Google explains exactly how the Pixel 9 makes switching phones a lot easier
Google’s Pixel 9 just went on sale, and the phone is already getting a major update that improves the data transfer experience. Paul Dunlop, Product Lead for Onboarding and Switching on Android, created a topic on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) about all the big changes, even going so far as to call it their âbiggest release ever.â
Dunlop first shows off a new entry in the deviceâs settings menu called Back Up or Copy Data. Weâve known about this for a while, as the name of the section leaked online before it was revealed. First reports stated that users could copy âphotos, contacts, messages, and moreâ from an old Pixel to the Pixel 9.
All of that remains true, but what we didnât know is that you can perform this process âas many times as you want,â via USB cable, Wi-Fi connection, or cloud servers. No more factory resets.
Better data transfer
Transferring data can take a while, especially if you have a lot of files. So if you’ve been looking for a faster method, the Pixel 9 now has the Express tool. Dunlop claims it “greatly (reduces) the time it takes to transfer data.” According to a screenshot, the feature will only copy files that aren’t in your Google account.
It is reportedly âcloud aware,â meaning that Express knows what you have backed up and will ignore backups to speed up the process. Additionally, images sent through the tool will retain their original quality. You do have the option to select which files you want to move or not via Customize.
In addition to files, the Pixel 9âs revamped data transfer will also move âmore system settings, permissions, and notification preferences.â This can help you set up your favorite smartphone settings on the newer device without having to start everything over from scratch. Itâll be similar to your old phone.
Improvements in quality of life
The patch even introduces several quality-of-life upgrades. Google worked with top developers worldwide to ensure that apps âstayed logged in and workingâ before the data migration began. And then thereâs the rather interesting Transport Multiplexing.
Letâs say youâre transferring files over Wi-Fi, but the process is taking forever. Dunlop suggests you connect a USB cable halfway through the transfer to help. The feature uses both methods to quickly transfer media. The Pixel 9 will even prompt you to do so via an on-screen notification.
Other notable changes include more reliable Wi-Fi migration, âQuick Share & Car Crash detection can (now) be enabled during setup,â and eSIM transfers are supported for select carriers. The thread doesnât say which ones exactly, but it does say that support will be expanded to additional carriers in the future.
Be sure to check out Ny Breaking’s list of the best Pixel phones for 2024.