Make Use of USB OTG on Android
There is convenience with a USB connections, but they are not usable with phones. That is of course unless you are an Android owner and a user of USB OTG.
USB OTG (On-The-Go) allows data to be read from a device without the need of a PC by using a USB connection. This device becomes a USB Host, and every device is capable of doing this.
Android is the popular place where USB OTG is used, but not the only place. Some printers are already supporting it, Windows Phone 10 is likely to have USB OTG from Microsoft, but Apple has yet to show any signs of allowing this. Another reason why you should choose an Android over an iPhone!
Checking If Your Android Supports USB OTG
The most trustworthy way of checking if your Android supports USB OTG is by checking either the manufacturer’s website or the box you bought it in.
If you are unable to find it, check on the site, GSMArena.com. Scroll where is says USB in the specification list, now checks for USB Host. They are the words you want to find.
Another way of checking is by downloading from the Google Play Store the free app, USB OTB Checker.
Not all Android devices support the USB OTG, the manufacturer needs to have it enabled.
What is Needed
Android devices have standard size micro-USB ports, but the majority of USB devices need a USB port which is full-size. You solve this issue, you will need a micro-sized USB Male to full-sized USB Female adapter.
What You Are Able to Do With USB OTG
After you have your USB OTG ready for use with your Android, there are many opportunities newly opened up to you.
Some popular ones include:
Connect External Hard Drives and Flash Drives
Use of external storage is extremely popular, and you are able to just plug your USB in and go. The connection is easy with USB drives while an external hard drive might or might not work. External hard drives which have their own power source have no issues with working, but portable hard drives which take power from the Android device might not work.
Use Keyboard and Mouse to Control Android
Having a keyboard and mouse is an important part if you want to use your tablet as a laptop. Standard plug-and-play wireless keyboard and mouse sets which are compatible with all platforms work awesome. When buying hardware, be sure it does not require any software to be installed.
If your phone has a USB OTG you are capable of using your phone for many other excellent things as well. Such as controlling your DSLR camera, print directly from a printer plays games using video game controllers, among many other things. Android helps to open up a whole new world to their users.