Memory FAQ

What is a USB-C?

The USB-C features a new, smaller connector shape that is fully reversible. As devices become smaller and thinner, the old larger USB ports are becoming no longer compatible and will become progressively phased out over time - eventually the USB-C connector will become the single connector standard that every device should be able to use. Whilst connectors are not backwards compatible, the standards are, and so adapters can be used with older devices.

The main advantages are:

• Reversible, so it doesn’t matter which way in it is plugged

• Small enough and flat enough to fit on even the thinnest devices

• Offers double the transfer speed of USB 3 at 10 Gbps

• Easy to make compatible with all devices

• Eliminates the need for multiple wires

• Double sided

The USB-C connector is also being considered to replace the current 3.5mm standard headphone jack as it progressively becomes an even more engrained standard.

What is an On-the-Go (OTG) USB Flash Drive?

On-The-Go (OTG) USB Flash Drives are double-ended USB Flash Drives, with a standard USB Type-A connector on one side, and either a Micro-B or Type C connector on the other. First used in 2001, the OTG USB Flash Drive can be connected to mobile devices such as phones and tablets, which act as a host, allowing other USB devices to be attached to them. This capability provides several very convenient potential uses for the OTG USB Flash Drive:

1. External Storage

As with standard USB Flash Drives, the OTG USB Flash Drive can serve as an external storage device, offering increased data capacity for phones and tablets, on a simple and portable unit. This is the most common use of the OTG USB Flash Drive.

2. Play with Video Game Controllers

Video controllers can be connected to your mobile device via the standard USB Type-A end, effectively turning your phone or tablet into a portable games console.

3. Attach to Keyboards and Mice

You can use the standard USB Type-A connector to connect a keyboard and/or mouse if you want to have a more convenient typing solution for your mobile device.

4. Printing

Again, using both ends of the OTG USB Flash Drive simultaneously, you can connect your phone or tablet to a printer and print any documents as necessary.

5. Connect a Digital Camera

Similarly, you can also connect a digital camera, and use your mobile device as a giant livescreen, complete with the ability to capture, focus, control shutter speed, and much more.

Ultimately, there are almost endless potential uses for the OTG USB Flash Drive, and some more of these are covered in the following Reddit thread:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/36nph4/what_are_you_favorite_uses_for_usb_otg_on_android/

Which devices support OTG (On-the-Go) USB Flash drives?

OTG USB can be used with devices that support the OTG function in both software and hardware. On some devices the OTG function needs to be enabled before use.
Certain phone manufacturers remove supporting OTG function for power saving purposes.
Customers shall check the specifics of their device to see if OTG function is supported.
The OTG USB shall always be 'Safely removed' from the device.