Know About OTG

 

An OTG or On The Go adapter (sometimes called an OTG cable, or OTG connector) allows you to connect a full sized USB flash drive or USB A cable to your phone or tablet through the Micro USB or USB-C charging port. OTG devices operate in "dual-role" mode and can be identified as either a host or a peripheral.

You can do the following with an OTG cable:

·      Plug in keyboards and mouse to the mobile.

·      Connect Flash Drives and External Hard Drives for data transfer

·      Transfer photos directly from a compatible camera on to the phone

·      Copy information from one device to another with Samsung Smart Switch

·      If your device supports OTG, you can use it to print photos and documents directly from your device, without having to connect it to a computer.

Which phones are OTG enabled?

·      Samsung Mobiles. Vivo Mobiles.

·      Keypad Mobiles.

·      Motorola Edge 40. vivo V29 Pro. POCO F5. Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G.

Types of OTG Cable:

1.   USB Type C OTG:  USB C ports are going to dominate every digital device that we use in the near future. The inevitable has already begun with the new generation of iOS and Android phones, MacBook’s and more..

2.   Lightning OTG: Apple is one of the tech giants to switch to USB type C. However, there are many users who are still enjoying their lightning type mobile devices. Therefore, lightning OTG converters too are here to stay for a while. 

3.   Micro USB OTG: Micro USB used to be the most prominent type of port among the Android devices. However, that was before the invasion of USB C on the new generation of Android phones.

4.   Mini USB OTG: Mini USB ports have existed for a long time. It used to be the common type among Android phones before the Micro USB ports came into the picture.

Here are some of the benefits of using OTG:

Increased functionality: OTG allows you to connect a variety of peripherals to your mobile device, giving you more flexibility and options.

More storage space: You can use an external storage device to expand the storage capacity of your device, so you don't have to worry about running out of space.

Compatible with Several USB Devices: On-the-go cables are developed to be compatible with a wide range of USB devices. These include keyboards, mice, audio interfaces, game controllers, external hard drives, and flash drives.

Charging: USB C cables are becoming increasingly popular because they allow devices to charge each other.

This feature is called OTG mode, and it works just like a standard adapter USB cable.

How to Enable OTG on Android?

1.    Ensure your device supports USB OTG, as not all devices do. You can usually find this information in the settings or on the manufacturer’s website.

2.     Install any necessary drivers for your device if needed, such as from Samsung Kies or other manufacturer-specific software.

3.     Connect your USB OTG cable to your phone or tablet and then plug in a compatible USB device, such as a mouse, keyboard, thumb drive etc., depending on what is supported by your device and OS version.

1.    Your Android should detect the connected device automatically and prompt you with options for how to use it, such as setting up a wireless connection or opening an app with content stored on the external storage drive you plugged in via USB OTG cable.

2.    Once you’ve selected an option, your Android should start using the connected peripheral right away!

Selecting the Optimal OTG Cable

Cable Quality: The quality of the cable matters. Opt for cables made from durable materials that can withstand frequent use. Data

Transfer Speed: If you plan to use your OTG cable for transferring large files or streaming content from external devices, opt for a cable that supports high data transfer speeds.

Cable Length: Consider the length of the cable, especially if you plan to connect devices that are not in close proximity.

Connector Types:  OTG cables come in various types, such as micro-USB to USB-A, USB-C to USB-A, and more. Select the one that matches your device’s ports.

Brand Reputation: Opt for reputable brands when purchasing your OTG cable. Brands with a good reputation for producing reliable accessories are more likely to provide a quality product.

OTG usage in Educational Industry

Coding and Programming: OTG cables enable students studying computer science and programming to connect external keyboards, mice, microcontrollers, or debuggers, enhancing their coding and development capabilities on mobile devices.

Secure Examinations: In secure examination settings, OTG cables can be used to restrict the use of external storage devices or peripherals to maintain the integrity of assessments and prevent cheating.

Backup and Data Security: Educators and students can back up important educational materials and research data from mobile devices to external storage devices using OTG cables, ensuring data security and redundancy.

A USB OTG cable offers us a great opportunity for different uses. Our mobile phones are small computers with many possibilities of use. If we equip our device with the right support you can discover incredible functions.