Mobile data backup 101
Last update: January 25, 2024 Getting ready to change cell phones? Is your current phone showing signs of aging and may soon die on you? Here are various ways you can transfer data from one phone to another or save it in a secure location—and enjoy peace of mind, no matter what happens to your device. What is a data backup? Backing up a cell phone means transferring data (photos, contacts, call history, settings, etc.) from your device to a different location for storage. Different backup methods allow you to save different types of data. The purpose is to have an extra layer of security that allows you to recover the content on your phone and transfer it to a new device. It's important to choose the best method for your specific needs. 1. Cloud backup In addition to providing a convenient backup solution, the cloud lets you sync your content across multiple devices. Simply create an account on the platform of your choice, based on your mobile device: iCloud (Apple) Samsung Cloud Google Drive Then, depending on the platform, determine what you want to save to the cloud and how often. Pro tip: Find out how much free storage you get. It may be worthwhile to purchase a subscription for more storage capacity. 2. Backing up data directly on a computer A traditional backup technique is using a USB cable to save your phone’s data to a computer. Here’s how you do it: Connect your phone to your computer using the USB cable that came with your mobile device. This will give you access to your phone’s storage and allow you to transfer photos, videos and even songs directly from your cell phone onto your computer. The procedure is very similar to using a USB key. Once the USB cable is connected, your computer should recognize your phone as a new hardware device. Now you should be able to access the files on your cell phone. To complete the backup, simply save copies of your photos and videos onto your computer. Pro tip: This technique allows you to transfer photos, videos and music only. You won’t be able to transfer other information, such as your contact list. 3. Backing up data using transfer/backup software If you want more options for phone-to-computer backup, your best choice is a software solution. The new phone you purchased is the same brand as your previous device? The software allows you to transfer more content such as contacts, photos, apps and sometimes even more. It’s important to note, however, that transferable content varies from software to software. Most cell phone manufacturers have a program that you can install on your computer. The steps to follow can vary from one company to another, but the basic principle is the same. Download and install the transfer software. Apple Samsung LG Huawei Once the software is installed, connect your phone to your computer. Follow the instructions to back up your data or transfer content to a new phone. Essentially, using software is a better solution if you want to save more than just photos and videos. It also guarantees a faster transition when you switch phones of the same brand. Pro tip: Consider backing up your phone data every time you add new content that’s important to you. After all, data saved on your computer six months ago will not contain any new contacts or photos added since then. Make it a habit to back up your data regularly! We’ve seen some of the different ways you can transfer data from your phone to your computer. Have questions about this topic? Feel free to ask in the Community Forum!Making Calls over Wi-Fi
You’re on vacation and that’s the best time to talk… ideally without paying too much. You thought of everything before you locked the door behind you: luggage, snacks for the road, activities to keep the kids busy. You even downloaded your itinerary onto your cellphone (check!). But did you think of cellphone coverage and possible roaming charges outside the country? It’s no surprise that when you leave Canada extra charges can be added to your monthly bill (the notorious “roaming charges”). It used to be like the Wild West but now Canadian law limits the roaming charges carriers are allowed to bill, and carriers are also offering travel plans so you can use your cellphone abroad. But there are other alternatives! Obviously, you can use social media to stay in touch while on vacation as well as many other communication apps like Skype, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. But there’s another very simple option already on your cellphone and all you have to do is activate it. Did you know you can make audio and/or video calls over Wi-Fi rather than using your carrier’s mobile network? What’s great about Wi-Fi calls is that you can still use your phone number instead of a name or handle linked to a third-party app. So you can be reached at your usual number –even if you switch to airplane mode outside the country. You can also make a call to someone’s home phone –yes, landlines do still exist 🙂 Money Talks We’re not talking pennies here: with Wi-Fi, you can generally avoid long-distance charges.You don’t have to worry if your plan doesn’t include a ton of data because when you make a video call via the Wi-Fi Call feature you’ll be using data on the network you’re connected to, not your plan’s data. It’s Practical Because of Québec’s enormous size, it’s difficult to find consistent coverage that’s strong everywhere. Here’s where Wi-Fi calling comes in handy. You’re with your family at the cottage and your cellphone signal is weak. Thankfully, you have access to the Internet. If you happen to lose the signal then you’ll be switched automatically to Wi-Fi calling. Here’s another example for outdoor enthusiasts who like to get off the beaten path (and far from cell reception!). You may not have a cell signal but if the cottage or any other nearby site has Internet, you can still call your friends and family. In fact, Wi-Fi calls can be made anywhere Wi-Fi is accessible. You could make a Wi-Fi call in a restaurant, pub, hotel, hostel… It’s true that enabling Wi-Fi calling requires a bit of work but it’s easy enough if you just follow these instructions: https://www.videotron.com/en/support/mobile/calls-and-voicemail/wi-fi-calling Turn on Wi-Fi calling and “expand” your cellphone coverage. It’s simple, practical and inexpensive.Google Assistant now offers interpreting services
Google has already made a name for itself as a leader in language processing in the era of globalization. The company has created an Assistant that understands several languages, it has developed a translation tool for its Android devices and added a webpage translation feature to its Chrome browser. Even Google Home devices can help you out by translating words for you. But the achievements don’t stop there. Google Assistant is now able to act as your personal interpreter! Here’s a look at the new interpreter mode, including: What is it? How do you use it? Who is it for? Essentially, the interpreter mode is a translation tool that works in real time. When activated, it listens to your conversation and translates each sentence. But what’s really neat is that it can translate in both directions to facilitate conversation between people speaking different languages. So, if you speak English to someone from Germany, it will translate each of your statements into German. And then it will translate their answers into English for you. In other words, it works as your interpreter. The new feature is currently available on Google Home devices and other gadgets that come equipped with Google Assistant. To activate interpreter mode, simply say “Hey Google, be my Spanish interpreter” or “Hey Google, help me speak Mandarin.” Note that you must use English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish to start using interpreter mode. The device will start listening to you talk and provide bilingual translation in the two languages you selected. Interpreter Mode currently supports 26 of the most widely spoken languages in the world. That means you still can’t use it for trips to places like Iceland, but it stands to reason that more languages will be added in the coming months. But the most important question is: Who will this feature help? While most of us will never be invited to a wine and cheese at the United Nations, new travel trends, like discount flight operators and alternative accommodations platforms (Airbnb), are making international travel more affordable than ever. Since language barriers still hold people back from travelling, Google Assistant’s interpreter mode may prove helpful to many. You could find yourself discussing history with a local teacher in Athens, art with a gallery owner in Milan or politics with a student in Berlin. New levels of cultural exchange are sure to follow! Of course, the interpreter feature also promises to enhance customer service, especially when paired with Smart Display. For example, think of how it could improve communication between employees and guests at a Spanish youth hostel. The tool could also help you hone your skills in a second language. All you have to do is say, “Ok Google, help me speak Hungarian,” and the Assistant will translate your English sentence into Hungarian. Then it’s just a matter of repeating the Hungarian sentence back and seeing whether the device is able to understand you well enough to translate the idea back into English. Google Assistant’s interpreter mode still has room for improvement, but it’s already pretty impressive thanks to Google’s experience in the translation field. When you think of how many people have to juggle different languages every day (business leaders, flight attendants, hotel concierges, ambassadors, tourist guides, and even hockey coaches), this new feature is sure to become very popular. And we expect it will get a lot better over time. It may eventually be able to start translating before a sentence is complete, just like human simultaneous interpreters. In fact, real-time interpreting seems even more plausible if you add wireless earbuds to the experience. Time will tell! Let us know what you think about Google Assistant’s interpreter mode on the Videotron Forum. Is this a game-changer or just another useless feature? If you think you’ll use it, tell us how! More information is available here: https://support.google.com/googlehome/answer/9234753?hl=en&ref_topic=7399445Top 3 back-to-school apps from Google
#1: Never lose your work again with Google Drive Google Drive is a virtual storage system that lets you sync and save documents via your Gmail account. You can later access your documents using the Google Chrome browser on any Windows, Apple or Android device. To access Google Drive from your computer, simply: Open Google Chrome Expand the apps menu from the upper-right corner of the page Click on Google Drive After entering your user name and password, you'll have access to your Drive. Use Google Drive to save documents or download them to your computer's hard drive. If you're using a tablet or smartphone, simply select the Google Drive app (installed by default on all Android devices, available for download from the App Store for all Apple devices). Besides always keeping all your work within easy reach, Google Drive lets you scan documents using the camera function on your tablet or smartphone. This scanning function works by converting photos of your documents into PDF files, which you can then save, share or print. Another great feature of Google Drive is the ability to collaborate on documents. The app lets you add collaborators who can view or edit files—a highly useful tool for team projects! Collaborators must also have a Gmail account and access to Google Drive. To add collaborators: First, save your document in Google Drive Access the document's settings Select “Collaborators” Add each collaborator's Gmail account #2: Taking notes has never been easier thanks to Google Keep Google Keep is an app developed by Google that is available for download via the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store. Google Keep offers a range of note-taking tools including text, lists, images and audio. Notes can be colour-coded, and you can add labels for easy organization. The app also lets you set up reminders for your notes. Reminders may be configured based on time (date and time) or even your location using geolocation. For example, you can create a note to remind yourself to pack your lunch before leaving home and set up a reminder based on your home address. As soon as you leave home, a notification will pop up on your phone. You can also add collaborators on Google Keep in a similar way to Google Drive. Your notes will then be available for viewing and editing in real time by any collaborator. This feature can be particularly handy for coordinating projects, or simply creating a joint grocery list with your spouse. #3: Never miss an event with Google Agenda Whether you use it for work, school or personal life, Google Agenda is a great way to stay organized. Got an important appointment coming up? Simply add it to your agenda, set up your personalized reminder and assign the event a colour that will make it stand out more. You can even enter an address and let Google Maps guide you to your destination. You also have the option of adding other people via their Gmail accounts. The event will then show up on their agendas. Finally, like all Google apps, Google Agenda is always accessible from your Gmail account on Google Chrome, no matter what device or platform you're using. No more excuses! Now is the time to get organized!
