Samsung is introducing direct integration with Google Photos for its native Gallery app. As reports and app updates indicate, the manufacturer is bridging the cloud backup gap left behind after parting ways with Microsoft OneDrive on Galaxy smartphones and tablets.
Native Cloud Backup Returns to the Gallery
After Samsung previously dropped the native Microsoft OneDrive integration from Samsung Gallery, Galaxy device owners had to turn to standalone third-party apps such as Google, Microsoft, or Amazon. With a recent update to the system component “Gallery Cloud Sync,” the company is now paving the way for a direct replacement.
The new feature is labeled “Sync with Google.” While Samsung occasionally refers broadly to the Google Cloud in the sync app’s descriptions, the integration connects directly to Google Photos. Similar interfaces have already been used by other smartphone makers like OnePlus and Xiaomi for quite some time.
Features and Storage at a Glance
Going forward, users will be able to configure cloud backups directly via the Gallery app’s settings. Options include:
- Storage overview: Current used and remaining Google storage space can be viewed directly within the Gallery app.
- Album selection: Users can specifically determine which local photo albums should be automatically uploaded to the cloud.
- Upload conditions: Users can manage the network conditions under which data synchronization takes place.
Photos and videos captured with a smartphone will automatically sync across other logged-in Samsung devices, such as tablets, via the Google service.
OneDrive Deadline Ends September 30
Little time remains for existing synchronizations via Microsoft OneDrive: According to available information, existing users can continue syncing their images via the previous OneDrive interface until September 30. After that date, this channel will be discontinued for good.
Currently, the Google Photos integration has not yet rolled out to all users. For full availability, Samsung requires updates to both the “Gallery Cloud Sync” app and the “Samsung Cloud” component. In addition, an update to the Gallery app itself or a system software update will likely be necessary before the option appears in the menu.
What Galaxy Owners Should Keep in Mind
Those who previously relied on OneDrive for automatic backups of their Gallery photos should review their cloud strategy promptly. Because Google Photos draws from standard Google Account storage (15 gigabytes on the free tier, shared across Gmail and Google Drive), users should check their available Google storage beforehand. As soon as the app updates arrive on the device, the switch can be completed in the Samsung Gallery settings.
Sources: 9to5google
