Getting a Galaxy S6 today? You won’t need Kies to transfer your data

The Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge don’t work with Kies, Samsung’s well known phone management software, according to a report from Sam Mobile.

Instead of Kies, which Samsung users have known for years as the PC application required for data transfers and software updates, Samsung is now offering a set of utilities called Smart Switch.

Available for PCs and Macs, Samsung Smart Switch offers roughly the same functions as Kies, in a more user friendly package. You will need to plug in your old device and then the new Galaxy S6 via USB cable to your PC, and the software will automatically sync contacts, call history, preferences, and more. You can also back up and restore your device, sync contact data, and check for software updates manually.

Smart Switch Mobile, available through the Play Store or through Galaxy Apps, lets you transfer your data even easier. Just install it on both devices, and on the old device tap Start and then Connect, and choose the content you want to carry over. You can pick from contacts, music, photos, calendar, text messages, device settings and more.

Smart Switch Mobile and its PC equivalent have been around for a while, but they are still worth mentioning for people who are used to Kies (or even not syncing their devices at all).

The Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge are shipping starting today in 20 countries from around the world. For more on the devices, check out our reviews (S6 and S6 Edge) and stay tuned for more.