Database Users

Is the USB master? Can I connect external HDD etc?

I wonder if the USB on the Nexus One allows me to connect an external hard drive. I'm only talking about data transmission with externally powered USB-devices. The N1 doesn't need to power USB-devices for me to be satisfied.
And if not: could the deficiency possibly be mended software-wise, or is it a limitation of the hardware itself?
Thanks beforehand!

no it cannot be the host. Read this on a google forum, someone posted the link as an answer to a similar question yesterday.

Thank you for your answer, britoso!
But oh, what a pitty!!!
Can't it possibly be fixed by booting with another software driver or something?
What's the point of removing this ability? It seems completely ridiculous. It gains nothing at all to "un-specify" USB host capability:
"Now, I have my files on this USB memory stick and here's the Nexus One. Oh, what's the use. Google didn't care at all about this kind of scenaria..."
Well, let's see what can be done with bulky wireless adapters and stuff like that then, to mend this unnecessary fail of the N1... I probably need to use a PC running Windows and a cable internet in order to have any use at all of the N1. Was this the purpose of this deliberate design "feature"?!?

this feature was not removed, but simply never implemented into the Android OS (afaik). if USB was host that means anything connected to it would have to draw power from the Nexus One's battery. Im sure HTC does not want this, because some things connected to USB can put incredible stress on a battery.

I thought the inability was due to a USB design that will allow charging, but doesn't allow hosting.
(at least that what I gathered about the n900 and why it couldn't act as a host.)
edit: nevermind nokia opted to skip on the go support to get the product out faster.

I don't know if there's a hardware limitation in place, but even if there isn't, the software does not support it.

There's an app for the n900 to add host support in the maemo repository. Don't know if it works though. I've always thought host support was due to the software.

Go here:
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=738
Sign in with your google ID. Vote for the feature by clicking the star.
(While you are there, click on "Back to list" and browse for other issues/features you care about and "star" them too...)

Its been accomplished on the Droid... Host mode works, but as there are no drivers, anything that runs over usb will turn on / charge but not connect.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/droid-gets-a-usb-hack-allowing-it-to-control-printers-and-camera/

mikecyber said:
Its been accomplished on the Droid... Host mode works, but as there are no drivers, anything that runs over usb will turn on / charge but not connect.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/droid-gets-a-usb-hack-allowing-it-to-control-printers-and-camera/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for posting this as I saw this on another site and came here to raise awareness. I've heard that someone got a USB keyboard working over USB host. Could someone try this out on their N1?

Possible to use phone as USB Webcam?

I was just wondering, because this phone has a great camera, and I've seen people do some wonderful things with it, in terms of extra uses.
So, has there been any kind of drivers made that will hook this up to the computer as USB webcam? I'd love that.

Try these guys:
http://www.placaware.com/
USB webcam on the marketplace. The video's choppy but it works.

Thanks. Simple install and works just fine.

[Q] USB Host Mode

I hope it wasn't asked before... tried search but nothing came up for Droid in HD2.
So is there a way to enable the Host-Mode on HD2 with Android?
Would be great to connect my selfmade external HDD which i use for travel to view some videos or to ahve more music without buying that expensive 16 or 32 GB cards.

Don't know if it works on android, but I read in ubuntu it does. You need a special cable with power supply though. You should try reading this

Android was not made for supporting USB host mode. So, although the HD2 is USB-host capable, you won't find an easy way to enable it on Android
You've got other solutions : if you don't mind using Windows Mobile, you can try Zeno USB host drivers on your HD2, or if you are a Linux fanatic, you can use Ubuntu, just to play your music & videos from you hard disk.

[Q] Duel Cameras for Non front facing Phones

Just got the new G2 and its a bit disappointing that it doesn't have a front facing camera on it. Now I am looking for a way to do video calling with the use of a Web Camera. It would involve connecting the two devices with a USB Female-Female Adapter and designing an app to use the camera. Does anyone have an idea where to start on something like that?

i guess you have to look into usb host driver, there was one guy doing this with a nexus one i think, just search on youtube there was a video

Once you make the special adapter to trigger your phone into USB host mode (if possible) you will still run into a problem of no driver support for your webcam and no applications capable of using a usb camera.
basically you're SOL for a good while

USB host

I've been searching but I haven't been able to find an answer...does the hd2 support USB host while running android? I'd like to b able to connect a web cam to it...I've have also found Bluetooth webcams, also wondering if using one of those with the hd2 would b possible....I'd just like to b able to video chat with the hd2 and I wouldn't mind carrying an attachment....
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

Hello,
Is there a chance to have USB host on HD2 under android builds ?
If not can we know what is the main problem ?
Android is based on a linux kernel isn't it ?
So, if USB host is supported under linux builds, why is it impossible on android ?
Thanks to teatch me !

I don't think android in general allows USB host on any device... that's the problem. The linux kernel supports it, but android doesn't. If you use ubuntu you can have usb host on the HD2.

Actually, the Notion Ink Adam runs Android and has USB host mode. With a bit of kernel hackery, this could well be possible on the HD2.
Using a USB Y-cable and providing external power, it should be possible to connect all sorts of things. I'm patiently waiting for this capability as I have a USB SSD HDD that I connect to my car's head unit that I'd like to connect to my phone when I'm at work

Major_Sarcasm said:
Actually, the Notion Ink Adam runs Android and has USB host mode. With a bit of kernel hackery, this could well be possible on the HD2.
Using a USB Y-cable and providing external power, it should be possible to connect all sorts of things. I'm patiently waiting for this capability as I have a USB SSD HDD that I connect to my car's head unit that I'd like to connect to my phone when I'm at work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right, I have seen other android tablets with usb host, too. I remember seeing the devs explain somewhere why android on the hd2 doesn't have usb host... I thought I remember it sounding like it wouldn't be able to happen until a later version of android... but I could be wrong or misunderstood. I'll try to find where I read this.
Sent from my HTC bravo using XDA App

Hi.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=10797562
It's an easy way to use the USB connector in host mode, works under ubuntu.
with some adaptors you can build it also by using an y- cable.
But I think android for HD2 doesn't support anny usb features until now, perhaps someone will activate it in the kernel.
regards
mf_1

Yes, most of us are aware that host mode is usable whilst running Ubuntu. The problem is that Ubuntu is not really convenient as a main phone OS; Android is and some devices seem to have host mode while running Android.
Hopefully one of the devs will see this thread and give some insight.