It is very simple to transfer smartphone data such as contacts, calendar events, and photos to the new Galaxy. Just run Samsung Electronics' data transfer app 'Smart Switch'. However, in the case of the messenger app KakaoTalk, existing data could not be retrieved using Smart Switch unless the conversation records were backed up in the app itself. It is also true that some users who did not take care of this process in advance experienced inconvenience as they were unable to transfer conversation records.
Now, if you are a Galaxy user, you can let go of these worries. This is because Samsung Electronics and Kakao have improved the function so that KakaoTalk data can be easily and safely restored using the Smart Switch app. Newsroom met with Kang Seung-ho, a professional from the experience planning team at Samsung Electronics' MX division and PM Ji-young Hwang, a KakaoTalk service planner, who are the key players in this collaboration, and heard the story of the collaboration between the two companies.
Restoring everything from KakaoTalk open chat to large files to a new device… The authentication steps are also significantly reduced.
▲Smart Switch KakaoTalk restoration service development staff. (From left) Samsung Electronics MX Division Experience Planning Team Professional Seungho Kang, KakaoTalk Talk Service Planner PM Jiyoung Hwang
Q. I heard that you can completely restore KakaoTalk conversation records using Smart Switch. Please provide a detailed introduction to the function.
Seungho Kang: When transferring data between Galaxy devices using Smart Switch, you can now restore not only KakaoTalk conversations but also exchanged photos and videos without worrying about losing them. It even restores the message to its ‘unread’ status. Moreover, until now, it has been difficult to restore data through open chat, but with this feature update, open chat is now possible.
Jiyoung Hwang: What Galaxy users should especially pay attention to is the restoration of open chat. Because open chat is characterized by autonomy and volatility, KakaoTalk has not supported data backup. However, considering that the open chat usage rate among Android OS users is relatively high, the restoration of open chat has been supported for the first time.
▲ Professional Seungho Kang of the Experience Planning Team of Samsung Electronics’ MX Division, who is in charge of Smart Switch service planning.
Q. From a user's perspective, what makes it more convenient than before?
Seungho Kang: Previously, even if you restored the KakaoTalk app from your previous phone to a new phone, the content within the app could only be restored through a separate manual backup or paid backup. Additionally, the identity authentication process for security was difficult and complex for users who were older or unfamiliar with using the device, so it was a barrier to entry.
Samsung Electronics wanted all Galaxy users to have as little hassle as possible when setting up a new device. Kakao also hoped that users would use the messenger more conveniently. The goal of 'user convenience' was the same. By focusing on this, we were able to significantly reduce the complex authentication process.
Jiyoung Hwang: With this update, KakaoTalk users only need to authenticate once. This one time is the minimum security measure. If KakaoTalk data has been transferred to a new Galaxy using a smart switch, the user can access the app and prove that the transferred data is theirs by entering their account password once. It is easy and safe because all content is restored in one go.
Collaboration created by the common value of ‘user convenience’
Q. How did the two companies, Samsung Electronics and Kakao, meet?
Seungho Kang: There was a steady stream of VOC regarding KakaoTalk data restoration. However, there were many problems that needed to be resolved, such as data security issues and complex technical policies. Then, at the end of last year, a consensus was formed between the two companies to dramatically improve user convenience, and after that, full-scale update discussions began.
Jiyoung Hwang: I had a strong desire to introduce the service to users as quickly as possible. So, during the collaboration period, the two companies communicated in real time via messenger and coordinated their opinions as if they were one team. In the early stages of development, each company carefully discussed what parts they would support, and then developed them sequentially to deploy the service exactly at the targeted time. It was a very impressive experience for me personally as I was able to complete the collaboration between companies with a high level of completion in a short period of time.
▲ (From the left) PM Ji-young Hwang, KakaoTalk talk service planner, and Seung-ho Kang, product manager of the experience planning team at Samsung Electronics’ MX division.
Q. What was the most important part of the development process?
Jiyoung Hwang: The most important aspect is definitely ‘security’. If the device is lost, a strong security system is essential to prevent concerns such as the KakaoTalk data on the lost phone being leaked to other devices. Both companies thought about what protection method would be easiest for users to use and provide peace of mind, and as a result, they introduced the 'minimum account authentication' step. At the same time, we also designed a system in which data transmission becomes invalid if you do not authenticate your account for a certain period of time.
▲ PM Jiyoung Hwang, KakaoTalk talk service planner who led this collaboration
Samsung Electronics
Q. Please introduce any impressive user reactions after the update.
Jiyoung Hwang: We have been continuously monitoring the app since immediately after the update was distributed, and I feel proud when I see IT reviewers and real-time comments. Some users even show reactions of surprise or imagination as to 'to what level it will be restored,' and they find it so interesting that they want to respond directly with a reply every time they do so.
Seungho Kang: The response to support for restoring open chat, which was not possible anywhere else, is unusual. We expect that positive responses from users will increase as more Galaxy models are released in the future.
Q. I am curious about your thoughts on developing this feature with high user satisfaction and your future goals.
Jiyoung Hwang: Collaboration between companies with different interests and internal cultures is rare and not easy. I think it will be remembered for a long time because it is a result achieved only with a heart for the users.
Seungho Kang: I think an inspiring experience like this will be of great help when conducting another collaboration next time. As we continue to provide a better customer experience, we want to hear responses from users who say, “I can buy a new Galaxy phone without worry because the Smart Switch takes care of the transfer.”
In addition to messenger apps such as KakaoTalk, we are working with apps in various fields to help users conveniently and easily restore data. We hope that you will continue to watch the progress of smart switches for the convenience of users.
Samsung Electronics is always listening to the voices of Galaxy users and devoting itself to open collaboration and feature improvement to provide an experience that satisfies all users. If you are a user who has purchased Samsung Electronics' new Galaxy smartphone, please follow the guide below and enjoy a more convenient mobile life through the KakaoTalk restoration function of the smart switch created through this collaboration between Samsung Electronics and Kakao.
※ Operating conditions are Smart Switch version 3.7.54.7 or higher, Kakao Talk version 10.5.5 or higher, Android OS 12 or higher. OS version is the same or higher.
※ If KakaoTalk is installed on a new Galaxy device before restoring Smart Switch, data cannot be restored. Requires transferring after deleting the KakaoTalk app on the new device
