Google's Motorola arm is attempting to streamline the process for iPhone users to switch to its flagship Moto X device by enabling it to extract contacts and calendar events from iCloud backup files. The new tool was announced yesterday by Motorola vice president of product manamgenet Punit Soni on Google+ (via GigaOM).

motorola_icloud_service
The service, which also has an official support page, is powered by syncing service Mark/Space and is done through Motorola's MotoMaker web service, which allows users to customize the color and details of a Moto X device. The iCloud transfer service can be intiatied after a user has bought a Moto X from MotoMaker and selects the "I have an iPhone" option from within the Migrate feature, and transfers the data to a Google Account after the user has signed into their iCloud acocount.

Addressing the new iCloud migration tool, Soni notes that "There is a long way to go, but its a start", which may indicate that the transfer service will see updates in the future.

Motorola originally announced the Moto X in August, with the device including a number of features such as a 720p AMOLED display and Touchless Control via Google Now integration. In February, handset manufacturer HTC launched a similar service for iPhone owners switching to the HTC One, but offered data migration direct from iPhone backups, which transfers more data compared to Motorola's iCloud sync service.

Top Rated Comments

KazKam Avatar
155 months ago
Yeah, that's why I don't switch to an Android phone, because I'm worried about transferring my iCloud data. /s

o.O
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Someyoungguy Avatar
155 months ago
I tried switching, and now I'm happily back, and it wasn't because of missing iCloud synch. They still need to solve photo and iTunes music synch, device backups that are thorough and reliable, and lots of usability issue with Android.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
djtech42 Avatar
155 months ago
Have to admit this is a smart move
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kevinpdoyle Avatar
155 months ago
Yeah, that's why I don't switch to an Android phone, because I'm worried about transferring my iCloud data. /s

o.O

I doubt this is aimed at tech board readers so much as people who were on the fence about switching but don't want to deal with the hassle of transferring from one OS to the other. This is for the casual phone user and not the pro user.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Farplaner Avatar
155 months ago
I found it interesting that they just plain ask for your icloud username and password. If this wasn't Motorola it would basically be a security risk :o
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Solomani Avatar
155 months ago
Yeah, that's why I don't switch to an Android phone, because I'm worried about transferring my iCloud data. /s

o.O

I'm sure that for the majority of people who prefer iOS over Android to begin with, among the Top Ten Reasons.... "Because I desperately gotta have my iCloud!" is simply not one of them.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More

Wednesday September 3, 2025 5:33 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will feature a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements, according to new late-stage rumors. According to the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital," the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature displays with higher brightness, making it more suitable for use in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The iPhone 16 Pro and...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Prices Estimated Ahead of Apple Event Next Week

Tuesday September 2, 2025 1:50 pm PDT by
Just one week before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, an analyst has shared new price estimates for the devices. Here are J.P. Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee's price estimates for the iPhone 17 series in the United States, according to 9to5Mac: Model Starting Price Model Starting Price Change iPhone 16 $799 iPhone 17 ...
iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
iPhone 17 Pro on Desk Centered 1

Survey: Nearly 70% of Users Plan to Upgrade to iPhone 17

Monday September 1, 2025 8:24 am PDT by
A new survey has found that nearly seven in ten iPhone owners in the United States plan to upgrade to an iPhone 17 model, signaling strong demand ahead of Apple's expected unveiling of the devices at its September 9 keynote. Smartphone price comparison platform SellCell surveyed over 2,000 U.S.-based iPhone users in August to assess upgrade interest and brand loyalty before Apple's event....