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Free Samsung app used to sync Android-based mobile devices to PCs using Windows 7

Free Samsung app used to sync Android-based mobile devices to PCs using Windows 7

Vote: (2,680 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Samsung

Version: 3.2.16084.2

Works under: Windows

Also available for Mac

Vote:

Program license

(2,680 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Samsung

3.2.16084.2

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Mac

Pros

  • Official software from Samsung
  • Creates backups easily
  • Syncs data effortlessly
  • Includes an audio player and video conversion software

Cons

  • Minor bugs

Samsung Kies is an official program released by Samsung to help users connect their Samsung devices with their PCs. All that's need to get started is a USB cable compatible with the device in question. Likewise, you'll need to ensure your Android OS version is above at least 4.3, or the software likely won't work properly. Samsung Kies aims to make synchronization an incredibly easy process for any user.

Endless Features

Samsung Kies packs loads of features that make it easy to keep your phone's storage synced with your PC. The software is compatible with a wide range of Galaxy models including the 3, S, SII, SIII, SIII Mini, S4, S5, Tab, Spica, and many more.

Install and Start Syncing in Seconds

As Samsung Kies extracts to your computer, it will install a number of drivers that will help many of Samsung's device models work seamlessly with the software. Once installation is complete and you launch Samsung Kies for the first time, all you'll need to do is connect your device and wait for your firmware to be updated to the current version.

Most users will find the interface very easy to understand. Various functions and features are organized neatly with tabs for easy navigation. The embedded help section of Samsung Kies is always accessible, which is a big deal for those who are less experienced with electronic devices.

Included with Samsung Kies is a Lite mode that can be toggled to get easy access to the features that matter the most. In Lite mode, the interface is simplified so that the most crucial features aren't potentially overcrowded by the less significant ones. Features such as Music, Photos, Videos, Contacts, and Podcasts are more easily accessible, and will be noticed almost immediately in this more relaxed mode.

Loads of File Support

With Samsung Kies, it's likely you'll periodically want to transfer media files between your PC and device. Luckily, Samsung Kies is designed to recognize a wide range of media file types for easy transferring. Image types such as JPG, GIF, and BMP are recognized, along with video types like MOV, AVI, WMV, MP4, DIVX, and 3GP. Audio types like MP3, WAV, OGG, AAC, and MID are also supported.

Transferring media files to and from your mobile device is extremely simple with the app's built-in drag and drop feature. Back up and restore SIM card data with the SIM exporting feature that allows you to save contact data in CSV, SPB, and VCF file formats.

Play Audio Files Straight from Your Samsung Device

One of the coolest features of Samsung Kies is its embedded audio player designed to read and play audio files straight from your device. You can skip to any part of the audio using the player, and even skip to the next audio file or revert to the previous. Once an audio file is selected, you'll be able to see helpful details about it such as its filetype, length, date of creation, and other useful metadata.

Convert Files with Ease

Another unexpected, yet neat feature of Samsung Kies is its built-video video converter that can be used to convert and encode video files. With this tool, you can easily import a video file and tweak its file type, bitrate, resolution, and even its frame rate. Once you're ready to convert and create your new video file, simply choose a destination file path, and begin converting.

Backups Made Easy

If you've ever lost important data on a mobile device, you likely know the importance of backing up a mobile device with regularity. Samsung Kies offers a backup solution that allows you to choose which types of data are backed up upon synchronization. You can toggle various types of data such as your photos, videos, music, contacts, documents, notes, and messages. You can also use the software to restore any previous backup, if it's ever necessary.

A Solid Tool for Users with Samsung Devices

Overall, Samsung Kies simply goes hand-in-hand with compatible Samsung devices. Whether you're looking for a solid backup solution or you want to take full control of your device from your desktop, Samsung Kies streamlines the process with an easy-to-use app that you'll find yourself using often.

Pros

  • Official software from Samsung
  • Creates backups easily
  • Syncs data effortlessly
  • Includes an audio player and video conversion software

Cons

  • Minor bugs

Pros

  • Syncs data between a Samsung device and a Windows PC.
  • Backs up local data from the Samsung device as well.
  • Useful tool for finding the latest firmware for a device.

Cons

  • The program doesn't always run as smoothly as it should.
  • Data protected by DRM will not be synced or backed up.
  • Kies lacks advanced features found in similar programs.

Samsung Kies syncs and backs up data between Samsung and Windows devices. All users need is a USB cable and their device in order to get started. Upon connecting the devices, the program should automatically start. Syncing data across devices is quite useful and is something every user should consider doing. Since Kies is officially supported by Samsung, individual users can expect excellent results using the program. It's not a perfect solution, but there's a lot to get excited about here.

The Good and Bad of Kies In A Nutshell

The Kies program itself is lightweight and works as intended. After connecting the two devices, users can customize which data they want to sync. Data can be backed up from the Samsung smartphone or tablet as well. Only a few clicks and choices are necessary to have the devices automatically sync upon establishing a USB connection. Without a doubt, Samsung Kies is a convenient, simple option for Samsung users.

Firmware finder is another useful tool found within Samsung Kies. During each syncing event, the program checks for firmware updates. Available updates are displayed with a prompt to download them right away. Users can and should keep their devices updated with the latest firmware whenever possible to avoid security or performance issues. Kies makes this process more simple by automatically seeking out available updates.

Unfortunately, Samsung Kies does come with a handful of downsides users might want to consider. Users of the program will notice that various bugs and glitches may occur. SOmetimes the program doesn't start upon connecting a Samsung device and Windows PC. In this case, a user needs to try again in order to boot the program. Other issues include general bugs and sluggish performance with no particular explanation behind them.

One final issue with Kies involves DRM-protected content. Whether users own the content or not, Kies will not backup or sync such data. Any files with DRM protection will be left out of syncing, which can prove quite annoying. Many syncing programs will sync such protected content in one way or another after all. Therefore, heavy media consumers might want to look elsewhere for a better syncing tool.

The Verdict on Samsung Kies

For Samsung device users, Samsung Kies is a no-brainer for a download. The program runs well, for the most part, on both Samsung and Windows devices. Data backup and syncing is invaluable and shouldn't be overlooked today. In the end, Kies is mostly an automated solution that's designed specifically for a Samsung-Windows connection. Most users won't be disappointed after using this software for awhile.

Pros

  • Syncs data between a Samsung device and a Windows PC.
  • Backs up local data from the Samsung device as well.
  • Useful tool for finding the latest firmware for a device.

Cons

  • The program doesn't always run as smoothly as it should.
  • Data protected by DRM will not be synced or backed up.
  • Kies lacks advanced features found in similar programs.