Bluetooth enabled,” it said.

SNDGG advised users to keep their apps updated to the latest version to benefit from the latest enhancements.

It’s also possible that battery consumption could increase in crowded places, as the app needs more energy to send and receive signals with other phones.

Reasons For Increase in Adoption Rate

As for why more and more Singaporeans are suddenly downloading the app, there are three possible reasons:

1. They have realised how using the app could help their fellow Singaporeans
2. They want to move to Phase 3
3. They need it to enter venues with TraceTogether-only SafeEntry

Let’s face it, it’s probably either reason number 2 or 3. 

TraceTogether-only SafeEntry is increasingly being used at some public venues such as bars and some places of worship.

At venues with TraceTogether-only SafeEntry, you’ll need to present your TraceTogether App or Token, and use it for a SafeEntry check in.

An Available Alternative 

Fortunately, if you’re worried about the TraceTogether app draining your already ailing battery, there’s an available alternative; the TraceTogether token.

Announced in June, the token works in the same way as the TraceTogether app, exchanging and logging Bluetooth signals between nearby devices that are in close proximity.

While it’s not compulsory to have, the TraceTogether token will be distributed to residents who want one.

The distribution will be carried out one constituency at a time, however, so do visit token.gowhere.gov.sg and key in your postal code to check if your area has begun distribution.

You can read this article to learn more about the collection process.

Featured Image: Ascannio / Shutterstock.com