Recently we learned that Google was working on an app to make it easy to switch from iPhone to Android, and now that app has launched, so you no longer have to back everything up to Google Drive or fiddle around with cables.
The app, dubbed Switch To Android , lets you choose what data to bring across, with options including contacts, calendar events, photos, and videos. It also provides tips, such as turning off iMessage so you don’t miss texts, and it includes information on how to transfer photos from iCloud.
So it sounds like a comprehensive app, and it’s one that Google promises is fast, secure, and wireless.
It’s worth noting that the app will ask for a lot of different permissions, but there’s probably no way around this in an app designed to move all your important data to a new phone and operating system.
So if you’re looking to make the move from iOS to an Android phone , this is probably now the best and fastest way to do it.
Analysis: a long time coming
While the Switch To Android app certainly looks promising, it’s also baffling that it’s taken this long to arrive.
Apple has offered a very similar Move to iOS app for transfers in the other direction since 2015, and in the absence of an official Switch To Android app, some companies have created their own alternatives, such as Samsung with its Smart Switch app – though of course this only helps you move to a Samsung phone.
Many other Android phone brands have until now been left with slower and clunkier transfer methods, which is a bit ridiculous when you think about it. So it’s a good thing Google is finally putting this right.
What are Xiaomi phones? A brief overview of the company and its smartphones
If you only now about one Chinese phone company, it should probably be Xiaomi, because the gadget giant is rapidly growing in the West. Putting out phones under its own name as well as numerous sub-brands, including Redmi, Black Shark and Pocophone, you've almost definitely heard of its devices.
Since 2018, Xiaomi has been making waves in the West. Now, it has a huge global market share, with no small part of that coming from the company having capitalized on the Huawei ban, which has damaged the latter’s growth.
Go into a phone shop in numerous countries around the world to buy a new handset right now, and it’s very likely that a Xiaomi phone would be in the lineup on display – whether under its own name or one of its many sub-brands.
Read on to discover the ins and outs of this huge player in the smartphone market, its products, sub-brands and more.
A brief history of Xiaomi
Xiaomi is surprisingly new for such a big company. Formed in 2010, it launched its first smartphone in 2011: the Xiaomi Mi 1.
The brand’s Redmi line was started in 2013, with Pocophone following in 2018. The Black Shark sub-brand of gaming phones were also first seen in that year, and while Black Shark and Redmi are technically owned by Xiaomi, both companies strongly down-play the connection.
Xiaomi started selling its phones in Australia in 2014 and in the United Kingdom in 2018. The company sells some smart home products in the US, but no smartphones.
What phones does Xiaomi make?
The Xiaomi Mi line of smartphones is the company’s flagship, featuring high specs and new camera advancements. In addition, Xiaomi tends to release a ‘Lite’ and higher-end version of the main phone, too.
This is followed, roughly six months later, by a ‘T’ version of the phone (or versions, with spin-offs of each version in the flagship line) that typically slots into the Mi line to flesh it out with options at other price points.
However, it doesn’t end there. There are more Mi phones in the form of the Mi Mix line – devices that were discontinued in 2019 but then resuscitated in 2021 in the form of a foldable phone – and the Mi Note line of mid-range, great value-for-money spin-offs of the Mi line.
It's worth pointing out that, since 2021, Xiaomi dropped the 'Mi' in its phones names - so the Xiaomi Mi 11 was followed by the Xiaomi 12. We still use 'Mi' now and then as it's an easy shorthand version of 'Xiaomi', and a simple way to refer to the main series of mobiles, but it's no longer an official part of their titles.
Next up is Black Shark, a series of gaming phones that come with high-mid-range prices and top specs. This line usually comprises a standard and ‘Pro’ version of the phone that have similar specs, with the Pro model including a few extra features such as physical triggers.
Pocophone is Xiaomi’s newest line of handsets, and are typically classed as ‘premium budget devices’. They feature some impressive specs (such as high-refresh-rate displays) at lower cost. On occasion these are launched in the West as rebadged versions of Redmi phones.
So, on to Redmi, which has two lines. There’s the Redmi Note range, which is very similar to Pocophone. They’re known for delivering top specs for low prices; for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro was the first budget phone to include a 108-megapixel camera. These sometimes get T iterations, like the Mi series.
The Redmi A series presents super-affordable phones for people who don’t need top specs and just want a low-cost device.
Xiaomi phone availability information
Considering all the phones we’ve listed, you can imagine the company’s release cycle is sure to be a busy one. As already stated, Xiaomi sells its phones in most regions.
First up, the Xiaomi Mi line gets released in the first few months of the year, closely followed by the Black Shark phones. The Redmi Note generation for the year typically sees a launch around then too.
Later, the Xiaomi Mi T and Redmi Note T phones appear around six months later, to complement, not replace, the existing phones.
There’s less of a comprehensive launch pattern for Pocophone and Redmi A phones; in the past we’ve seen them launched at random intervals through the year. Unlike the majority of phone manufacturers, Xiaomi often tweaks its release patterns year-by-year, so take the above as just a rough guide.
Other tech Xiaomi sells
Xiaomi also brings many non-phone products to market.
There’s the Mi Pad line of tablets, which was scrapped in 2018 but will reportedly be revived in 2021, as well as Mi NoteBook laptops; these aren’t sold in all regions.
For wearables, the company has its Xiaomi Mi Band range of affordable fitness trackers and the Mi Watch collection of smartwatches, the latter of which was only launched in 2020.
Xiaomi sells lots of low-cost true wireless headphones, such as the Mi True Wireless, which are super-low-cost AirPods clones.
The company is also fairly well known in the electric scooter market, with its Mi Electric Scooter devices offering robust and relatively low-cost alternatives to the stalwarts in that market.
Finally, there are plenty of smart home products you can buy from Xiaomi such as lightbulbs, security cameras and scales, as well as a strange mix of other items such as pens, backpacks and Bluetooth selfie sticks. The company really is trying to do it all.
Invincible season 2: everything we know so far
Invincible season 2 may not land on Prime Video for a while yet, but development on the R-rated animated superhero show has taken a big step forward in recent times.
Lead star Steven Yeun – who voices Mark Grayson/Invincible in the Prime Video TV series – has started recording lines for the show's next season. Okay, voice acting work can begin early on in a show's development, so this doesn't mean that Invincible season 2 is edging closer to an official release date. Nonetheless, it's a significant development in the series' second outing and one we're certainly excited to see.
As we've said before, we're happy to wait to be reunited with Mark, Omni-Man, and the rest of the Invincible gang if it means that Invincible season 2 is as good (if not better) than what came before. We really enjoyed the series' first outing and, based on fans and critics' reactions to what went down in season 1, it's not a surprise to learn that it was many peoples' favorite Prime Video show of 2021.
So while we patiently wait for Invincible's second season to eventually arrive, what do we know about it so far? Aside from the revelation that Yeun is back in the recording booth, there's been little in the way of new, well, news in recent weeks.
However, that doesn't mean you won't find plenty to read up on below. We've gathered everything we know about Invincible season 2 in this article, including its returning cast members, potential plot points (based on our comic book knowledge), the show's future, and more. Once you've made your way through our guide, feel free to check out our thoughts on how Invincible season 2 can improve on its predecessor .
Major spoilers follow for Invincible's first season and the graphic novel series. You've been warned.
Invincible season 2 release date: what we know
Amazon Studios hasn't confirmed a release date for Invincible season 2.
Invincible's second season was announced – alongside season 3 – on April 29, 2021 . And, according to head writer Simon Racioppa, the two seasons have been in development for longer than fans may think.
"We've been working on it for a while," Racioppa exclusively told TechRadar . "We're working very hard on it. Basically, every day Robert [Kirkman, Invincible's co-creator] is working on it, I'm working on it. We're talking about it, and we are well in on the process. We've been working on it longer than I think people are aware, but it takes a while. It's a big show."
Elaborating on Invincible season 2's developing with comicbookmovieom , Racioppa said: "I think you’re going to be very happy with it. I hope so. We want to make it as badly as everyone wants to see it. We’re deep in. I wish it was already done and I wish it was finished, but it’s just not. We’re deep into it."
Previously, Steven Yeun, who portrays series protagonist Mark Grayson/Invincible, had told Collider (in January 2022) that he hadn't begun to record lines for Invincible's second season yet.
However, now we know that the situation has changed. In a video posted on the official Invincible Twitter account, Yeun can be seen starting work on recording his lines for Invincible season 2. Now, we're even more excited for the show's next instalment.
J.K. Simmons, who plays Nolan Grayson/Omni-Man, had previously told DiscussingFilm that the cast would be entering the recording booth to start work on season 2 very soon.
"I think I'm allowed to say that we're going back to work very soon in the recording booth," Simmons said. "Now, the lag between us doing our first recordings and the animation being completed is obviously many months and probably more than a year, I would guess. But, yes, Invincible is getting to work in earnest and season two is imminent, I will say. There's a nice vague term."
Meanwhile, Skybound has revealed that veteran animation producer Marge Dean had joined as the company's new Head of Animation. According to Skybound's press release, Dean – whose previous works include HBO Max's Gen:Lock, Adult Swim's Robot Chicken, and Channel 4's The Ricky Gervais Show – will "immediately focus" on Invincible seasons 2 and 3.
Speaking during a Skybound Xpo virtual panel for Invincible season 1 in July 2021, which you can view on YouTube , Invincible co-creator Robert Kirkman refused to be drawn on when season 2 would launch. Additionally, Kirkman also revealed (in November 2021) that he was "happily very busy working on other stuff" when he was asked about his potential involvement in Marvel Studios' upcoming Zombies animated project. Here's hoping Invincible season 2 forms a lark part of that "other stuff" that he alludes to.
With all of that said, then, when could Invincible season 2 grace our screens? Unfortunately, we don't expect it to debut on Prime Video until early 2023. There's a lot of work that goes into animated shows so, while Yeun's recording booth return is something to savour, it's likely that development on season 2 still has some way to go.
We'd prefer those involved to take their time with seasons 2 and 3, and make them as good as humanly possible before they're released to the public. If that means we have to wait until next year for the show's next entry, we're all for it.
Invincible season 2 cast: who is returning?
Nothing's been confirmed yet (outside of Yeun's and Simmons' returns), but we'd expect the actors named below to reprise their roles from season 1:
It’s possible that we may see other actors return, too.
Zachary Quinto was the voice of Robot in season 1, but it’s unclear if he'll be needed again. As the first season revealed, Robot was the artificial host body of Rudy Conners, an individual whose genetic defects initially meant he was unable to live outside of his saline tank. With Rudy’s consciousness being transferred into his new clone body in episode 7, Ross Marquand has taken over vocal duties for Rudy.
So we don't know if Quinto will return. Robot has a big role to play in the comics, but we're unsure if those events will be part of Invincible season 2, season 3 or beyond.
Others who may return include Chris Diamantopoulos (Doc Seismic), Fred Tatasciore (Kill Cannon), Clancy Brown (Damien Darkblood), Jeffrey Donovan (Machine Head), Ezra Miller (D.A. Sinclair) and Michael Dorn (Battle Beast and Thokk). Kirkman has hinted at some of their returns (more on this below) but we're unsure who will do so yet.
As for new cast members, Kirkman has expressed interest in seeing more of The Walking Dead TV series’ cast appear in future seasons. Yeun, Marquand, Laurie Cohan, Michael Cudlitz, Sonequa Martin-Green and Lennie James have appeared in various roles already, but Kirkman wants more Walking Dead stars to lend their vocal talents to the show.
Kirkman told ComicBookom : "I can't think of an actor on The Walking Dead I wouldn't want to work with again. It's an amazing group of actors. Andrew Lincoln, Danai Gurira, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Jeffrey Dean Morganhere's not really anyone I wouldn't want to bring in."
One actor who definitely wants to return is Chad Coleman, who voiced Martian Man in season 1. Speaking to UK newspaper The Daily Express , Coleman joked that he was desperate to return to the world of Invincible, even though Martian Man died at Omni-Man's hands early on in the show's first season.
"It [Invincible] is amazing, obviously,” Coleman said. “Kirkman’s a crazy talented dude, and all the other folks that are involved. I had so much fun and I love the way it looks. I’m just saying 'Hey man, bring me back for some more.'"
Invincible season 2 plot: what's the story about?
Major spoilers follow for the animated series and graphic novels.
The comic series is a fun but at-times confusing one. There are many directions that Invincible season 2 could go in, but we already have an idea of what the next instalment might entail. This is based on the season 1 finale and some hints from the series' official Twitter account.
First, let's discuss the Invincible season 1 finale. Omni-Man was supposed to conquer Earth for the Viltrumite Empire but, after realizing that he couldn’t kill Mark and enslave humanity for his people, he tearfully heads out into space for an unknown destination.
Season 2 should pick up this plot thread. Mark will be tasked with keeping Earth safe from the invading Viltrumites, as well as help the Coalition of Planets stop the former from carrying out their universe-wide expansion. Mark already knows that a fleet is on its way thanks to Allen the Alien’s warning and, with Allen having a more prominent role in the comics from this point on, we can expect the duo's friendship to grow in season 2.
We should also find out where Omni-Man/Nolan has gone. In the comics, Nolan flies off to invade another planet, which he hopes will act as recompense – with the Viltrum Empire – for deserting his posting on Earth. There’s a lot more for the TV series to cover regarding Mark and Nolan’s relationship, which continues to be explored extensively in the comics, too. We’ll be here forever if we dive too deep into this father-son bond so, for now, we’ll say we hope to see some of Simmons’ Nolan next season.
Additionally, the show should be entering cosmic territory in season 2 as well. Expect stranger worlds, weirder characters and a universe-spanning plot to be translated from page to screen.
Season 1's final episode also teased other potential subplots for its successor. We should see more of the Sequids storyline, which wasn't officially concluded. We know that a Martian has infiltrated Earth after he traded places with one of the human astronauts. Additionally, the astronaut who was left behind on Mars is now being controlled by the Sequids, which could spell bad news for Earth if this parasitic race charts a course for the blue planet.
We may see Titan and Battle Beast’s stories fleshed out in more detail, too. The last time we saw the pair, they had taken over Machine Head’s criminal organization and teleported away from Earth respectively. Their tales continue in the comics, and Kirkman has already alluded to fan favorite Battle Beast getting more screen time in season 2. The Flaxans also look like they'll return, despite Omni-Man's rampage across their home planet in episode 2.
One interesting piece of news concerns story elements that didn’t even make it into Invincible’s comic run. In a chat with Beyond the Trailer , Kirkman revealed that he hoped to include storylines in the TV show that he couldn’t fit into the graphic novels. One example that Kirkman gives relates to Damien Darkblood, who was banished back to Hell by Cecil Stedman in episode 4. It’s unclear if this will form part of season 2, though.
Finally, Kirkman himself has revealed more of where season 2’s plot could go and it could include arguably Mark’s biggest nemesis from the comics – Angstrom Levy.
Following that announcement, Kirkman reiterated that Levy will be part of season 2's story.
Speaking during the virtual Skybound Xpo Invincible panel (where he declined to say when season 2 would arrive), Kirkman said: "He [Levy] really shakes things up. If you're familiar with the comics and you've watched the TV show, you'll get a sense of where we're going with the second season, especially if you think really hard about how we adapted the story in the first season."
For fans of the TV show only, Kirkman also teased that there would be some "crazy stuff coming", while Jason Mantzoukas revealed that he can't wait for season 2 to "introduce more villains... like Thragg" and more of the comic series' intergalactic elements.
How many seasons will Invincible get?
In total, there are 144 Invincible comics, spanning 15 years of Kirkman and Walker’s careers. The TV adaptation altered the order of certain plot points for season 1, but the first eight episodes only covered the first 23 issues. If a similar trajectory is maintained for future seasons, Invincible may end around the season 7 or 8 mark.
According to Kirkman, however, there could be more or less than that. Speaking to ScreenRant , he said that there's a “rough roadmap for where things from the comics will fall”. Additionally, Kirkman told Inverse that he “could see it going for five… seven… even 10 years. Maybe we run out of comic books and… we do 100 seasons.”
Of course, that last number is Kirkman being excited about his own property, but we could certainly see Invincible running for at least five seasons. If audiences want more, Amazon would be silly to end it after three seasons. Although, much of that will depend on whether Invincible continues to draw in audiences in its next two seasons.
Amazon has had major success with its live-action series based around another R-rated comic book in Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's The Boys, so there's no reason why Invincible season 2 can't build on its predecessor's foundations and stick around for many more years to come.