How to connect a USB accessory to an Android smartphone or tablet

With Android 3.1, Google's mobile platform added a new trick to its repertoire – USB host functionality. In plain words, that allows for Android devices to work with a broad range of USB peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, USB flash memory sticks, and even gamepads. But what about smartphones and tablets that don't have a full size USB port? Well, they still can get along well with such accessories too, with the help of an inexpensive gizmo.

The USB On-The-Go cable adapter plugs into the microUSB port of an Android device and provides a standard size USB port on its other end. All you have to do is to plug in the desired USB accessory in there and you should be good to go. 

Be aware, however, that not all devices are compatible with USB OTG adapters. The list of the smartphones and tablets that are known to work includes:

For anyone who is interested, Amazon has cheapo USB On-The-Go adapters in stock and they only cost a few dollars. Those of you who might get one, what USB accessory would you connect to your smartphone? Drop a comment below and let us know.

source: CNET