Samsung has officially announced that its cloud backup service called Samsung Cloud will no longer allow users to backup third-party application data. The change, which is rather strange since the service never actually backed up data of this nature according to SamMobile, will come into effect next month.
According to the company, every other aspect of the service will remain unchanged:
Service Policy Changes
- Changes: “App data” backup not supported in Samsung Cloud
- After this change, you will not be able to back up app data or restore previously backed up app data in Samsung Cloud. Customers who need to back up app data should do so using the backup and restore features provided by the application itself.
- Please note that you can continue to use the Secure Folder backup and restore service even after the change to the Samsung Cloud service policy, and it only affects app data backup and restore.
Disposal of Personal Information
- Target: App data for users who backed up apps
- After this change, we will promptly destroy your personal information that was collected for the purpose of delivering the service. However, if there is the obligation to retain information in accordance with the provisions of the relevant statutes, the information shall be retained, and immediately destroyed after the expiration of the retention period prescribed by current and applicable regulations.
On February 6, all data from third-party applications will also be removed from the service, prompting those using the service to back up any important information from the service, if at all. It has to be noted that, even though Samsung will no longer allow such data, the ability to restore apps and settings will remain. Users who wish to sync data related to specific applications should make use of features within each app when available. For example, the backup service that is available in WhatsApp.
Samsung Cloud offers users of its Galaxy flagship devices - including the Galaxy S8, S8+, S7, and S7 edge - 15GB of free storage. The service stores system settings, contacts, messages, call logs, documents, notes, and more if enabled. Additional storage can be added from $0.99 for 50GB.
In other Samsung news, the company is reportedly readying the launch of its next flagship called the Galaxy S9 and S9+. The aforementioned devices outed by FCC filings will most likely be revealed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month, and are widely expected to retain the same design as their forebears. Earlier, a version of the retail box showed some of the rumored specifications, including a dual pixel 12MP camera.
