Google

How Pixel 9 lets you copy data from another phone even after setup

Published

4 weeks ago

August 21, 2024

Tom Carter

Top 3 Key Points:

New Data Transfer Feature: Pixel 9 series allows data copying from another phone even after initial setup.
No Reset Needed: You can transfer data anytime without factory resetting your device.
Flexible and Easy: Use a QR code and Wi-Fi to sync or transfer selected data between devices.

The Google Pixel 9 series introduces a new feature that makes it easier to transfer data from one Android device to another, even after the phone has been fully set up. This feature is available on the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL, and it marks a significant improvement in how Android handles data restoration.

Traditionally, Android allowed users to transfer data only during the initial setup of a new device. If you missed that step or encountered any issues, the only way to try again was to perform a factory reset. However, with the Pixel 9, you can now copy data from another phone at any time, directly from the Settings menu.

In the Settings, you’ll find a new section labeled “Backup or copy data,” located just above the “System” category. This option allows you to either back up your current device’s data to your Google account or to copy data from another device. If you are setting up your Pixel 9 from scratch, this option lets you easily transfer data from another Android device. However, once you’ve restored data from a specific device, your Pixel 9 becomes linked to that device for future data transfers.

This feature is particularly useful in cases where the initial data transfer might not have been completed successfully, possibly due to a poor network connection. The ability to reattempt the transfer without resetting your phone saves time and hassle. Additionally, it offers the option to sync data between two devices. For example, if you install new apps on your old phone, you can use this feature to transfer those apps to your Pixel 9 without having to download them again.

The data transfer process is simple and secure. It’s done using a QR code and Wi-Fi connection, similar to the initial setup process. You can also choose which specific data you want to copy, or use the “Express” option to quickly transfer any data that isn’t already stored in your Google account.

While this feature is confirmed to work on the Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, it has not yet been rolled out to older Pixel models or other Android devices. The feature was first noticed back in May and could potentially be expanded to more devices in the future.

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.