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[Q] Can the XOOM act as a USB Host?

Hi, can anyone who owns a XOOM pls let me know if you can plug in:
1) a USB flash drive to the XOOM, and view and open files on the drive?
2) an external hard drive and view and access files from your XOOM
Many thanks

masrinz said:
Hi, can anyone who owns a XOOM pls let me know if you can plug in:
1) a USB flash drive to the XOOM, and view and open files on the drive?
2) an external hard drive and view and access files from your XOOM
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the Xoom have a USB port? Pretty sure it only has MicroUSB. I guess they do have microusb flash drives not that I look.

Hi. Yup its only got micro USB, but I guess you could use the included adapter cable to plug in a flash drive.... we don't have the XOOM here yet, but the functionality of being able to connect a flash drive, move files e.g. PDF or .doc and then view them is important to me.

masrinz said:
Hi. Yup its only got micro USB, but I guess you could use the included adapter cable to plug in a flash drive.... we don't have the XOOM here yet, but the functionality of being able to connect a flash drive, move files e.g. PDF or .doc and then view them is important to me.
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Click to collapse
As of today what you want is not avab. The cable it comes with doesn't take input. They do have a cable online that will do this one day, but doesn't do it yet.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

The cable that Motorola "will" be selling is a micro-usb to standard usb (female) adapter. I'll look around for the sources, but I know that I saw this detailed in a few videos from Motorola techs and at least one reviewer site.
The cable is not just a straight conversion of form factor, but has the necessary pinout to instruct the Xoom to jump into usb host mode. From the reports that I saw, it would absolutely provide the ability to plug usb drives, cameras and other accessories into the xoom for direct access. In fact, the reviewer that I saw, made a comment that they had verified the functionality by plugging in a couple usb keyboards... supposedly worked like a champ.
Lame that we need a "special" adapter, but I can imagine that if it is just a pinout issue, it may be possible for the good folks here at XDA to craft a software solution that would allow us to bypass the motorola-branded cable... It would have been WAY cooler if it was a standard usb port, like some of the other tablets on the horizon.

Thanks. They mention in many reviews and I think Google mentioned it too that you can attach a mouse or keyboard by cable (I know about Bluetooth) which suggests that it should support input, so is it just a hardware interface thing or an actual firmware OS/software issue?
Edit: thanks for the great response gigglebox.... we posted simultaneously

Is this it?
http://www.clove.co.uk/motorola-xoom-camera-connection-kit

masrinz said:
Is this it?
http://www.clove.co.uk/motorola-xoom-camera-connection-kit
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Click to collapse
Visually, yeah. Looks like they took it off their site for some reason. In fact the only times that I saw this on Moto's site, was in the day or 2 leading up to the launch... when typing in xoom into the search bar on their landing page, it would spit out a drop-down menu listing the Camera Connection Kit (by name and pic).
I dont like the fact that they call it a "camera connection", but they werent pulling any punches about it serving as a host. They did note that the external storage (thumbdrives, etc) were not yet supported, but that they would be. The cameras and (according to them) keyboards were working now.

I believe it is possible but right now it is a software limitation.
More info here: https://supportforums.motorola.com/message/329075

Droid4All said:
I believe it is possible but right now it is a software limitation.
More info here: https://supportforums.motorola.com/message/329075
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Click to collapse
Agreed, the engineer from moto definitely says the hardware should accept any usb 2.0 or higher device, but it's a software issue. Toshiba have a straight usb and a micro usb port on their device so hopefully they're working on this.
We don't have the XOOM here yet, but hopefully by the time it becomes available (approx April) we might have the option of the Toshiba as well.

I use this USB host cable and it works great. Have tested it with my 750gb Oyen and 320gb WD Passport external HDD's, several usb flash drives (8-16gb), San disk USB memory card reader, and a USB keyboard.
For those having issues getting their Xoom to recognize USB storage devices here's what I've got and did to get it to work: I flashed my XOOM (3.1) to the 2.6.36.4 Tiamat_Xoom-v1.4.4-Full_Throttle Kernel and was unable to get the USBMount to recognize drives or storage at first. I installed USB Mass Storage Watcher from the market (it's free) and it works awesome! Can mount any storage I want (NTFS, FAT16/32, HFS, HFS+, EXT2, ETX3, EXT4) with any capacity. I think this app will work with any rooted Xoom (or other devices). Under my Kernel my USB host is located under/usbOTG.
Hope this helps.

FYI ... I've checked it and stock ROM Xoom without root is able to operate standard PC keyboard/mouse using basic one-to-one usb->microusb adapter (without any electronics onboard).
Probably with proper dual socket usb adapter (also without electronics onboard) it would be possible to connect both keyboard and mouse at once.

irekd said:
FYI ... I've checked it and stock ROM Xoom without root is able to operate standard PC keyboard/mouse using basic one-to-one usb->microusb adapter (without any electronics onboard).
Probably with proper dual socket usb adapter (also without electronics onboard) it would be possible to connect both keyboard and mouse at once.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you have a Logitech keyboard and mouse that connect by the unifying receiver,or mostly any keyboard+mouse combo that connects by one receiver, then only a standard OTG cable should work.

[Q] USB Hosting

I bought a small micro - usb female adapter. When I plug it in, no matter what device i use it seems as those the xoom is not sending any power through it.
Ive tried
Camera
Charge Phone
usb mouse
usb wireless mouse
nothing is getting power.
Is there something i need to enable or do? Or has anyone esle has this issue? I am on 3.1....

You can not use a simple micro usb adapter cable, it has to be an OTG USB Host cable like the official Motorola camera connection kit that is now available. This is a bit expensive but readily available at your local Best Buy.
Take a look at some of the many posts on OTG cables and you can find info on cheaper cables that have been verified to work or on how to make your own.

you need a USB Host cable. Not just a regular sync cable. You can google for one or search the threads here where others have linked to confirmed working cables.

dang, thanks guys

I ordered one from ebay! hope it works

I have a question that applies here, I am on stock 3.1 Xoom WiFi/3G and just got my OTG cable, plug it in usb drive blinks like its working but where is it located on the Xoom? I've been looking around for it with Astro and File Explorer and I'm unable to find it... could someone tell me the path?

Techsniffer said:
I have a question that applies here, I am on stock 3.1 Xoom WiFi/3G and just got my OTG cable, plug it in usb drive blinks like its working but where is it located on the Xoom? I've been looking around for it with Astro and File Explorer and I'm unable to find it... could someone tell me the path?
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Click to collapse
i believe stock 3.1 only supports MTP, hence no USB mass storage.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_Transfer_Protocol

I've heard many conflicting stories, I would like some sort of confirmation rather then speculation about what will/will not work with the Moto Xoom (Stock 3.1) Wifi/3g and an OTG cable because I've seen posts saying yes and no to USB, portable HD's etc etc. Can anyone even provide me with some informative links? Everything I've searched for has been less than informative.

So, stock 3.1 Xoom is an MTP device, that is true.
However, with latest series of Tiamat custom kernels by Bigrushdog (see Android Development section) the usbOTG has been enabled. If you have already rooted and installed the proper bootloader/Tiamat kernel, then in File Expert you will find the usbOTG folder on the root directory, same level as internal sdcard and data folders. If you go up a step in sdcard, you should see your external sdcard. Is this clear?

I have rooted, using the Tiamat 1.6, I have access to the sdcard now but I am still unable to access my usb drive (thumb drive). I have an OTG usb cable and when I go into the /OTGusb its empty. The drive blinks as if its initializing but then nothing.

On a side note, I have looked through both OTGusb folders, restarted the Xoom with the OTG and usb plugged in as suggested in another post and nothing I've tried has worked in locating the usb drive.

Techsniffer said:
I have rooted, using the Tiamat 1.6, I have access to the sdcard now but I am still unable to access my usb drive (thumb drive). I have an OTG usb cable and when I go into the /OTGusb its empty. The drive blinks as if its initializing but then nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've found that there are two factors which may be in play here...
1. When I connect a flash drive it takes a bit of time for the directory structure to parse... It does show up in the OTGusb directory.
2. I've found that anything larger than 8GB (I've seen it stated in the forums as well) does not work (of if it does it takes forever and a day to become available)
Hope it helps...

I have same problem here. whenever I try to connect the USB with Motorola connector, it doesn't appear anything in otgusb

I'm not sure I am going to get what I want at this time with the OTG cable. My goal is to be able to use the OTG cable to connect a USB thumb drive to so I can carry additional movies, documents, etc without completely consuming the main Xoom storage.
Can the OTGusb cable support this? Do I need to wait for yet another update?
TIA

[Q] Help! Can't use any USB devices...

I've looked at all relevant threads in the Xoom forums and on the web but still can't find the solution to my problem so I'm hoping one of you guys can help me.
I have:
1.Motorola Xoom US WiFi(But bought in Singapore, MZ604)
2.Working DIYed USB Host Cable(I plugged my DHD into the microUSB end and a normal USB-USB cable at the other then plugged into my computer
3.Sandisk ThumbDrive, Kingston ThumbDrive, FAT32
4.Microsoft USB Mouse
I'm running the awesomely win Tiamat ROM(thanks) as well as the kernel which I was told worked from the this thread(Tiamat 1.4.2), I have the USB Watcher OTG app too. But not only can I not mount or use any USB device, the devices do not light up. there appears to be no power flowing to the devices.
A little help please
Thanks for reading this post
BTW After flashing the 1.4.4 Kernel my WiFi refused to work so I downgraded.

When you searched other threads, you missed a very relevant one. In this section, exactly 12 posts below yours, is a similar thread with this post:
"I'm not sure if its a power problem or the unusual way the built-in Sandisk software mounts the drive (it mounts as a "cd drive" in Windows); but Sandisks are problematic.
If you can, please try another thumb drive just to be sure. Preferably, one with no lights (to minimize power requirements) and not a Sandisk or Kingston, which both use proprietary built-in software upon insertion into PC usb ports."
Secondly, you should not have flashed another Tiamat kernel. 1.4.4 is included in the Tiamat 1.0 ROM. BRD stated that in the OP of that thread. You may want to reflash the Tiamat 1.0 ROM again. Then you will not need to flash any other kernel.

I'm sorry if I was not clear, but my sandisk or Kingston appears to be of the type which does not have the annoying U3 thing(the thing mentioned that causes the thumbdrive to mount as a cd drive.) I reflashed the 1.4.4 kernel just to be sure it's there(oh and I did reflash the ROM), and got a error what prevented WiFi from working. And none of the USB devices I tried(including the kingston with no lights) worked. I think there's no power, so I'm looking for help here. Anyway thanks for reading my long post, sorry if I'm annoying.

tlkh said:
I'm sorry if I was not clear, but my sandisk or Kingston appears to be of the type which does not have the annoying U3 thing(the thing mentioned that causes the thumbdrive to mount as a cd drive.) I reflashed the 1.4.4 kernel just to be sure it's there(oh and I did reflash the ROM), and got a error what prevented WiFi from working. And none of the USB devices I tried(including the kingston with no lights) worked. I think there's no power, so I'm looking for help here. Anyway thanks for reading my long post, sorry if I'm annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your wifi is not working, I would recommend reflashing the ROM. USB drive connection has been problematic. See this thread > http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1068999

I usually connect devices through a hub on a stock unrooted xoom wifi running 3.1. Without the hub I've found usb mice work without external power (provided by the hub) but flash drives do not. For troubleshooting maybe try connecting through an externally powered hub to see if you don't meet the power requirements.
Honestly though, since the flash drive's light doesn't even come on it sounds like the xoom is not recognizing that it should be a host which hints to me that there's something wrong with the cable. The way you tested it doesn't sound like it tests the OTG part of the cable (the 5th pin) because the PC will be the host either way. I just bought Motorola's Camera Connection Kit off of amazon. I figured for long term use it's better than a home made one anyway. I'd post the link but I don't have enough posts yet...just search Motorola Camera Connection Kit on amazon if you're interested.

[Q] Tether a rooted TF700 to a rooted Android phone via USB

Hi,
I have a rooted TF700 and a rooted Nexus S both running CM10.1. Is it possible to connect a USB cable from the dock of the Infinity to the Nexus S and use its network connection? If I plug a cable in then the USB tethering option in Settings is greyed out.
I imagine this would involve the use of a different kernel - I'm willing to try and make my own if I need to and someone can point out what config option needs to be compiled in.
steev

daviessm said:
Hi,
I have a rooted TF700 and a rooted Nexus S both running CM10.1. Is it possible to connect a USB cable from the dock of the Infinity to the Nexus S and use its network connection? If I plug a cable in then the USB tethering option in Settings is greyed out.
I imagine this would involve the use of a different kernel - I'm willing to try and make my own if I need to and someone can point out what config option needs to be compiled in.
steev
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do it, add the ability for two android devices to be connected together, one as host and the other as attached media device or attached storage so they can exchange files.
Regarding internet sharing, I do this now with my tab and my phone but over wifi. I just toggle my phones wifi hotspot (or you can tether for free with PDANet and FoxFi; depends on carrier - on Verizon fails to be able to download market apps so was dysfunctional for me) and connect the tabs wifi to the phones wifi shared internet (definition of a wifi hotspot). Waaaay better, no wires. And works on stock or unlocked/rooted/ROMd.

elfaure said:
If you do it, add the ability for two android devices to be connected together, one as host and the other as attached media device or attached storage so they can exchange files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is already possible using the Prime/Infinity dock's USB port I believe. Using the micro USB port on the tablet itself would not be possible as it registers as a client not a host.
elfaure said:
Regarding internet sharing, I do this now with my tab and my phone but over wifi. I just toggle my phones wifi hotspot (or you can tether for free with PDANet and FoxFi; depends on carrier - on Verizon fails to be able to download market apps so was dysfunctional for me) and connect the tabs wifi to the phones wifi shared internet (definition of a wifi hotspot). Waaaay better, no wires. And works on stock or unlocked/rooted/ROMd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, this already works fine using the built-in Android hotspot. My issue is that my phone's battery dies in a couple of hours doing this. I want to use USB because it would use much less power on both the phone and the tablet (and the phone would actually charge while plugged into the dock!).

Actually it seems to work already! I was being less than smart and had forgotten to turn on 'USB tether' on the phone. It's a pity there's no notification on the tablet to show it has an internet connection via USB though.

[Q] Lenovo S6000L ROM/OTG HELP. Assistance is greatly appreciated.

I recently purchased the Lenovo S6000L tablet for the purpose of traveling. I wanted a large screen (10.1) tablet that could do the basic functions of a laptop, without having to lug around my 17.3 inch HP laptop to and from work/etc. My issue is, I work for a company that will not allow us to access their WiFi (security reasons), but we can use any LAN. I purchased an OTG cable and a USB to Ethernet converter. To my surprise, my Lenovo tablet wouldn't recognize the converter, thus, not allowing me to access the internet via the OTG cable. After that failure, I decided to root my tablet, which I did. Even with the root I can't seem to tweak the tablet to allow the internet connection bridge to work. Being P/O, I decided to go a step further by flashing a custom ROM to the tablet in hope that a different ROM would read and react to the OTG setup, but I'm unable to find a ROM that would work. Well their you have it, this is my big issue. Even though those are the steps I've taken or are willing to take, doesn't mean It's the only thing I'm looking to do, I'm open to anything that will work. So I desperately ask, does anyone have or know of a solution for me to use a RJ45 ethernet cable on this S6000L Lenovo tablet?
P.S. I've hooked up the USB to Ethernet to my PC and it worked, so it's not faulty. I've hooked up a flash drive to my tablet via the OTG cable and that worked also, so the OTG cable works as well.
USB to ethernet adapter I'm using: Gigaware® USB Ethernet Adapter

Wayne_1da said:
I recently purchased the Lenovo S6000L tablet for the purpose of traveling. I wanted a large screen (10.1) tablet that could do the basic functions of a laptop, without having to lug around my 17.3 inch HP laptop to and from work/etc. My issue is, I work for a company that will not allow us to access their WiFi (security reasons), but we can use any LAN. I purchased an OTG cable and a USB to Ethernet converter. To my surprise, my Lenovo tablet wouldn't recognize the converter, thus, not allowing me to access the internet via the OTG cable. After that failure, I decided to root my tablet, which I did. Even with the root I can't seem to tweak the tablet to allow the internet connection bridge to work. Being P/O, I decided to go a step further by flashing a custom ROM to the tablet in hope that a different ROM read and react to the OTG setup, but I'm unable to find a ROM that would work. Well their you have it, this is my big issue. Even though those are the steps I've taken or are willing to take, doesn't mean It's the only thing I'm looking to do, I'm open to anything that will work. So I desperately ask, does anyone have or know of a solution for me to use a RJ45 ethernet cable on this S6000L Lenovo tablet?
P.S. I've hooked up the USB to Ethernet to my PC and it worked, so it's not faulty. I've hooked up a flash drive to my tablet via the OTG cable and that worked also, so the OTG cable works as well.
USB to ethernet adapter I'm using: Gigaware® USB Ethernet Adapter
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Click to collapse
you cannot use like that because to use internet from other device to android you must use reverse tethering method and it can be done only from connecting it to a laptop or pc
so yyou cant use internet directly from lan cable to your tab

I don't want to use it from another device.
pradeepxtremehacker said:
you cannot use like that because to use internet from other device to android you must use reverse tethering method and it can be done only from connecting it to a laptop or pc
so yyou cant use internet directly from lan cable to your tab
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not using it from another device, I'm only using it and want to use it from a router and/or directly from a modem. I only hooked the adapter to my laptop once just to verify the adapter was working.

Wayne_1da said:
I'm not using it from another device, I'm only using it and want to use it from a router and/or directly from a modem. I only hooked the adapter to my laptop once just to verify the adapter was working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i understood your question
i said there is no way to use internet in tab from lan cable

The Nexus 7 tablet does it.
pradeepxtremehacker said:
yes i understood your question
i said there is no way to use internet in tab from lan cable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Corrections for the above reply: I misread your reply. In theory, reverse tethering is the same method. A source that contains internet(PC) that you bridge to your tablet and gives it internet. The Nexus 7 is one tablet that allows you to bridge a RJ45 to the tablet for LAN access, and their are others. My best guess is it's an software issue that Lenovo has blocked, but I'm looking for a way around it. I don't know if they added anything specific to the stock that is killing that use or is it just that the adapter I purchased isn't compatible with what I believe is Linux based software. As I said, I will travel any path to victory, even if I have to flash software that's used on the Nexus 7, if possible.
Sorry for the delay, I'm at work and people keep coming to me.

Houston, I believe I have a solution to my problem!!
I have no clue why I didn't think about it earlier but all it may take to remedy my issue can be spelled with one word, Portable Wireless Router. Ok, that's 3 words, but who cares! I don't. Whenever I'm in a situation where LAN is available but WLAN isn't, I figure all I would have to do is to plug the LAN into my soon to be purchased TP-LINK TL-WR702N 150Mbps Wireless N Nano Router. And BOOM! my own private WiFi hotspot.