When we want to exchange files and documents between different computer equipment, the most common is to do it through a USB memory. The files are copied from a computer to said memory and then the USB is inserted into the computer to which they are to be transferred. This works very well with computers with Windows operating systems, but what do we do with Android tablets or smartphones? For these cases we have OTG memories available that help improve the external storage of the smartphone or tablet ..
The transfer of data through USB sticks is used especially when the computers are not on the same local network, where a folder could be shared between the two, which would be a very simple option to avoid having to copy and paste the files, that by having the files in this shared location, they would be available to any computer that had permissions within the local network.
What are OTG memories?
The USB OTG or USB host is an extension of the USB 2.0 standard , thanks to which we have more flexibility in managing the USB connection. A USB connection works with a master and slave architecture, that is, one device commands another. We connect a memory to the computer, and it will be the one that sends or can execute certain orders in the memory. If what we connect to a phone, the same thing happens, the smartphone occupies the role of slave.
The OTG extension allows connected USB devices to negotiate who's boss . In this way, the tablet that connected to the computer was a slave, can adopt the role of master if a memory is connected to said tablet. This allows that when connecting the USB memory it behaves as it happens on a computer, being able to read the storage and manage it as one more unit, to copy or transfer data in a comfortable way..
Why do I want an OTG memory if I have an SD card?
The question that may arise is why we want an OTG compatible memory if I already have an SD card that I can remove and connect to the computer to transfer the contents. The truth is that both in the case of smartphones and tablets, the microSD card needs an adapter to read the content in a card reader that is not always available.
On the other hand, we can also connect the phone or tablet through the USB connection to the computer , but we do not always have a cable at hand. It is in these cases where having a USB memory compatible with OTG can help us better manage the storage of our devices. It can even be a good option to improve their storage space, especially in the case of not having this SD card..
In addition, the same storage device can be used interchangeably on a smartphone, a tablet , etc., so that if we have several mobile devices in our house, we can take this storage wherever we need it in a simple way, just by connecting it to the tablet or the smartphone we want.
Types of OTG memories
Therefore, since we have to acquire a new USB memory, the ideal is that it is compatible with OTG so that it is more versatile when using it.
We have two options when it comes to use. On the one hand, there are the traditional memories, with a standard USB connection, which will need an OTG cable to connect to the tablet or smartphone . This cable has a microUSB connection that connects to the mobile device and on the other side a female USB where the memory would be inserted.
The other alternative we have is a USB memory with two connections, standard USB on the one hand and microUSB on the other. These types of memories are the most versatile, since we do not need anything else to be able to use them on tablets and laptops. An example is the Kingston microDuo of very small size, so they will not hinder the use of the tablet or smartphone while they are connected to it. They can be found with USB 2.0, 3.0 and type C connection, so they will adapt to all types of smartphones and tablets and computers.
Anyway, if we don't like memories so small, we have other models like the Transcend JetFlash of a larger size, somewhat more functional on a computer, but which will be more uncomfortable on a smartphone. In some cases they have a specific app that can be installed to help manage storage or make backup copies, although we must make sure that it is compatible with the version of Android that our devices have.
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