“Google is working on backups and ‘account transfer’ for Android”

Google appears to be working on a major update for Android that will be rolled out through Google Play Services. A leaked installation file shows that work is being done on, among other things, improved backups and transferring accounts between two devices.

Android Police got their hands on an apk installation file for Google Play Services. According to the site, which is often the first to report new Android features being rolled out via Play Services, it is version 6.1 that was recently sent to Android users. The app allows Google to automatically update parts of Android without users having to do it manually or waiting for the manufacturer of their Android device.

Several new features can be found in the new version of Play, according to Android Police. For example, Google seems to be working on the possibility to save files and settings as a backup in Google Drive. Currently, Android does not yet contain an extensive backup option, so many users are dependent on external solutions, such as the popular Titanium Backup.

Transferring account information, files and settings to a new Android device should be easier in version 6.1 of Play Services. The code mentions a function to establish a connection between two devices, for example via bluetooth, in order to subsequently exchange data. This seems to make it easier for Android users to switch to a new device.

In Play Services 6.1 there also seems to be a focus on security. For example, parts of the code refer to “personal unlock,” a feature that automatically unlocks a Chrome OS device when the associated Android device is nearby. This unlock function was previously discovered, but now seems to be actually built into Android.

Ads seem to have the ability to put events in the user’s calendar. It also seems possible to place images in the Gallery app. However, this requires the user’s permission. Furthermore, Nearby popped up in the Play Services code; this is a feature that allows devices to automatically interact with each other when they are near each other. This feature also seems to be available for games.

Finally, Google seems to want to improve its support features. For example, references have been discovered to customer service that works via Hangouts; Android users could use this to ask their questions to Google employees, although the exact implementation is still unclear.