What is USB OTG? Thanks to him, your mobile is much more computer than it seems

  • USB OTG allows mobile devices to act as hosts, connecting peripherals and accessories.
  • Technology is essential to improve the interconnection between mobile devices and other USB devices.
  • USB OTG reduces users' dependence on desktop computers.
  • USB OTG adapters make it easy to connect a variety of accessories to Android devices.

Mobile connected by OTG

Call USB OTG by its acronym, but in reality this technology is called USB On-The-Go and sometimes we may read about it as well as USB-host. Be that as it may, it is an extension technology of the USB 2.0 standard, and it is focused on allowing USB devices to have greater capacities of interconnection. A device acts as a host, so that peripherals, USB sticks and accessories of almost all kinds can be connected to it.

El USB OTG It is a really important technology for mobile devices, including both smartphones and tablets. It is what allows them to work with computer peripherals, accessories and devices. And therefore, it reduces dependencies on desktop systems for all types of users. But what is USB OTG really? We explain how this technology works, its key applications and the accessories that we should have around.

From USB OTG as 'extra' to USB Type C with integrated OTG

Indeed, the USB OTG o USB On-The-Go was born as an extension of the USB 2.0 specification; therefore, on devices with such an interface specification, support for OTG had to be checked. That could be available, or not, in such a way that we could not buy any accessory or adapter. Now, however, the specification USB 3.1, with the USB Type C, integrates this feature 'by default'. It means that it is no longer necessary to use any type of adapter or special connector, or to check the compatibility of accessories.

How does USB OTG work on mobile devices?

USB standards, in specifications USB 1.1 to USB 2.0 use an architecture of master and slave; that is, the USB hub works as a master, while another device works as a slave to the previous one. Only devices that work as a USB hub or USB hub can manage settings and data transfers in the interconnection between devices. Thanks to USB OTGHowever, this guideline is changed and compatible devices have the ability to open a session exchange, control the connection and exchange the functions of teacher.

The USB OTG extension, or USB On-The-Go, introduces the protocols SRP and HNP. The first is the session request protocol, while the second is the host negotiation protocol. Compatibility is limited to the 1.1 and USB 2.0 specifications, and the behavior is normal when not connecting with a USB OTG device. Therefore, although we have USB OTG we can use our connector in a normal way, in addition to the physical connection is exactly the same.

What is USB OTG for on mobile devices (and tablets) with Android operating system?

The applications of the USB OTG they are really spacious. The key is that you have the ability to send data without the need for a master USB controller, which is a unique feature of desktop computers. Thus, for example, a camera can send its images directly to a printer, or access a hard disk. In the case of Android mobile devices, it is what allows you to connect keyboards, memories, USB modems and other accessories and peripherals.

Thanks to this technology, to our Android smartphone or tablet we can connect a card reader of all kinds, or a printer, or accessories and peripherals. This will allow us to play more comfortably with a wired controller, for example, or turn our device into a complete computer. In fact, the intention behind this technology is to reduce the dependencies of the smartphone in front of the desktop computer. We can also connect hard drives and other portable storage media.

The best USB OTG cables and adapters for your Android mobile or tablet

If you want to enjoy technology USB OTG On your mobile device, you can get all kinds of accessories, connectors and adapters at the best price. If you have a USB keyboard; for example, you only need an adapter that converts this connection into the USB Type C using your smartphone or tablet. And for this you will not have to spend more than 10 euros, in most cases. Here is a selection that is worthwhile to expand the functions of your Android device.

USB OTG adapter

Simply, convert the USB Type C of your mobile into a conventional USB. So you can connect card readers, mice, keyboards and other accessories directly. But in this case, no cable. The accessory is fixed and that, of course, can be an advantage or a disadvantage. We must be careful not to spoil the USB Type C connection of our smartphone when connecting this type of adapters.

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Wired USB OTG Adapter

If you want to avoid the risks of the previous accessory, this one is exactly the same but with cable. So if we are going to use a mouse -for instance-, we will prevent its movement from damaging the physical USB Type C connection of our smartphone or tablet.

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