When we want to exchange files and documents between different computers, the most common thing 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 equipment to which they are to be transferred. This works very well with computers with a Windows operating system, but what do we do with Android tablets or mobiles? For these cases we have created the OTG memory, a type of storage that helps to better manage the files of the smartphone or tablet .
Index
What are OTG memories?
Why do I want an OTG memory if I have an SD card?
What OTG memory to buy?
What are OTG memories?
USB OTG or USB host is an extension of the USB 2.0 standard , thanks to which we have more flexibility in managing this type of connection. This works with a 'master and slave' type architecture, that is: one device rules over another. Thus, we connect a memory to the computer, and it will be this one that can execute certain orders in the memory. If what we connect is a telephone, the same thing happens: the smartphone occupies the role of slave..
By contrast, the OTG extension allows connected USB devices to 'negotiate' who's boss . In this way, the tablet that was connected to the computer was a slave, can take on the role of master if a memory of this class is connected. This allows the device to behave just like a computer when connecting the USB memory, being able to read the storage and manage it as one more unit, to copy or transfer data comfortably.
Why do I want an OTG memory if I have an SD card?
The question that may arise now is why we want an OTG compatible memory if I already have an SD card that I can take out and connect to the computer to transfer the contents. The truth is that, both in the case of mobile phones and tablets, the microSD card needs an adapter to read the content, and it is not always something within reach.
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 our disposal. It is in these cases where having an OTG compatible memory can help us better manage the storage of our devices..
In addition, we can use the same storage device indistinctly on a smartphone or a tablet , so that if we have several mobile devices in our house, we have the possibility of taking this storage wherever we go.
What OTG memory to buy?
Now: what OTG memory suits me? This will depend on your storage needs. We can find them from 14 euros with a capacity of 64 gigabytes (GB), and for just over 80 euros if you need it with 512 GB of space. However, if you prefer to use a traditional USB, you would need a cable for the type A to micro-USB or type C output, depending on your mobile. This cable, for example, adapts to any of the two outputs that a mobile phone can currently have.