Now, Galaxy users can rely on Smart Switch to safely and easily restore KakaoTalk data. Samsung Newsroom met with Seungho Kang from the Experience Planning Team, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, and Jiyoung Hwang, product manager and Talk Service planner at Kakao, to discover how the two companies collaborated to improve the data transfer experience.

▲ (From left) Seungho Kang from Samsung and Jiyoung Hwang from Kakao

From Recovering Open Chat Messages to Simplifying the Account Verification Process

Q. Smart Switch can now restore KakaoTalk conversations in their entirety. Please give us details about the new function.

Kang: When transferring data between Galaxy devices through Smart Switch, users can now easily restore their KakaoTalk conversations and related media including photos and videos. The update goes as far as to maintain the unread status of texts. Furthermore, it is now possible to save Open Chat messages — which was previously difficult to enable.

Hwang: Galaxy users will be particularly interested in the support for Open Chat conversation recovery. Due to the flexible nature of the feature, KakaoTalk did not support any backup capabilities for Open Chat in the past. However, we decided to offer restoration support for the first time given the popularity of Open Chat among Android users.

▲ Seungho Kang explains how he collaborated with Kakao

Q. How will this update make the user experience more convenient?

Kang: Previously, users had to restore KakaoTalk data through a manual or paid backup when the app was moved from their old phone to a new one. In addition, the self-verification process created a high barrier to entry for older users and those who are not familiar with the platform. Since both companies have a common goal of improving user convenience — as Samsung wants to create an effortless experience for Galaxy users setting up new devices, and KakaoTalk hopes to optimize the app for more convenient messaging — we worked to alleviate the account verification process.

Hwang: In this new update, KakaoTalk users only have to complete the account verification process once. When the data has been transferred to their new device through Smart Switch, users can enter their KakaoTalk account password to prove the transferred data is theirs. Everything can be simply and securely restored with this single verification step.

User Convenience as a Shared Value

Q. How did this collaboration between Samsung and KakaoTalk come about?

Kang: Users have wanted KakaoTalk data restoration support for some time now, but complex data security and technology policies posed some challenges. However, Samsung and Kakao agreed to develop updates at the end of last year — in a joint effort to improve user convenience.

Hwang: We wanted to launch the service as quickly as possible. During the collaboration, we communicated in real time through messenger and organized our ideas as if we were one team. We carefully discussed what aspects each company would like to support and methodically carried out development to launch the service on our target date. For me, it was a memorable experience as we were able to complete a cross-company collaboration in a short time period.

▲ (From left) Jiyoung Hwang and Seungho Kang discuss their collaboration’s achievements.

Q. What was the most important aspect of the development process?

Hwang: Security was crucial. A tight security system is necessary to reassure KakaoTalk users that their data will be protected in the case they lose their phones. Both companies deliberated over the best way to safeguard users and their data. In the end, we streamlined the account verification process and introduced a system that would invalidate data transfers if authentication was not performed within a certain time limit.

▲ Jiyoung Hwang explains the importance of protecting user data.

Samsung and KakaoTalk: Dedicated to a New User Experience

Q. Since the update, have there been any memorable reactions?

Hwang: We’ve been monitoring the app since the update was released, and seeing the positive reviews and comments makes me proud. Some people are wondering what the next level of restoration will look like — which amuses me and makes me want to leave replies.

Kang: The response to the support for Open Chat restoration has been remarkable, especially since this function was not possible before. We expect to see even more favorable reactions from users as new Galaxy devices are released moving forward.

Q. How do you feel about the collaboration on this feature? What are your future goals?

Hwang: Collaboration between companies with different interests and corporate cultures is rare and doesn’t come easy. I’ll remember this experience for a long time since our partnership was made possible because we both had our users’ best interests in mind.

Kang: This meaningful experience will serve as a guide for other collaborations in the future as we strive to provide better customer experiences. I’d like to hear users say, “I can buy a new Galaxy phone without worrying because Smart Switch will take care of the data transfer for me.” In addition to messenger apps such as KakaoTalk, Samsung is teaming up with apps from various industries to further improve how users transfer data. Keep an eye out for updates from Smart Switch to see who we will be working with next!

Committed to providing a satisfying experience for all, Samsung is always listening to the voices of Galaxy users and looking for open collaborations and product enhancements. Please follow the guide below to learn how to use the KakaoTalk restoration feature through Smart Switch.

* KakaoTalk data transfer is only possible between Galaxy devices.
* KakaoTalk data transfers are not supported from other devices with the “Use with Another Device” feature.
* Data will not be restored if KakaoTalk is already installed on the new device (remove it and reinstall through Smart Switch).
* Logins from other devices will be erased when the Kakao account verification is completed on the new device.

In a flight attendant-like announcement, Galaxy’s new video spotlighting the ease of switching over to a new Galaxy smartphone from another operating system announces that apps and data from your former smartphone have moved fast and comfortably made it to their new device. The icons are impressed with their new home, taking a leisurely look around while checking out their new appearance.

Shot from the perspective of smartphone icons, this amusing video was released on Samsung Electronics’ YouTube channel in April as part of the “Samsung Galaxy: All About Switching” campaign. It shows off leading Galaxy features for consumers who may be hesitant to make the switch. In more than two weeks since its release, the clip went viral — reaching 21.2 million views and receiving more than 72,000 likes and 5,400 comments.

Can I Safely Switch to Galaxy? Answering the Real Concerns of Consumers

Research shows that concerns about the device switching process are a phenomenon shared by many. From questions about the complexity of the switching process to platform compatibility with existing peripherals, to worries over whether photos and other data can be safely transferred without loss, switching fears are common.

In “All About Switching,” the icons mirror consumers’ initial concerns, becoming lost in confusion upon hearing that they’ll be moving to a new home. Comical conversations ensue between the personified icons to help ease consumers’ potential worries.

▲ Data transferred to Galaxy through the Smart Switch app (left) and a consumer looking at their transferred data (right).

Here to reassure both concerned icons and consumers alike is the Galaxy Smart Switch app. The switch to Galaxy is over in a flash, complemented by the lively and dynamic icons. Even without facial features, their expressions and detailed animation effects help bring each icon to life. In fact, 3D animation was used to enhance the subtle expressions of the Samsung Knox icon to mimic the subtle movements of a mouth and eyebrows.

▲ A credit screen at the end of the video shows the video’s voice actors during recording.

To help create this entertaining video, Samsung enlisted the help of some notable voice actors who have appeared in Hollywood blockbusters such as Star Wars and Jurassic Park and an animation voice acting specialist whose credits include the U.S. versions of Naruto and Bleach. In addition, detailed animation effects help bring each icon to life. Towards the end of the video, viewers see behind-the-scenes clips of the voice actors in action.

From Smart Switch to One UI: Spotlighting the Unique Galaxy Experience

Through the “All About Switching” video, Samsung is not only showing how easy it is to make the switch to Galaxy but also introducing the unique features and benefits of Galaxy. The video is divided into several chapters including Smart Switch, SmartThings service, Samsung Knox security, Quick Share and One UI. The icon of each feature pops up during the corresponding chapter to introduce what it does while addressing any situations consumers may encounter.

▲ (From left) The icons of the features, including SmartThings, Samsung Knox and Quick Share, introduce what the features do in a compelling manner.

For instance, the SmartThings icon declares that “Nothing’s more important than connections!” and goes on to mention that Galaxy can connect to various wireless headphones, TVs, lights and other IoT platforms. The Samsung Knox icon comes in right after to explain that data will remain safe and protected for commonly used apps and those that require further security such as financial apps. To learn more about each feature, viewers can simply select the chapter they’re interested in.

▲ Some of the comments left by viewers on the “All About Switching” video uploaded to Samsung Electronics’ YouTube channel.

Galaxy fans worldwide have reacted to “All About Switching,” posting comments on the Samsung Electronics’ YouTube video that are just as funny as the video itself. As some viewers said: “I will never look at my icons the same after seeing this,” “We need season 2,” and more. A viewer who identified themselves as a different smartphone user left a long comment that echoed the reactions of many others: “This was so tasteful and informative and can def [sic] help others see how easy it can be to switch over [to Galaxy].”

“The ‘All About Switching’ video was designed to introduce the advantages Samsung Galaxy can offer to consumers who are hesitant about making the switch to Galaxy in an entertaining and relatable way,” said Sonia Chang, Vice President of Marketing Team of MX Business at Samsung Electronics, who led the video creation. “We hope that Galaxy’s unique advantages and the convenience of Smart Switch resonate with consumers through the video’s dynamic storytelling.”

Following the positive reaction to the video’s launch, Samsung is planning to develop similar content to introduce the unique features and functionalities of Galaxy in innovative and engaging ways.

There may be over a billion smartphones buzzing in pockets around the world, but not one of them is like yours.

Although we choose from a similar range of models, the reality is that every phone is unique to us as individuals. We pour ourselves into them with apps that simplify our lives, as well as our own memories in the form of photos, videos, music and more.

In today’s world, our phones are an extension of ourselves; many of us would be lost without them. Buying a new device sometimes generates a fear of losing cherished moments on an old phone – but that shouldn’t force us to choose between state-of-the-art design or keeping our memories. We need a solution that lets us upgrade while preserving our most important content.

To make these upgrades swift and worry-free, Samsung created Smart Switch. This easy-to-use service allows you to transfer important content from any phone or OS to your new Galaxy S8, S8+ or other Galaxy device.* In other words, Smart Switch ensures all your cherished digital memories carry over to your new phone, so you can focus on making new ones.

Keep the Content that Matters Most

Today, our smartphones double as cameras, entertainment hubs, personal computers and much more. They’re the first thing we reach for in the morning and the last thing we interact with at night – ever-present assistants that, along with streamlining work and daily life, allow us to keep the content that matters most on hand.

The amount of data we depend on our devices to manage throughout the day can make the idea of upgrading to a new device seem daunting. From that impressive meal you made to a beautiful flower in spring, every memory is a vital part of who you are, and the risk of losing a single one may be enough to put pause in your decision.

Not with Smart Switch. The mobile and PC app allows you to instantly make your new Galaxy smartphone more convenient and familiar by seamlessly transferring your photos, videos, contacts, music and more.

That means your carefully curated road trip playlist will make the journey, as will your meticulously planned calendar, work contacts, text messages, go-to apps and even those cherished holiday photos with your family. Key moments in your life will be preserved and transferred with ease and without burdening you with the worry of how to make sure they’re safe.

Easy Upgrades for All

Whether you’re upgrading from an Android, iOS, Windows Mobile or BlackBerry device, Smart Switch ensures that you’ll be up and running with your new Galaxy phone in no time.

Getting started is easy – simply choose which of the three convenient transfer options works for you. You may transfer content directly between your Wi-Fi-connected phones via the Smart Switch Mobile app, tether your old and new devices via USB, or utilize Smart Switch’s seamless computer software.

The software option allows backup using a personal computer. The intuitive interface makes restoring content on a new Galaxy phone swift and easy, and provides a simple means for you to conduct firmware updates and back up your new device.

After you’ve established a connection with your new phone via one of the options above, Smart Switch will walk you through selecting the content you’d like to save and initiate a speedy transfer. Once completed, your new device will have the look and feel you’ve grown accustomed to and you’ll be ready to take full advantage of the Galaxy family’s best-in-class technology and services.

Even Better with the Galaxy S8

Those who use Smart Switch to upgrade to the new Galaxy S8 or S8+ will find that Samsung’s latest flagships make managing important data and preserving digital memories even more intuitive. Our services are designed to seamlessly flow between hardware and software, making use of our expertise to deliver the best experience for you.

Smart Switch makes full use of this integration of hardware and software. Paired with Samsung Knox, our defense-grade security software, and a diverse range of biometric authentication options available with the Galaxy S8 or S8+, Samsung ensures that your content – from a single text to the largest video – remains secure throughout the entire transfer process.

Don’t let the fear of losing cherished memories hold you back. Upgrade your mobile experience and preserve the content that matters most to you with Smart Switch and the Galaxy S8 and S8+.

*Smart Switch is compatible with the Galaxy S2 and newer devices – including tablets – running Android OS 4.0 and above. Certain devices running Android OS 4.0 and above may not support wireless transfers. Transfers between Android to Galaxy devices performed via USB cable require Android OS 4.3 and above as well as MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) USB support.