GoKawiilAssembleDebug / Android Authority
TL;DR Google is working on a free, cloud-free automatic backup feature via the Quick Share app on Windows PCs, which will trigger local backups of selected photos and videos over Wi-Fi.
An info page activated within Google Play Services v26.26.33 reveals that the feature will surprisingly not support Samsung Galaxy smartphones.
The exclusion could presumably be due to Samsung’s existing Smart Switch app, which already provides extensive backup solutions, though Smart Switch does not currently support automatic backups.
Google seems intent on improving Android’s backup situation this year. We’ve seen the company testing per-app cloud backup controls and spotted mentions of a PC-based automatic backup solution using Quick Share. We now have more information to share on this PC-based automatic backup solution, and there seems to be a surprise big-name exclusion.
You’re reading an Authority Insights story. Authority Insights brings you all the latest exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage from the Android Authority team that you won’t find anywhere else.
With the latest Google Play Services v26.26.33 release, we’ve managed to activate the info page for Google’s PC-based backup solution, and it presents a clearer picture of what the feature can do:
AssembleDebug / Android Authority
As the graphic and description make it clear, Google is working on an automatic backup solution that backs up files you select directly to your PC, without any cloud storage or additional costs. Users will have to start the process in the Quick Share app on their Windows PC, and both devices (Android phone and Windows PC) must be signed in to the same Google Account (even though the backup itself doesn’t use the cloud).
Photos and videos you select on your phone will be backed up daily when your phone and PC are on and nearby, and both are using the same Wi-Fi network. Users will also be able to start a backup at any time.
... continue reading