OTG stands for On-The-Go. It is an acronym used to describe USB products that are capable of providing an on-the-go connection between devices that have a built-in USB port and computer. It is a relatively new technology, but it is rapidly gaining popularity. This is because it can provide a convenient way to use your computer’s USB port when you are on the go, without having to carry a separate cable.
Powered vs unpowered
What’s the best way to power your Bluetooth headset? A powered USB hub or a wall mounted receptacle? Neither is the cheapest, although the latter is the sexiest of the two. If your budget is a bit more limited, you might as well get the most out of your purchase. It’s all about balancing convenience with a well-balanced power profile. In this regard, the Apple MacBook Air comes highly recommended. The only downside is the limited number of USB ports. Luckily, the MacBook Air’s USB ports can be shared by multiple users, so you don’t have to worry about powering up the entire team.
Notably, the iPhone 5’s USB ports are a bit more finicky than the iPod and other portables of yesteryear. This is where a USB hub comes in, though it may not be the best choice for all scenarios. For example, the hub may not be able to supply enough juice to a mobile device to run a full-fledged game of Monopoly. Nonetheless, a powered USB hub is the next best thing to having a powered USB port on hand.
Interoperability issues
The USB On-The-Go (OTG) specification has paved the way for new and emerging peripherals to connect to your PC and exchange data without the need for a dedicated host. OTG products are available from a wide range of manufacturers. They typically include a USB Type-C cable and an adapter that enables standard USB peripherals to be connected to the OTG device.
For a USB peripheral to perform the trick, it must also have a driver and software to properly configure its connection with your PC. While some peripherals, such as a digital camera, might have a few drivers on board, others require a more involved installation process. This is where the OTG supplement comes in. It reduces the drive current needed for the devices to operate, and it adds some additional protocols, like the USB 3.0 Targeted Peripheral List, to facilitate the transfer of data.
Another novelty is the No Silent Failures feature. This allows the user to detect whether or not a particular USB device is compatible with their system and provides a nifty little gizmo to alert the user of a possible issue. A USB device can also be a limited host, allowing the computer to act as a limited hub for other USB devices.
The OTG specifications also require your PC to display an LED to indicate the presence of the USB-OTG cable, and to display a message to the end user about the device’s capabilities. As a side note, your mobile phone might also read a removable media as an OTG host, if you have one.
There are a number of pitfalls and challenges to be aware of when implementing the USB On-The-Go specification. Fortunately, the standards body is aware of them and has already addressed several of them. However, there is still room for improvement.
One solution is to implement OTG-specific device classes, like OTG mass storage devices. These classes provide a high level description of the characteristics of mass storage devices. If you’re using an OTG-enabled device to read and write a mass-storage file, you should be sure to pick one of the many file systems that are supported by the OTG supplement, or the device will be useless.
Devices that don’t support USB On-The-Go
If you want to connect a USB device to your Android phone, you need to know if the device supports USB On-The-Go (OTG). This feature allows the phone to act as a host, which means it can be used to read data from a USB device without the need for a computer. However, not all devices support this feature. You can check if your device supports it using the USB OTG Checker app.
The USB On-The-Go specification is a standardized set of protocols that allow devices to act as both a host and a slave, or master, on a single port. It is designed to work with both Micro-USB and USB-C connections. Devices can switch between these roles as needed.
Most modern Android phones have USB OTG functionality. This is useful if you want to use a video game controller or your DSLR camera. Alternatively, you can use an OTG hub to connect several devices to your smartphone or tablet. These hubs can be powered and can even offer a 15-foot extension of your USB cable.
However, not all devices are capable of using the full-size USB port. In these cases, you’ll need an adapter. For example, a USB 2.0 OTG Adapter can be bought. And, if you have an external hard drive, you can use a USB OTG cable to plug it into your phone.
While the USB OTG protocol is not supported by iOS, there are other ways to transfer data between your Android and your PC. You can download a free app called USB OTG Checker. That’ll test your device’s hardware and software, and tell you if it supports the OTG standard.
Some phones may also present as a USB Mass Storage Device when connected to a PC. Fortunately, you can easily fix this problem. Use an external hub if the drive has a large memory capacity. Or, you can store your files in the cloud.
There are plenty of peripherals available for iOS and Android devices, from storage devices and keyboards to cameras and more. All you need is the right OS and the correct USB adaptor.
Examples of OTG products
USB OTG, short for “On The Go”, is a new specification that allows USB devices to be attached and used directly with other devices. For example, an OTG cable allows a phone or a tablet to act as a host for a mouse or keyboard. In turn, the mouse or keyboard can access the device’s memory or storage without the need for a PC. This makes it convenient for those who want to access their files or perform other tasks without connecting their computer.
OTG protocols rely on electrical signaling via a dedicated wire, rather than through a standard USB hub. Therefore, they are not compatible with most conventional USB hubs. Also, some devices can be incompatible with the host and peripheral roles of an OTG device. These incompatibilities may cause interoperability issues.
Some examples of OTG products are wireless dongles and OTG USB sticks. While these dongles are generally not as reliable as wired alternatives, they can be made to work with third-party apps. Wireless dongles are not supported by all Android phones and tablets. However, the majority of devices can be connected to an Android phone or tablet with a USB OTG cable.
Similarly, some memory sticks can be plugged into a phone without a cable, and some external hard drives can be plugged into a phone as well. It is important to note that some drives may require an adapter.
If you are not sure whether your device is compatible with an OTG cable, check the packaging and user manuals. Also, look for the USB OTG logo on the product. Most manufacturers recommend checking your device’s support for OTG.
A USB OTG cable connects a phone or tablet to a USB memory stick, a flash drive or a keyboard. It uses a micro-B plug on one end and a mini-A plug on the other. With the right conductors, shielding and layers of protective material, an OTG cable can be optimized for the needs of your smartphone or tablet.
You can also connect an OTG cable to a USB-C port on a laptop or tablet. These devices can then be a host for a USB memory stick, a flash driver or a camera.