Google

Google Pixel 9 enhances data transfer flexibility post-setup

Published

4 weeks ago

August 21, 2024

Tom Carter

Top 3 Key Points:

Post-Setup Data Transfer: Google Pixel 9 allows users to transfer data even after the initial setup is complete.
Flexible Options: Users can now merge old data with new device data without losing recent changes.
User-Friendly Experience: This feature streamlines the setup process, especially for those in a hurry.

Setting up a new Android phone, like the Google Pixel 9, used to be a bit stressful, especially if you were in a rush. If you skipped the data transfer step during the initial setup, there was no going back without resetting the phone. This was particularly true for previous Pixel models, but the new Pixel 9 changes that, offering more flexibility for users.

Google has made it easier than ever to back up and transfer your data. Android’s backup service, available on all devices with Google apps, automatically saves your contacts, call history, settings, apps, SMS, and MMS messages whenever your device is idle and charging over Wi-Fi. This means your data is always up to date without any extra effort.

When setting up your new Pixel 9, you have two primary options for data transfer: restoring from a Google backup stored in the cloud or moving data directly from your old device. The latter is faster and more comprehensive, bringing over more of your data directly from your previous phone.

In the past, if you didn’t choose one of these options during the initial setup, you were stuck. The only way to access the data transfer options again was by performing a factory reset, which was inconvenient and time-consuming. However, with the Pixel 9, Google has introduced a new feature that allows you to transfer data even after the initial setup is complete.

During the recent Made by Google event, a new option called “Back up or copy data” was spotted in the Pixel 9’s Settings app. This feature includes a “copy data” page that lets you bring over photos, contacts, messages, and more from your previous device. The process is seamless, merging the old data with your new device’s data without overwriting any recent changes or settings you’ve already made.

Although this feature wasn’t extensively tested during the event, it’s expected to work as described. Other brands, like Samsung with its Smart Switch feature, have offered similar options for years, so it’s great to see Google finally bringing this capability to Pixel devices. This enhancement makes setting up a new phone easier and more flexible for users, and we hope Google extends this feature to other Android devices in the future.

Source

Google

Google Calendar and Circle to Search expand to more devices

Published

9 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

Key Points:

Google Calendar is coming to the New Tab Page in Chrome for Workspace users.
Circle to Search is expanding to more Android devices, including Xiaomi 14T.
Chrome is getting other new features for enterprise users.

Google Calendar on Chrome’s New Tab Page:

Google Workspace users will soon see their Google Calendar on the New Tab Page in Chrome. This will make it easier to see upcoming meetings and join them quickly. You’ll also see your daily schedule below the calendar.

Circle to Search Expanding to More Devices:

Circle to Search, a feature that lets you search by drawing circles around objects in your photos, is expanding to more Android devices. This feature was previously limited to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, but now it’s coming to Tecno and Xiaomi devices.

Other Chrome Updates:

Chrome is also getting other new features for enterprise users, such as a new sign-in flow that provides more transparency and a feature that lets admins set site shortcuts.

These updates are all designed to make it easier for businesses to use Chrome and Google Workspace.

Source/Via

Google

YouTube gets smarter: AI boosts Shorts and Studio

Published

10 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

YouTube is making content creation easier and more fun with new AI features.

AI-powered video backgrounds: Create stunning visuals for your Shorts videos with Google’s Veo AI model.
AI-powered video ideas: Get inspiration for your next video with YouTube Studio’s AI-powered brainstorming tool.
AI-powered comments: Quickly respond to your viewers with AI-suggested replies.

YouTube is adding more AI features to help creators make better videos. One of the biggest announcements is the integration of Veo, a powerful AI model, into YouTube Shorts. This means you can create high-quality backgrounds and even short video clips using just a few words.

Imagine being able to describe a scene, like “a bustling city street at sunset,” and having Veo instantly generate a visually stunning background for your Short. Or, perhaps you need a quick clip to transition between two scenes; Veo can create a short video that perfectly fits your needs.

Another exciting feature is the new AI-powered brainstorming tool in YouTube Studio. This tool can suggest video ideas based on your channel’s history and what’s popular on YouTube. It’s like having a creative assistant that always has fresh ideas.

For example, if you’ve been creating cooking videos, the tool might suggest ideas like “Vegan cooking hacks” or “Quick and easy weeknight meals.” Or, if you’re a gaming channel, it could suggest ideas like “Top 5 new games to try” or “Let’s play a classic game.”

YouTube is also working on AI-powered comments. This feature will suggest replies to comments, making it easier for creators to engage with their audience.

For example, if a viewer leaves a comment saying “Great video!” the AI might suggest a reply like “Thanks for watching!” Or, if a viewer asks a question, the AI could suggest a helpful answer based on the video’s content.

These new AI features are making YouTube an even more powerful platform for creators. By automating tasks like background creation and idea generation, creators can spend more time focusing on what they do best: creating great content.

Android

Faster keyboard switching on Android

Published

12 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

Key points:

Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a new navigation bar key for quick keyboard switching.
This allows for faster switching between multiple keyboard apps and languages.
The feature is currently being tested and is expected to become standard on Google Pixel devices in December.

Android users will soon experience a significant improvement in keyboard switching. A new feature being tested in Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a dedicated key on the navigation bar that allows for rapid switching between different keyboard apps and languages.

Imagine having the ability to seamlessly switch between multiple keyboards without navigating through settings or menus. This new key, visually represented as a globe, provides a direct and intuitive way to change keyboards on the fly. Whether you need to switch between different languages or prefer different keyboard apps for specific tasks, this feature offers a convenient solution.

For example, if you have multiple languages enabled and use both Gboard and SwiftKey, you can quickly toggle between them by pressing the new key. This eliminates the need for extra steps and ensures a smooth typing experience.

While this feature is currently in beta testing, it’s expected to become a standard part of Android 15 QPR1, which is scheduled to be released on Google Pixel devices in December. This means that many Android users will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of faster and more efficient keyboard switching.