Syncing contacts and calendar entries is no longer a problem thanks to Google’s services. However, doing the same with apps is tricky. While there are some services offering something like that, none is as fancy as the recently announced Baton, the product of a startup called Nextbit.
Said app/service is coming soon to CyanogenMod as a private beta, promising to make device switching as seamless as possible.
Baton has three main features: sync, pass, and backup/restore. The first feature keeps your app data in sync across all your devices, allowing you to access all the data some app has stored on one device on other devices where it’s also running. According to Nextbit, this is more than restoring app data, with Baton constantly updating app data across phones and tablets. You can disable syncing if you fancy so.
Then comes the “pass” feature, which is nothing short of stunning. By long-pressing on the app switcher button, you will be able to beam the current state of an app to another device and instantly pick up where you left off.
Finally, backup will allow you to store apps and data in the Amazon AWS-powered Nextbit cloud for easy restoration to new devices.
Baton’s framework is going to be part of CyanogenMod, but you’ll still have to install the dedicated app to use it. The first commercial deployment of Nextbit’s tech will be handled by Cyanogen Inc, and in the meantime, users looking to test out the service can apply on the Nextbit site. Yes, this is a call made for OnePlus One and select Oppo device owners. And few others who have CyanogenMod running on their phones.