The full form of OTG is On-The-Go. OTG is used to connect the device directly with another OTG-compatible device. Normally, we use computers or mediators to connect devices to each other. but now with the OTG technology device, it is very easier. We can connect headphones, speakers, and other audio devices to our mobile devices and external displays for video playback. OTG is a small but great technology it enhances the capability of connectivity of our devices.
What is OTG?
OTG is a connecting device as same as USB and is used to connect additional hardware to the Android smartphone. You can connect a keyboard, pen drive, and other OTG Supported devices to your smartphone. It is used first time in 2001 which means that this technology is 20 years old only. On-the-go (OTG) is a standard protocol that allows devices to read data from a USB-supported device without the need of connecting them to a PC.
The device uses the OTG (on the go) to turn itself into a USB host. There are multiple ways in which an OTG can be useful. These include connecting headphones, speakers, and other audio devices directly to your phone.
History of OTG
- The OTG standard was introduced by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) in 2001. It is an extension of the USB 2.0 specification.
- OTG aimed to enable mobile devices (smartphones and tablets ) to connect directly to USB peripherals without needing a computer or additional hardware.
- The first devices to support OTG were released in 2002. since then, the OTG has become increasingly popular. nowadays most smartphones and tablets support OTG. it has become a standard feature in many mobile devices.
How does an OTG works?
When we connect one OTG-supported device to another device. Then those devices link communication with each other and share data, in this case, the controlling device is called the master or host and the other device which is connected is called the slave or peripheral.
- An OTG (On-The-Go) connection allows mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets to act as both USB hosts and peripherals.
- The host device supplies power to the peripheral device and can access its data. While the peripheral device draws power from the host and allows the host device to access its data.
- OTG enables easy and convenient data transfer between devices without the need for a separate computer, making it a popular choice for many mobile devices.
Uses of OTG
- We can transfer images and videos by connecting your OTG with Camera.
- We can connect your Portable Hard Disk/Flash Drive to your Android Phone with the help of OTG Cable. And can easily access its data.
- We can also connect a computer mouse to your smartphone with the help of OTG and operate your phone like a computer.
- We can also attach Pendrive to a mobile with the help of an OTG cable.
- We can connect headphones, speakers, and other audio devices to our mobile devices and external displays for video playback.
FAQs
Q1. What does OTG stand for?
Ans: OTG stands for on-the-go. It is a connecting device as same as USB. which is used to connect additional hardware to the Android smartphone.
Q2. What is the purpose of OTG?
Ans: OTG allows two USB devices to communicate with each other without the need for a computer.
Q3. What are the limitations of OTG?
Ans: Not all devices support OTG. That’s why it is difficult to connect devices that do not support OTG.
Q4. Can I use OTG to connect multiple devices to my smartphone?
Ans: No, you can only connect one peripheral device to your smartphone at a time using OTG.