The expected new data backup function of Android system may change the bad experience that millions of users have when replacing their mobile phones.
The Dilemma of Data Backup
In the past, it was extremely troublesome for Android users to fully back up application data on their phones. Important information such as game progress and chat records generally require the highest management authority of the phone, that is, root authority. However, there are risks in this process, which may cause the phone to lose its warranty or even cause system damage. Many users can only reluctantly abandon the data in their old devices because they are afraid of trouble, so that every time they change their mobile phones, it seems like a new beginning.
As early as that time, the data fragmentation experience experienced by Apple iOS users had a different situation. Apple's iCloud has already provided the function of application data synchronization. When users log in to their account on a new device, many applications can be restored to their previous state. The lack of Android ecology in this area has long been the focus of user complaints, and has also become an obvious shortcoming in the competition between Android and iOS.
Android M’s game-breaking move
In the Android M system, Google has built-in the "automatic backup of application data" function, which indicates that the official has solved this problem at the system level for the first time. The core of this function is automation. Users only need to turn on synchronization in the settings, and when the device is charging and connected to the wireless network, the application data will be silently backed up to Google Cloud.
For ordinary users, this means that there is no need for any complicated operations. After they switch to a new phone and log in to their Google account, previously installed applications and their data will be automatically restored like magic. This greatly lowers the technical threshold for data migration and makes the experience smooth and seamless.
What it means to developers
This feature is also friendly to application developers. Google claims that developers basically do not need to modify the original code. They only need to upgrade the development tool kit to Android SDK version 23 and verify their applications in the Android M test environment, which reduces developers' adaptation costs.
Developers do not have to build and maintain complex cloud synchronization servers themselves. The heavy work of data backup and recovery is taken over by Google's system services. Developers can focus more on the application functions themselves, which has the potential to produce more complex applications that focus on user data continuity.
Technology implementation and storage
The backup of data will be stored in the Google Drive dedicated to each user. Google specifically explains that these backed-up data occupy a separate quota and will not consume the 15GB of free storage space originally owned by the user, which eliminates users' worries about storage costs.
Its backup mechanism is incremental and intelligent. The system will give priority to backing up user data generated by the application, not the entire application installation package. This not only saves network traffic, but also improves backup efficiency. The backup process is carried out in the background and is committed to not interfering with the normal use of the device.
Openness beyond iOS
The backup function of Android M has a significant advantage, and this advantage is openness. It not only supports applications downloaded from Google’s official store, but also supports applications installed from other channels. As long as the application complies with Android’s standard development specifications, its data can be backed up, which is currently not possible with Apple’s iOS.
This design shows the inclusiveness of the Android ecosystem and respects the application distribution habits of different countries and regions. For example, in places like China and Europe, many users obtain applications from third-party stores, and they can also enjoy the convenience of worry-free data migration.
Challenges and prospects for domestic use
The biggest challenge facing this feature is the usability of Google services in China. The basic services it relies on, such as Google Drive, are not directly accessible in China. If this problem is not resolved, this core feature of Android M will be as if it does not exist for Chinese users.
There are some signs that Google is looking for changes. The company has registered many domain names related to China in recent years and is actively exploring ways to implement cloud services that comply with regulations. If Google's cloud services can successfully enter the Chinese market, then this backup function will bring practical convenience to Chinese users and greatly improve the experience of using Android phones.
Do you think that if Google's data backup service can be successfully used in China in the future, it will become an important reason for you to choose an Android phone? Welcome to share your opinions in the comment area. If you think the analysis is useful, please like it to support it.
