Google

Google Pixel 9 enhances data transfer flexibility post-setup

Published

7 months 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

New Google Home app update resolves issues for reset Chromecast devices

Published

3 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Google has just released a solution for people who reset their 2nd-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices. This comes after last week’s update, which helped most users with their streaming gadgets.

For those who tried fixing problems by doing a factory reset, Google has a simple answer. You’ll need to update your Google Home app to these versions:

Android: 3.30.1.6
iOS: 3.30.106 (now widely available)

Once updated, you can set up your Chromecast (2nd gen) or Chromecast Audio again without trouble. The update is starting today, but it might take a couple of days to reach everyone. Keep an eye on the Google Nest Community for the latest news.

Google also shared that if you didn’t reset your device, it should already be working fine. But if something still feels off, you can check your device’s firmware version with the steps provided by Google. If it’s not on the right version, just restart your device to kick off the update.

In a message sent today, Google said:

“We’re really sorry for the hassle this caused. We’re working hard to get everyone back to normal as fast as we can.”

This update shows Google’s effort to fix things quickly and keep users happy with their Chromecast devices.

Google

Pixel 9a unboxing videos reveal a simpler modem

Published

5 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Google’s Pixel 9a is almost here, with an expected launch later this week. But before the official reveal, some early videos have popped up online, giving us a sneak peek at the phone—and hinting that its modem might not match the rest of the Pixel 9 family.

A YouTuber named Sahil Karoul got his hands on a Pixel 9a in Dubai. He picked up the “Iris” purple version and shared a full unboxing. The box looks just like the ones for other Pixel 9 phones—pretty basic, with a SIM tool, a USB-C cable, and a few papers inside. The video also highlights the phone’s smooth, matte purple finish on the back and sides, which looks pretty cool.

In the video, Sahil shows that the Pixel 9a runs on a Tensor G4 chip with 8GB of RAM. But the big news is the modem. The video shows a baseband code starting with “g5300,” which points to an Exynos 5300 modem. Other Pixel 9 models use a “g5400” code, tied to the newer Exynos 5400 modem. So, the Pixel 9a’s connection speed might feel closer to the older Pixel 8 than the shiny new Pixel 9.

The unboxing also includes some test scores from apps like AnTuTu and GeekBench, plus gameplay from PUBG Mobile, where the phone seems to hold up well. There are even a few camera shots to check out. Sahil’s video is in Hindi, but if you prefer English, another review from The Mobile Central (spotted by Android Police) covers the Pixel 9a too.

Google is likely dropping the Pixel 9a details later this week—rumors say March 19 could be the big day. For now, these early looks give us a solid idea of what’s coming, even if the modem news might disappoint some fans. Stay tuned!

Google

Google Assistant drops 7 more tools on Android and smart devices

Published

14 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Carter

Last Friday, we found out that Gemini is taking over from Google Assistant on Android phones. Alongside this, Google quietly shared that Assistant is losing seven more tools. Earlier this year, in 2024, Google already cut 18 features from Android, smart screens, and speakers. Now, they’ve added seven more to the list:

You can no longer use your voice to like, share, or ask about the time and place of your photos. (You can still do this in the Google Photos app or check details on your smart screen or tablet.)
Voice commands won’t adjust photo frame or background screen settings anymore. (You can tweak these in your smart display’s settings instead.)
The interpreter mode, which helped translate live chats with someone speaking a different language, is gone. (Single words or short phrases can still be translated. Check out interpreter mode details.)
Birthday alerts won’t pop up in Routines anymore. (You can still ask Assistant to remind you about birthdays.)
You can’t schedule or hear Family Bell announcements with your voice. (Learn how to set up a Routine instead.)
Daily updates, like getting the weather every day, won’t come automatically. (Set them up yourself with a custom Routine.)
Assistant won’t work with car gadgets using Bluetooth or AUX connections.

The photo slideshow changes aren’t a big deal, but they take away some ease. Family Bell was loved by many, and now Routines is the go-to option.
Back in 2019, Google launched Assistant’s Interpreter Mode, turning smart screens and speakers into handy translation tools. It worked on Android too. Now, the Google Translate app on your phone is the better, more advanced choice to replace it.