Google's Pixel 9 has just gone on sale, and the smartphone is already receiving a major update that improves the data transfer experience. Paul Dunlop, product manager for integration and switching at Android, has started a thread on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) about all the major changes. He goes so far as to refer to it as his “biggest release yet.”
Dunlop first shows off a new option within the device’s settings menu called Backup or Copy Data. We’ve known about this feature for a while now, as the name of the section was leaked online ahead of its unveiling. Initial reports indicated that users could “copy photos, contacts, messages, and more” from an older Pixel to the Pixel 9.
All of that is still true, but what we didn't know is that you can perform this process “as many times” as you want, either via USB cable, WiFi connection or cloud servers. It is no longer necessary to reset devices to factory settings.
Better data transfer
Data transfer can take a while, especially if you have a lot of files. So if you've been craving a faster method, the Pixel 9 now has an Express tool. Dunlop claims this “massive data transfer” [reduces] the time it takes” to transfer data. According to a screenshot, the feature only copies files that are not present in your Google account.
It's reportedly “cloud-friendly,” meaning Express knows what you've saved and ignores backups to speed up the process. Plus, images sent through the tool will retain their original quality. You have the option to select which files to move and which not to via Customize.
In addition to files, the Pixel 9's revamped data transfer also moves over “more system settings, permissions, and notification preferences.” This can help you set up your preferred smartphone settings on the newer device without having to redo everything from scratch. It will be similar to your old phone.
Improvements in quality of life
The patch also introduces several quality of life improvements. Google worked with top developers around the world to ensure apps “stayed connected and running” before the data migration began. Plus, there’s the interesting Transport Multiplexing.
Let's say you're transferring files over Wi-Fi, but the process is taking forever. Dunlop says you can plug in a USB cable mid-transfer to help you out. The feature uses both methods to send media quickly. The Pixel 9 will even recommend you do so via an on-screen notification.
Other notable changes include more reliable Wi-Fi migration, “Quick Share and car crash detection” 1724376371 will be activated during setup,” and eSIM transfers are supported on select carriers. The thread doesn’t say which ones exactly, but it does say that support will be expanded to other carriers in the future.
Be sure to check out TechRadar's list of the best Pixel phones for 2024.
