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Google is bringing in some new features with Android 8.1 to allow easier and more effective restoration of data from an older device. Screenshots show how Google will now offer a prompt on top of the Settings page, asking users to finish the initial setup process. You can then restore all your old data such as apps, passwords, text messages and so on.
Google has made some big changes since Marshmallow, allowing easier backup and restoration of data on new Android devices. But bringing Google Drive integration will allow for a more convenient restoration process.
While Android devices offer a default restore procedure at first boot, there was no option to restore data if you skipped the initial part. This new prompt right above the Settings page changes that and lets you restore old data even if you jumped through the initial process.
The feature seems to be live on the Android 8.1 Oreo developer preview, although some new Pixels with Android 8.0 appear to have this by default. It’s unclear at this point if non-Pixel/Nexus handsets will get the feature with Android 8.0 or if they will have to wait for Android 8.1.
Manufacturers have sparingly announced their plans for Android 8.0 since Google made the update official a couple of months ago.
[Via Google+, Android Police]
