Apps
Android Switch: Google’s new name for the Data Restore Tool
Google has renamed its Data Restore Tool to Android Switch to make it easier for users to move data when setting up a new Android device. The tool helps users transfer apps, photos, videos, messages, contacts, and settings when they switch to a new Android phone.
However, once the transfer is done, most users don’t need to interact with the tool again, so Google decided to make the app more impressive with its new name.
Along with a new name, Android Switch comes with a fresh new logo featuring three arrows made of five dots each, in blue, yellow, and green. This color scheme is similar to the one Google used for its Switch to Android app, which helps iPhone users move to Android.
Currently, the Android Switch app is listed in the Google Play Store with a description focused on compatibility with the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. These new devices allow users to transfer data even after the initial setup. Google hopes to expand this ability to all Android devices soon
With over 10 billion downloads, Android Switch is a key tool for anyone switching to a new Android phone. We can expect even more helpful features to make the process smoother.
Google has officially rolled out its AI-powered video creation tool, Google Vids. Initially available only to Gemini customers, the app is now rolling out to a wider range of Google Workspace users, including Business, Enterprise, and Education plans.
Google Vids uses AI to simplify the video creation process. The “Help me create” feature allows users to generate an initial storyboard from a prompt and a Google Drive document.
The AI analyzes the content and suggests scenes, stock media, text, scripts, and background music to put together a draft video. Users can then customize the video further with animations, transitions, photo effects, and royalty-free stock content.
In addition, the app lets you add AI-powered voiceovers. Users can choose from preset voices or use a teleprompter with a read-along feature to record their own voiceover.
Currently, the tool’s AI features, like the “Help me create” and teleprompter, are only available in English, but Google plans to add support for more languages in the future.
Notably, AI features in Google Vids will be available until December 31, 2025. After that, there may be usage limits, and Google will notify users in advance. The full rollout of Google Vids will continue over the next few weeks.
Google is introducing a new feature in the Google App called the “Activity” tab, which makes it easier for users to view and manage their search history and saved items. The tab is currently under testing and will replace the old “Saved” tab.
The new “Activity” tab is now at the bottom of the Google app. It gives users a simple, more organized way to access their search history and saved content.
Now, instead of going to different sections, users can manage everything in one spot. You can view, delete, or even share items from your search history directly from the tab.
Moreover, this new feature gives users a smoother and more integrated experience compared to the old web-based layout. It allows for quicker actions, like saving or deleting specific items, without leaving the app.
This feature has been under development for a couple of months, and some users are already seeing it on their devices. However, not all users have access yet.
Even though the latest version 15.44.27.29 of the Google app is available on other devices, the “Activity” tab hasn’t appeared on all phones yet. If you don’t see the new tab just yet, don’t worry, it should be rolling out to more users in the coming days or weeks.
WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will make status updates more interactive and fun. In the latest beta (version 2.24.23.21) update for Android, WhatsApp is working on a new sticker prompts feature for status updates.
The “Add Yours” sticker lets users create interactive challenges or prompts in their status updates to encourage friends and contacts to share their own content.
This feature is similar to Instagram’s sticker but with a unique twist. When you use the “Add Yours” sticker, you can ask your contacts to share something specific.
For example, a user might create a prompt asking everyone to share a picture of their garden. When someone taps the sticker, they can add their status update related to the prompt. This brings a fun and creative way to engage with friends.
Since WhatsApp status updates are end-to-end encrypted, your contacts won’t be able to see who started the challenge or who has participated. It means your responses stay private, and only the people you’ve chosen to share your status with will see your content. It ensures that interactions stay secure and confidential.
The sticker prompts feature is currently being tested in the WhatsApp beta for Android and will be available in a future update. Keep an eye out for more updates as WhatsApp continues to improve its app.
WhatsApp to let users pick their preferred main color for app interface