Smart adapter connects USB accessories to your Android device

Josh Miller/CNET

With iPad

Camera connection kit allowing users to connect a variety of unexpected USB devices

(like a MIDI keyboard) to their iPads, the next logical question was, "Is there something similar for Android?"

Although not advertised or sold by any of the major Android phone manufacturers, the solution is a cheap cable called a USB On-The-Go adapter.

USB on the go

(Amazon link), or USB OTG, is basically a female USB port that plugs into the Micro-USB port on a phone or tablet, allowing you to connect devices that use a standard USB 2.0 or 3.0 connection. In a nutshell, the adapter allows the Android device to be a "USB host", powering and communicating with the connected device.

Compatibility

Until now, it has been difficult to determine which Android devices are compatible with the USB OTG cable. It is clear, however, that the Samsung family of Android phones and tablets are the most user-friendly of them all, allowing users to connect the wider variety of USB devices.

Even though USB host mode is technically available on devices running Android 3.1 and later, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must enable this feature. And, even then, the OEM may limit the types of USB devices supported. charge by Android phone or tablet.

Using this crowdsourced chart and some of our own testing, we've found the following devices to be compatible with USB OTG:

Josh Miller/CNET

Samsung Galaxy S II (S2)

Samsung Galaxy S III (S3)

Galaxy Nexus*

Nexus 7*

Droid RAZR

Samsung Galaxy Tab

Acer Iconia Tab A200

Acer Iconia Tab A500

Archos G9

Adam Ink Concept

Motorola Xoom

Toshiba Excite 10

Sony S tablet

So it's clear that many Android phones don't support USB host mode. It's possible that OEMs will include the feature in future software updates, but until then those who want to connect USB accessories to their unsupported Android devices will need to root.

*Although the Galaxy Nexus family supports many USB accessories, it does not support mass storage devices, such as USB flash drives.

Using USB OTG Adapter

There are no instructions on how to use the USB OTG adapter or what USB accessories are compatible with it. So, I unloaded my drawer of USB stuff and got to work.

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When you plug the OTG adapter into your Android device, a prompt notification will appear telling you that the phone or tablet has recognized the adapter and is ready to be a USB host.

From here you can start plugging in a number of USB devices. Here are the ones I tested with the Samsung Galaxy S III (S3):

USB flash drive: When you plug in a USB flash drive, your Android device will quickly display its contents. You can play movies, listen to music and view photos or documents. The interface also allows you to move or copy files from your USB flash drive to your phone's SD card. It's the most convenient use of USB OTG adapter and a great way to quickly transfer files or expand your device's storage. If, by any chance, your device does not recognize the USB drive, try to access it with an application like ES File Explorer.

Desktop Keyboard: If you need to write for a long time, you can use a standard computer keyboard (wired or wireless) to type on your Android phone or tablet. Even shortcuts like Ctrl-A and Ctrl-X will work.

Mouse: This was quite surprising - when you connect a mouse (wired or wireless), a pointer appears on your Android screen. With this, you can use the mouse just like you would your finger.

USB Hub: What if you want to connect a keyboard and mouse at the same time? With a USB hub plugged into the OTG adapter, that's exactly what you can do. Of course, your battery will drain a little faster, but the setup may be worth it for experienced users.

Powered Hard Drive: Because your Android powers whatever device it's plugged into, a portable (non-powered) hard drive won't work. However, a

powered

the hard drive will do this, as it depends on power from an external source. With the hard drive connected, you can read, write and transfer all stored files.

PS3 Controller: Now that's pretty crazy. The Samsung Galaxy S III is compatible with the PS3 controller. As soon as you connect it, you can navigate the interface using the analog (thumb) controller. More important Still, the controller is compatible with some Android games. So far, the inventory of games compatible with PS3 controllers has been hit or miss, but Sega games (like Sonic) definitely work.

Card Reader: Photographers will appreciate USB OTG's compatibility with card readers. In theory, you can take high-quality photos with your camera and upload them on the go using your phone or Android tablet. It could also be useful for professional photographers who can show previews to their clients or share photo shoot previews via apps like Instagram.

DSLR Camera (Canon T3i): The OTG adapter coupled to your DSLR's USB cable allows you to tether your camera to your phone or tablet. Using an app like

Remote release

Where

DSLR Controller

, you can even use your Android device as a remote shutter, as well as control camera settings and mirror them live.

USB to Ethernet adapter: If Wi-Fi is not available or you want an ultra-stable Internet connection, you can connect a USB to Ethernet adapter (

like this one

) to your USB OTG and connect the phone or tablet to a wired Ethernet connection.

Over time, more Android devices will probably support USB hosting. If you discover any additional devices that support the USB OTG adapter or other compatible USB accessories, please let me know in the comments.