Technology OTG (On-The-Go) is one of the most interesting advantages in these moments of Android on other mobile platforms. It is basically a configuration in the kernel of the device that will allow us to USB compatibility standard size. However, it is not something that all models carry as standard, but must be enabled by the manufacturer. Today we give you five ideas to take advantage of this format.
As we say, not all Android have factory OTG supportTherefore, we must make sure that our tablet or smartphone offers us that possibility. For this we have a couple of options. The first is to look at the product box or search for it on the internet and, if that does not work, the second is to download This application that will give us information about it.
On the other hand, a USB OTG cable is something very cheap y easy to get. Just take a look at Amazon or any other trusted online store and we will find several alternatives for little more than one euro. As simple as that. When we have it in our power, we can do the following, among other things.
1.- Connect USB memory or external hard disk
It is not so simple in the case of external hard drive and we depend a bit on the format. To make everything easier we need it to be configured in FAT32.
USB sticks, however, are much easier to connect. You just have to put the Pen drive and to another the smartphone or tablet and, as long as it is compatible with OTG, we will quickly be working with both.
2.- Play with a PlayStation or Xbox controller, among others
Some time ago we wrote a tutorial about how to connect a game console controller to the tablet. If we do not just get to touch controls, we have that possibility thanks to the USB OTG. Is The buttons to operate the game may not be the usual ones, but it is a matter of getting used to it.
There are optimized controls (such as Nexus Player). Still we can still reuse an old gamepad and give it a new life.
3.- Work with physical keyboards
Likewise, there are countless keyboards Bluetooth, and this type of connection (especially since a couple of years ago, when technology was greatly improved in terms of consumption) is optimal. However, at a given moment we can catch a older keyboard and connect it to our tablet to mount it as if it were a portable.
4.- Use your tablet or smartphone with an old printer
It is not essential that the printer has connection wireless to be able to print from our Android. By connecting an OTG cable we will have the job done.
This is an especially important utility since many of us today try to avoid computer mediation whenever possible. After receiving or download any document with the phone or the tablet, we will speed up printing without having to turn on the PC and we will also avoid resending.
5.- Combine Android with a Digital SLR Camera
One of the most powerful uses of a tablet is to add its strengths to those of a DSLR camera. In addition to witnessing the scene to be captured in a large format screenIt is interesting to control aspects such as focus or exposure time from our Android. Photography lovers will undoubtedly enjoy this great quality of the OTG format.