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Just got one of these smartcables from ebay for £4.99. Thought I would give you guys a quick review, because I think these are pretty cool. I saw a thread here where people claimed they did not work as sync cables, and only charged. I can confirm that my cable WORKS FOR DATA TRANSFER ON THE DESIRE.
This thing is great - the metal barrel unscrews to reveal an USB plug and a microUSB plug connected by about 7cm of cable. The tip of the USB plug itself is hollow and allows a microSD(HC) card to be inserted and read. The barrel is 16mm in diameter and about 3.5cm long, plus the loop of cable. Might be a bit too big a keychain for some of you - I don't mind as I carry a whole jumble of stuff anyways.
There is a tiny slide switch just above the USB plug which switches between connecting to the phone or the integrated microSD card reader - the computer can only see one at a time. While the switch is set to microSD, the phone can still charge. I think the people who couldn't get these to transmit data either didn't discover this switch or had defective cables. The switch really isn't obvious and requires something pointy to toggle (I find the end of a key just about works).
There are two LEDs - a red one which lights up whenever there is a USB connection and a blue one which indicates the SD card reader is active.
I would recommend these to anyone wanting a portable cable, either for sync of for topping up the battery. Coupled with a microSD card, this acts as a perfectly decent flash drive.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=669622&highlight=smartcable
mine does not work for data transfer PC<->Android
stingerpl said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=669622&highlight=smartcable
mine does not work for data transfer PC<->Android
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Yeah, I bought one because of that thread. Mine definitely syncs, you should get yours replaced.
I got one also, after the original post. Syncs just fine if the tiny switch is in the correct position.
what does thing actually do?
it charges and synces same time? what about synching and using as disk at same time?
It has a switch which can toggle between two modes:
- Charge and sync phone like any USB cable
OR
- Charge mobile and act as a microSD card reader
The seller just said me that it doesn't work for HTC Desire...
Yeah, the seller insisted that these only work on Nokia phones with a "5 PIN" connector when I asked him. Google reveals that these phones just use a standard micro-USB port. The cable arrived with a "For Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson" sticker. Again, mine works fine - the seller probably can't test this and would rather lose sales than have people complaining when stuff doesn't work.
so using it as disk and syncing same time isnt possible?
Nope, you need to unplug the cable and toggle the tiny switch.
The switch is just a physical toggle on the data pin switching between the device connected to the cable and the data pin of the card reader in the head of the USB plug.
Switch it one way, one has data, switch it the other, the other does.
Keep it in the middle (astable) then either both or non do and you get a lovely mess
So it should work, right?
Julian1984 said:
So it should work, right?
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Click to collapse
I have one of these sitting in front of me.
Yes I can sync data with my desire, yes I can charge and (with a flick of the switch) I yes I can read a sd card however that last function is not important to me.
But for some reason, this is bigger than I expected it to be,
Mine works for data as well, as already mentioned its just a shame they couldn't have made it a bit smaller.
This looks like just what I have been after. I can only see them for £12.99 (not the £4.99 the link has and that seller has only SE and the wrong type of Nokia) on ebay. Before I place an order as it still seems worth it, does anyone know another place to buy from? Thanks.
Snowdan said:
This looks like just what I have been after. I can only see them for £12.99 (not the £4.99 the link has and that seller has only SE and the wrong type of Nokia) on ebay. Before I place an order as it still seems worth it, does anyone know another place to buy from? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't buy one for £13, wait until the seller updates their listings with more of the £5 ones.
The switch on this is insane it is almost completely hidden, it doesn't even poke out or anything.
Yes, but in general use you don't need the switch.
It's only there if you want to plug a micro-sd card directly into the USB connector.
If, like me, you just want it to charge/access your Desire, you can leave the switch in the other position.
Regards,
Dave
Well I never! I've had this cable for about 2months now and not even realised there was a switch there! J changed it over last night and it didn't really work, 'connection failed' type thing came up on the pc, but the phone recognises the pc is there, so maybe I was just unlucky. Would highly recommend this cable..
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Stubzz said:
Mine works for data as well, as already mentioned its just a shame they couldn't have made it a bit smaller.
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Click to collapse
Can some one please post some pictures of it next to the desire?
User tinytom21 made some pictures in "Desire Accessories > Keychain-able USB-micorUSB Charging cable > 3'rd page"
But you cant really understand how big/small it is from those...
You can get USB OTG to connect to a micro sd card to why not incorporate it into a case to avoid the hassle. And maybe if there's room make the rest of the space into and external wireless battery?
A wireless battery will also make it heavier. A tiny flash storage + micro usb input will be nice though.
Wouldn't that case restrict you to wireless charging? Sorry if I'm not caught up on using the otg usb and still charging using micro-usb.
Even so, I think unless you're adding a battery along the entire back of the phone, the balance will be messed up. And if you do that, it will make it pretty big.
does usb otg even work on the N4 with its slimport?
jayjay2244 said:
You can get USB OTG to connect to a micro sd card to why not incorporate it into a case to avoid the hassle. And maybe if there's room make the rest of the space into and external wireless battery?
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Click to collapse
There is at least one other thread here about a DIY case with a microsd card but USB OTG is not available with the Nexus 4.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium HD app
it's a nice idea. Had it a while back and thought I'd keep it to myself if I ever could make a business out of it. Would take care of all these no microsd phones. In the cases of those with removable backs you could get a special back that includes the clot and wires into the USB
Hi there, unfortunately nexus 4 don't have micro SD slot for memory card. I thought about how get to device additional memory. At the market there is nice gadgets like Seagate wi drive and other portable WiFi drive. Now I use 3g Wi-Fi router with shared over ftp micro SD card. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=37531070#post37531070
at this link I have review how I to do it. If you have idea about wireless access additional memory, please post here. I'm will happy to see your review and gadgets that's can help improve memory for nexus 4 usage
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Trouble is I need the space for music on the move!
spile said:
Trouble is I need the space for music on the move!
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Click to collapse
I had the same problem and here's what I did..
Got a small MP3 player like the Sandisk Sansa Clip+ .. put a 16GB memory card in it and now i'm good to go.
Amazon has it for $30.
SQ will be as good/if not better than your Nexus 4 and you will save on your Phone's battery also.
Would a WI drive work? Not sure how their companoin app works though.
http://www.kingston.com/en/usb/wireless#wid
what would be better is if they make a cable or adapter that allows you to plug in a flash drive. much more smaller to carry around in your pocket, backpack, car, or wherever.
polobreaka said:
what would be better is if they make a cable or adapter that allows you to plug in a flash drive. much more smaller to carry around in your pocket, backpack, car, or wherever.
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Click to collapse
You mean OTG? It's not functioning on the N4,,,,yet.
But when, and IF, someone gets it working, check out this.
setzer715 said:
You mean OTG? It's not functioning on the N4,,,,yet.
But when, and IF, someone gets it working, check out this.
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Click to collapse
Thanks! i never looked into an OTG cable. Ive always thought it was only meant for video output.
So this is my first post... Noob post.
Shout out to parmghali for posting the exact same idea a few years back for the galaxy nexus.
I want a 2 part case that slides onto the N4. This case would jack into the micro usb port and then also have a slot for a micro sd card.
Somebody make it and sell it to me.
Pay me $10,000 start-up fee and I'll make one for you.
I'll do it for $9,999.
Sent from my C6602 using Tapatalk 2
con3784 said:
So this is my first post... Noob post.
Shout out to parmghali for posting the exact same idea a few years back for the galaxy nexus.
I want a 2 part case that slides onto the N4. This case would jack into the micro usb port and then also have a slot for a micro sd card.
Somebody make it and sell it to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the closest thing that I could find for you:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects...der-for-android-smartphones-and-ta?ref=search
But unfortunately, it doesn't support the Nexus 4, only Nexus 7 and others.
Sadly, the Nexus 4 does not support USB OTG without any kind of custom kernel and external power. OTG is disabled in the kernel level, and the motherboard can only output 3.3 volts out of the USB port. In order to get the required 5 volts, you would need a Y splitter cord attached to some other power source
lopezk38 said:
Sadly, the Nexus 4 does not support USB OTG without any kind of custom kernel and external power. OTG is disabled in the kernel level, and the motherboard can only output 3.3 volts out of the USB port. In order to get the required 5 volts, you would need a Y splitter cord attached to some other power source
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTG is possible with Zippey's kernel. You'll need a external source of power as well to power the usb flashdrive like a external battery.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2181820
Related:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38076758#post38076758
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mpqiq-FHDV4
abe in space said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mpqiq-FHDV4
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LMFAO
Why not have a extended battery case with built in micro card reader or dual sim reader that make more sense iPhone 4 has got battery and dual sim so why not battery and msdcard slot case like the ones off ebay
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
dannyling said:
Why not have a extended battery case with built in micro card reader or dual sim reader that make more sense iPhone 4 has got battery and dual sim so why not battery and msdcard slot case like the ones off ebay
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did ask why. I'd think you could glean that from the above posts, but I'm bored, so allow me to explain.
Making a case for the Nexus 4 with both an extended battery and a microSD card reader would be a major engineering challenge. You'd have to build a case that knows when a microSD card was plugged in, to provide power to the Micro-USB card reader portion of the case. You'd have to route that power from the battery, while still including the circuitry necessary to charge the Nexus 4 itself, simultaneously. All of this would take up space and cost money to design, implement, test, and manufacture. It would likely be an expensive accessory when all was said and done, not because of the materials inside, but because of the work that would be required to make it.
Add to that the fact that you could only use the device if you were willing to root, and install a custom kernel modification that would enable USB OTG from here on XDA. The thread for this kernel mod so far has 88 'thanks' posts. Even if we assume the number of people interested in installing this modification is 100 times bigger than that, we aren't left with a particularly large market for this case. And since people are stupid, how many people do you think would buy the case not knowing about the complication and the required kernel customization, and then return the case at the expense of the seller? Comparing all that to how much easier it is to make a case for an iPhone 4 (an order-of-magnitude more popular phone, particularly if you remember that the case would work on the 4S as well and add the two together) that doesn't require any special nerdy software wizardry to work is just silly. Small market. Large cost. Not to mention Android phone owners are notoriously cheap compared to iPhone owners.
So I reiterate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mpqiq-FHDV4
Though if the aim is to give you more external storage you can use an external WiFi drive to achieve the same result - yes?
spile said:
Though if the aim is to give you more external storage you can use an external WiFi drive to achieve the same result - yes?
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yeah but then you're ****ed for data.
LOL
I thought you might say a Case with a battery for the External power To run the OTG )
ziddey said:
yeah but then you're ****ed for data.
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Click to collapse
Not necessarily. As most know, nexus devices have a hotspot feature that allows devices to connect to it..and I'm fairly certain that there's an app in the play store that allows you to achieve this fairly easily.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using Tapatalk HD
atermify said:
Not necessarily. As most know, nexus devices have a hotspot feature that allows devices to connect to it..and I'm fairly certain that there's an app in the play store that allows you to achieve this fairly easily.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using Tapatalk HD
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clever! :good:
But in all actuality, this still doesn't really fix the issue because you would still need a way to power the drive..but it could work for long car rides if you pair it with a power invertor (convertor?) and leave the drive somewhere where it wouldn't get bumped around too much.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using Tapatalk HD
atermify said:
But in all actuality, this still doesn't really fix the issue because you would still need a way to power the drive..but it could work for long car rides if you pair it with a power invertor (convertor?) and leave the drive somewhere where it wouldn't get bumped around too much.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using Tapatalk HD
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Oh maybe I'm confused with what you were suggesting then.
Those wifi storage things have a built in battery that lasts some limited hours. The problem is that if you're connected to wifi that isn't connected to the internet, there goes your internet on your phone too. But your suggestion of pairing to the wifi storage by turning on the hotspot mode is a great idea. In the end, it's entirely inefficient and bulky, so it's still not a great full-time solution.
Might as well go the powered otg route. Modify one of those 2 port usb cigarette adapters, plug the phone to one port and your usb drive in the other. Easy storage in the car if that's the goal.
ziddey said:
Oh maybe I'm confused with what you were suggesting then.
Those wifi storage things have a built in battery that lasts some limited hours. The problem is that if you're connected to wifi that isn't connected to the internet, there goes your internet on your phone too. But your suggestion of pairing to the wifi storage by turning on the hotspot mode is a great idea. In the end, it's entirely inefficient and bulky, so it's still not a great full-time solution.
Might as well go the powered otg route. Modify one of those 2 port usb cigarette adapters, plug the phone to one port and your usb drive in the other. Easy storage in the car if that's the goal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used a WiFi drive, so I'm not too familiar with them lmao. Wasn't aware they had a battery at all. In my case, it would only be necessary in the car or before/during flights, since I don't usually need a lot of storage on the go.
Edit: accidental reply!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using Tapatalk HD
I'm doing something like this, with a 2100 mAh battery, but now i have lots of exams, I'll finish ir con summer.
Enviado desde mi Nexus 4 usando Tapatalk 2
con3784 said:
So this is my first post... Noob post.
Shout out to parmghali for posting the exact same idea a few years back for the galaxy nexus.
I want a 2 part case that slides onto the N4. This case would jack into the micro usb port and then also have a slot for a micro sd card.
Somebody make it and sell it to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2136613
Easy setup, and really cheap. A little bit bigger than the solution shown but it does the trick.
Figured I'd share a neat little USB drive that I've been using for past devices and seems to work swell for the S6. This here is the product:
http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-conne...446218&sr=1-1&keywords=sandisk+dual+usb+drive
Super light weight, transfer speeds are swift, and this drive even "locks" into your phone-port so the connection is super secure. I can upload some pictures to a gallery if anyone is interested as well. I use it over an OTG+USB any day.
This is off-topic, but I had just plugged in my spare PC HDD via OTG and it did in fact properly mount. WIth 500GB I don't think missing an SD card is a problem at all...
FiniteDGk said:
Figured I'd share a neat little USB drive that I've been using for past devices and seems to work swell for the S6. This here is the product:
http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-conne...446218&sr=1-1&keywords=sandisk+dual+usb+drive
Super light weight, transfer speeds are swift, and this drive even "locks" into your phone-port so the connection is super secure. I can upload some pictures to a gallery if anyone is interested as well. I use it over an OTG+USB any day.
This is off-topic, but I had just plugged in my spare PC HDD via OTG and it did in fact properly mount. WIth 500GB I don't think missing an SD card is a problem at all...
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Click to collapse
Does it work to do nandroid recovery?
It is a good tip to use these little drives as they have gotten very cheap. I store quite a bit of music on one that I have and it works great. I do use BSPlayer because it will recognize an OTG drive.
Regarding @sachs question, yes you can use one for Nandroids. Just be sure that you can mount it in TWRP.
or you could just buy an otg to usb cable and use nearly everything (also a usb hub for more devices)
https://www.amazon.com/Rankie-3-Pack-Female-Converter-Adapter/dp/B00YOX4JU6
i even used mymouse, keyboard and external hdds on my phone, but it would be better if it's formatted in fat32 or exfat and not ntfs.
OTG to USB is better.
This flash drive might not fir properly if you have a case on your phone
Just a trick, don't buy this.
The little plastic thing that let you move the port between USB-A and µUSB-B breaks easily and you must use a knife to force the thing to move
I've got one of these and I keep it handy for flashing, file transfers, all sorts.
The pictures don't do it justice. The micro USB side sticks out further than it looks. Fits all my phone's in cases with ease.
Currently have a UAG on my S6...
I have one of these. Nandroid backup works. Only problem is, the metal clip can break off. I got this to replace it:
PNY 64GB DUO-LINK USB 3.0 OTG Flash Drive for Android - (P-FDI64GOTGTO30-GE) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01INV1Z4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_lk7Jw5Qn3FbBv