Google Launches iOS Switch to Android App

Google is launching an iOS app to transition to Android. Simplifying the transition to Android, of course, but there are still stumbling blocks.

Switching from one operating system to another is a challenge for users on many levels, including data transfer, getting used to a new user interface, and possibly app accessibility. Today, Google is making it easy to switch from iOS to Android with a new iOS app called Switch to Android.

Google launches iOS app to transition to Android

The app in question requires a Google account and an active internet connection as the data is transferred via Google Drive.

Judging by the snapshots of the overview map, it can be seen that typical data is being transferred, such as Contacts, Calendar Events, Photos and Videos. However, please be aware that some application data cannot be transferred. Therefore, you will have to find the information yourself and, in the worst case, assume that only the above data will actually be transferred.

The Google app also allows you to move photos from iCloud to Google Photos, which we suspect will gain new market share. That being said, Google Photos is a very solid storage option, and if you’re looking to move to Android permanently, it makes sense. We can’t recommend Google Photo highly enough, without completely excluding Microsoft OneDrive.

Simplifying the transition to Android, of course, but there are still stumbling blocks

Because apps don’t roam, in many cases you’ll have to handle them manually by finding the Android equivalent and installing it, which could be done automatically. Possibly in future versions. Transferring data from the iOS version of the app to the Android version of the app is much more problematic and often requires developer validation. However, this can also be automated with a transformation engine, even if provided by the developer himself via an API. Unfortunately, at this stage it is only a dream.

We could also hope to be able to transfer this data over the wire, but unfortunately we currently have to use wireless and therefore the Internet. This may take a while if you have a 512 GB device with a lot of data.

However, this new app is easier to use than the previous Google Drive based backup method. I hope this whole process will develop. Anything that eases the transition from iOS to Android and vice versa is good for users.