How to transfer data to a new Android phone

Switching to a new phone is fun and exciting but can be tedious if you have many apps and a lot of data to transfer over. Luckily, some excellent cloud storage services can make it quick and easy to transfer files, settings, and app data from an older phone with just a tap. Here’s how to transfer data to a new Android phone.

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To transfer data to a new Android phone, you will need to first back up the data on your older phone using services like Google One. Go to Settings > Google > All services > Backup and enable Backup by Google One. When setting up the new phone, select Restore from the cloud. Sign in to the same Google account, select the most recent backup, and tap Restore.

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Hate those big reaction animations in Google Messages? We have good news

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• Google working on a toggle that will allow you to turn off expressive animations in Google Messages.
• The setting will presumably turn off/on Reaction and Screen Effects.
• It’s unclear if turning expressive animations off will also affect animated emojis.

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If you find the animated reactions in Google’s messaging app annoying, you may be able to turn them off soon. An APK teardown has revealed Google is working on an on/off toggle for the feature.

Google announced Reaction Effects back in November 2023, however, wide availability only rolled out last month. The feature gives Google Messages users the ability to react to text messages with 10 different emoji that also send a corresponding animation. While it can be a fun little addition for some, it can be annoying for others.

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Nokia maker launches its first HMD-branded line for the US

Credit: HMD Global

• Human Mobile Devices Global is launching the HMD Vibe in the US.
• The HMD Vibe is said to be capable of lasting two days between charges.
• The handset will be available for $150.

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After all the leaks and rumors, Human Mobile Devices (HMD) Global is announcing its first HMD-branded smartphones. While the rest of the world is getting the HMD Pulse, the US is getting the HMD Vibe.

The Nokia maker’s new smartphone is a budget-level device that runs on a Snapdragon 680 processor. Along with that, you get 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage with 4GB of virtual RAM and support for a microSD card up to 512GB.

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Google’s Warranty Helper tool simplifies support for Pixels and Google Nest products

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• The Pixel Watch team announced a new interactive Warranty Helper tool for Google’s smartwatch.
• The tool provides quick access to warranty status and offers links for repairs and troubleshooting.
• Interestingly, the Warranty Helper works beyond the Pixel Watch, supporting a range of Google devices.

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Back in February, Google introduced an online, mail-in replacement service for its Pixel Watch 2, eliminating the need to contact customer support for repairs. Now, the company has further streamlined after-sales support with a new interactive tool to simplify the process of checking warranty coverage and initiating claims.

Despite being announced as the “Pixel Watch Warranty Helper,” the feature is currently supporting a wide range of Google devices, including Pixel smartphones, earbuds, and Google Nest devices.

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Android 15 may make it even harder for sideloaded apps to get sensitive permissions

• Android 15 could introduce a new Enhanced Confirmation Mode that makes it harder for malicious apps to exploit an OS loophole.
• Android blocks users from easily enabling the Accessibility or Notification Listener services of apps that are sideloaded from outside an app store.
• However, the method that Android uses for this has a loophole in it that Android 15 will close.

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Although most Android users download apps from preloaded app stores like Google Play, some users get their apps from alternative online sources, a practice called sideloading. This is possible because Android lets users install third-party apps without the Google Play Store so long as they get their hands on the necessary app installation files. The ability to freely sideload apps is a big part of what makes Android a more open platform than iOS. Unfortunately, it’s also the reason why people erroneously believe that Android is less secure than iOS.

That’s because regardless of where you source apps from, Android’s built-in privacy and security features ensure they can’t access sensitive permissions without your consent. However, it’s true that sideloading apps from alternative online sources carries a bit more risk for the average user when compared to sticking with Google Play. This is because it’s simply easier for malicious developers to distribute apps outside of Google Play since they don’t need to deal with the regulations, bureaucracy, and scrutiny that Google Play app distribution entails.

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Google Maps generative AI discovery tool coming to Labs (APK teardown)

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• Soon everyone will be able to use generative AI in Google Maps through Labs.
• The Maps feature was announced in February but was initially only available to select Local Guides.
• Google’s AI provides suggestions based on information from nearby businesses and places, plus photos, ratings, and reviews from the Maps community.

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If you remember, Google announced at the beginning of February that the Maps app would start taking advantage of generative AI. This feature launched in early access for select Local Guides, but it seems like it could soon be available to everyone.

Looking through strings of code in the latest Google Maps beta, we discovered mentions of the generative AI experiment heading to Labs. If you’re unfamiliar, Labs is the place where anybody can sign up to try out Google’s latest AI tools and experiments. This means the feature will no longer be exclusive to just Local Guides.

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TikTok’s plan to pay users to watch videos has just hit a snag

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• TikTok Lite offers a rewards program that compensates users for watching videos, liking content, following creators, and inviting friends.
• The app was recently launched in France and Spain, but the European Commission is threatening to suspend the app.
• The Commission claims TikTok did not adequately respond to questions about the app’s impact on users’s mental health before releasing it in Europe.

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To foster growth in Europe, TikTok planned to release a new iOS and Android app called TikTok Lite that would compensate users for engaging with content. The app launched in France and Spain this month, but it could soon be shut down by the European Commission.

According to a report from Reuters, the European Commission claims TikTok did not provide an adequate response to questions from regulators about TikTok Lite’s impact on user mental health before launching the app. The European Commission is arguing that this violates the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires large platforms, like TikTok, to perform a risk assessment of harmful and illegal content on the platform.

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Android 15 beta 1.1 rolling out with NFC fix

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• Google is rolling out Android 15 beta 1.1.
• Most notably, this update fixes NFC, which does not work on beta 1.
• The point update also addresses a few other bugs.

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On April 11, Google pushed out the first public beta for Android 15. Previously, all other Android 15 releases had been developer previews, meaning they weren’t stable enough for the public. The first beta, though, was supposed to be good enough for adventurous folks with a supported Pixel.

Unfortunately, that first beta had a huge flaw: NFC didn’t work. This meant using your phone for contactless payments wasn’t possible. Thankfully, Google is pushing out Android 15 beta 1.1 today, which fixes this problem.

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Any XR headset can now run Meta Horizon OS, and that should worry Google

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• Meta has opened its Horizon OS to other manufacturers, expanding the potential for mixed reality devices.
• ASUS and Lenovo have already announced plans for new gaming/productivity headsets built on Horizon OS.
• Google’s rumored Android-based XR OS could finally launch at the upcoming I/O, setting up a showdown with Meta’s platform.

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In a move that could reshape the mixed reality landscape, Meta today announced that it is opening up its Meta Horizon OS to third-party manufacturers. Formerly known as Quest OS, this Android-based operating system has powered Meta’s successful Quest line of headsets. Now, other companies will be able to leverage Horizon OS to create their own mixed-reality devices.

This announcement comes just weeks before Google’s anticipated unveiling of its own Android-based Extended Reality (XR) operating system. The timing suggests that Meta is making a preemptive strike to maintain dominance in the rapidly maturing XR market.

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Pixel phones getting second April update with fix for widespread network issue

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• Google is rolling out a second April update for Pixel phones to fix network and connectivity issues.
• The update is already available on Verizon’s network and will roll out to all Pixel users over the coming weeks.
• Affected Pixel users can also sideload the OTA package now.

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Pixel phone users can expect a second April update with a fix for network and connectivity issues plaguing their devices. The update started rolling out to Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 devices on Verizon late last week. The carrier has also posted a changelog that confirms that the new April Pixel update “provides performance improvements for LTE call/data and network issues.”

A few weeks back, we investigated widespread reports of Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 series owners complaining about network-related issues following the March 2024 update. Users said that their phones randomly missed calls and that text messages arrived in batches throughout the day. We reached out to Google multiple times to get an official response but didn’t receive an update from the company.

Now, Google is also reportedly sending emails to affected Pixel users acknowledging the network and connectivity issues and informing them about the upcoming fix.

“We’re starting to push an update to Pixel 7 and newer phones. This includes network stability and performance improvements. This update will roll out globally to the regions and carriers impacted over the coming weeks,” Google wrote in its email to a Reddit user.

According to Verizon’s changelog, the new April Pixel update once again includes the month’s security patch, which rolled out to Pixel phones a while back. It comes with software version AP1A.240405.002.B1. Verizon Pixel users who received the update are reporting that the new software has fixed the issue of missed calls and slow text messages.

“So far it has fixed the connectivity and reception issues that have been having recently,” said one user.

“I sideloaded it two days ago, for now no issues with recieving calls and messages. Fingers crossed it lasts,” said another.

If you haven’t received the new April update as an OTA on your Pixel devices yet, you can manually sideload the package from here. Our guide provides instructions on sideloading an OTA.

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Samsung offers free screen replacement for Galaxy phones with green line issue

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• Samsung is giving Galaxy users a free, one-time display replacement for phones affected by the infamous green line issue.
• For now, the replacement benefit is only available in India on select Galaxy phones.
• The deadline to claim the offer is April 30, 2024.

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Samsung India is reportedly offering a free, one-time screen replacement to users with select Galaxy phones experiencing the green line issue.

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Why is ChatGPT so slow? Here’s how to speed up the chatbot’s responses

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ChatGPT has become an indispensable creative tool for many of us. Cutting-edge as it is, however, ChatGPT still suffers from occasional slowdowns that can leave you waiting for seconds or even upwards of a minute between responses. Switching to the paid ChatGPT-4 model won’t necessarily speed things up either. All of this begs two important questions: why is ChatGPT so slow and what can we do to improve it?

Why is ChatGPT so slow? A technical overview

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How to delete old emails in Gmail

It’s easy to delete all of your emails in Gmail, but it’s more likely that you just want to clear out the older ones that are no longer relevant. we’ll guide you through how to delete old emails in Gmail and keep your inbox streamlined. You can even make it automatic.

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How to set up and activate Siri

If you’ve got an Apple device like an iPhone or Apple Watch, you’ll probably want (or even need) Siri, the company’s voice assistant. Here’s how to set up Siri for the first time and activate Siri on any Apple product.

Read more: The best Siri commands for productivity and more

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TikTok ban passes in the House, could become law in a matter of days

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• Legislation that would force ByteDance to divest its ownership stake in TikTok to remain in the US has passed in the House of Representatives again.
• The legislation is now headed to the Senate, included in an aid package for Ukraine and Israel.
• The Senate is expected to vote on the bill next week, with President Joe Biden expected to sign it when it reaches his desk.

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TikTok is now one step closer to facing a ban in the US if parent company ByteDance chooses not to divest its ownership stake. The ban could take effect as soon as in the next few days.

Despite massive lobbying efforts to keep TikTok in the US, the House of Representatives passed legislation today that would ban the app in the country, according to NBC News. The bill passed after 360 representatives voted in favor of the ban, with 58 saying no.

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5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week and all the latest app news – Android Apps Weekly

Welcome to the latest edition of Android Apps Weekly, where we discuss the latest in mobile news and take a closer look at some of the most interesting new apps and games. Let’s jump right in and take a look at some of the biggest highlights from the last week:

• Google announced plans this week to combine its hardware and software teams, with the aim to speed up the implementation of new technology like AI across the board. The new department will be called Platforms and Devices and will oversee Android, Chrome, Chrome OS, Photos, and more. This should result in deeper integration between hardware and software, as well as more rapid development of new features thanks to the unifying efforts. 
• Microsoft OneDrive may soon let you import files from other cloud services including Google Drive and Dropbox, at least according to a new APK teardown. The OneDrive v7.4 Beta 1 app for Android reveals strings suggesting this feature is coming down the pipe, though we have no word on exactly when this might be. 
• If you can’t remove your Secure Folder you might not be alone, as Samsung has confirmed a One UI 6.1 issue that prevents this from happening. If you’ve upgraded to One UI 6.1, this issue could affect you if you have the Galaxy S23, S23 FE, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and the Galaxy Tab S9 series. 
• YouTube is testing a new AI-powered Ask button. The feature lets you ask questions about the video you are watching and gives you real-time answers. The feature is currently on available to select YouTube Premium subscribers in the US via the Android app. 
• Google Maps will soon be getting some new features alongside Google Search, including public transit and walking suggestions next to driving routes if the travel times are comparable. Maps will also introduce a few features specifically for EV owners, making it easier to find charging locations and more. On a related note, an APK teardown of the Maps Beta has also revealed strings suggesting that Maps may add satellite connectivity features such as using a satellite to update your location every fifteen minutes, up to five times a day. 

Android Apps Weekly: New apps and games

Looking for some new Android apps and Android games to keep you occupied? This week we highlight two new apps, as well as three games that are worth a closer look. 

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I challenged myself to build a full Google ecosystem with less than $1,000. Here’s how it went!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS-hrVpzCJg

This is my Google ecosystem: phone, watch, headphones, audio, Chromecast. If I told you that you could get it all for under $1,000, I think a lot of people would be interested.

Let me clarify right off the bat: Clearly, this isn’t possible if you focus on buying the latest and greatest Google hardware. When I thought about this challenge, I didn’t aim it for the biggest tech enthusiasts who want a Pixel 8 Pro or maybe even a Pixel tablet; they are just too expensive and would take up my entire $1,000 envelop and more! I wanted to maximize my budget and get as much as possible for as little money. However, I also didn’t want to go and get something like a Google Pixel 5 because that phone is too old now and nearing the end of its support.

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Samsung Galaxy A35 deal offers big price cut and free Best Buy gift card

Credit: Samsung

• Best Buy is currently running a deal for Samsung Galaxy A35 purchases.
• Buying the handset will get you a free $40 gift card.
• If you activate the unlocked phone, you can get $100 off of your purchase.

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Samsung announced the launch of the Galaxy A35 in the US only a day ago. If you haven’t picked one up yet but are planning to, one place you may want to consider getting it from is Best Buy to take advantage of its current deal.

At the moment, the electronics retailer is offering quite a deal for the Galaxy A35. If you head over to the Best Buy website, you’ll notice a promotion offering a free $40 gift with the purchase of an unlocked Galaxy A35. In addition to that gift card, you’ll also get a one-month subscription for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

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YouTube’s new AI feature is actually really helpful

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

• YouTube is testing a new AI-powered “Ask” button that lets you type questions about the video you’re watching and receive real-time answers.
• This feature is currently available to select YouTube Premium subscribers in the United States using the Android app.

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Google’s AI is everywhere, and its next goal is to transform the YouTube experience. The platform is currently testing a new coversational AI feature to help viewers get the most out of the videos they watch by facilitating real-time question-and-answer interactions directly within videos.

Currently, this feature is in the experimental phase and is limited to YouTube’s Android app for YouTube Premium subscribers who are 18 years or older and based in the United States.

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Google merges Android and hardware teams for the sake of speed and AI

Credit: Damien Wilde / Android Authority

• Google is undergoing a major internal reorganization.
• This shift will combine the efforts of its hardware and software teams.
• The aim is to speed up the implementation of AI across its products

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Ever since Google went all-in on AI, the company has been working on ways to speed up its LLM implementation across its portfolio. The first signs of this seemed to appear after there were reports of Google implementing a “Green Lane” initiative that allowed teams to conduct their own product approval reviews to approve AI projects more quickly. The most recent example of this, however, has taken the form of a major internal reorganization.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced in a blog post that Google will create a new department called Platforms and Devices. This department will combine the software and hardware teams and oversee Android, Chrome, Chrome OS, Photos, and more.

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