Database Users

Webtop user experience?

Hi all,
To those that have received or tried an Atrix, could you please share your experience of Webtop? To many of us, how good or bad Webtop is will affect our decision as to whether to buy or not to buy the Atrix, so I personally think that it is important to gather as many thoughts as possible.
So, is it acutally usable/useful? Or just a useless gimmick?
Is it quick enough for normal use? Or is it frustratingly slow?
Is the user interface natural? Or is it confusing?
Is the Firefox same as the desktop counterpart? Or is it dumbed down?
Do extras like Flash or Firefox Addons work correctly? Or is everything locked down?
Is the "virtual phone" window usable and responsive? Or is it a laggy distraction?
Is there an unreasonable limit of resolution/mouse/keyboard/etc? Or is it pretty flexible?
Does it work as advertised? Or are there catches?
Etc.
Please share.
Thanks.

I have only one question.
Can it run citrix or RDP in full screen??

NonovUrbizniz said:
I have only one question.
Can it run citrix or RDP in full screen??
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Click to collapse
Yes, you'll see Citrix Receiver here running in full screen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WzeIGZKW_Y
Max resolution for Citrix Receiver is apparently 1280 x 1024.

take a look at this very good preview http://www.anandtech.com/show/4165/the-motorola-atrix-4g-preview/6
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

Thanks. Sounds like it will be quite frustrating to use...

wywywywy said:
Hi all,
To those that have received or tried an Atrix, could you please share your experience of Webtop? To many of us, how good or bad Webtop is will affect our decision as to whether to buy or not to buy the Atrix, so I personally think that it is important to gather as many thoughts as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got both docks, and an generally pleased with them so far.
So, is it acutally usable/useful? Or just a useless gimmick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been quite usable to far. I'd say it really depends on your needs for whether it is useful or not. I've really been enjoying the media player on my TV as well as the web browsing, and the lapdock is a neat way to charge your phone and have an extra screen to run video on next to your PC, or use for general web browsing and whatnot on the go. Battery seems to be quite good so far.
Is it quick enough for normal use? Or is it frustratingly slow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's about like using the Asus eeepc netbook I got when netbooks first came around for most tasks, although media definitely works better on the Atrix.
Is the user interface natural? Or is it confusing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's very Mac OSX-ish, so I guess it depends on your opinion of that.
Is the Firefox same as the desktop counterpart? Or is it dumbed down?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the same, it actually says it is an Ubuntu build of Firefox.
Do extras like Flash or Firefox Addons work correctly? Or is everything locked down?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash works great for the video / games I've tried. I just tried Adblock Plus since I hadn't tried addons yet, and it installed and is functioning correctly. Pretty limited testing there, but its good to know addons are a possibility, not that I'd want to install too many. Remember, you don't even actually have a gig of ram.
However, I currently have the Android window, 2 Firefox tabs and a second Firefox window playing flash video and 35% of the memory on the device is still free, and everything is running okay.
Is the "virtual phone" window usable and responsive? Or is it a laggy distraction?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This seems to work just fine, haven't noticed any usability issues with it so far.
Is there an unreasonable limit of resolution/mouse/keyboard/etc? Or is it pretty flexible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used it with my PC monitor yet, but the lapdock is 1366x768, and the entertainment dock connects to my HDTV @ 1280x720, and they both seem to work about equally.
The bluetooth keyboard and mouse work great, as does the remote. I plugged in my Razer Naga to the lapdock, and it detected immediately and is working fine as well.
Does it work as advertised? Or are there catches?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most everything so far seems to work fairly close to how it was advertised. I'd say its more a matter of setting the correct expectations. The phone is slightly more powerful than a good Netbook, and the OS takes less resources than Windows or a full on Linux distro, but on the flip side it IS running both the phone OS and the webtop OS at the same time.
I think how I put it above probably sums it up the best - it runs about as well as a Netbook, but with better media playback power, the catch being it isn't a full blown OS, so outside of documents to go and things of that nature, you most definitely can't replace a full laptop, nor is the entertainment dock as powerful and flexible as a standalone media center PC.
For a device that does a little of all of it though, it does what it does quite acceptably, and I suspect software revisions will only improve things.
If you aren't flush with cash (or a foolhardy tech geek), I'd probably go with the recommendations of most sites. If you don't have a media PC, the entertainment dock is quite nice. If you don't have a laptop, analyze heavily what you will need a laptop for; web browsing, email, video/music and some light document work? The lapdock is fine, particularly if you want the ecosystem benefits of everything you do on your laptop being immediately available on your phone as well.
However, and its a big however, even the launch combo price of $300 for the lapdock makes it extremely questionable to get the lapdock over a netbook or low end laptop, barring your feelings on the ecosystem benefits mentioned. At $500, it is most certainly not worth it.
I hope any of that helps. If you'd like to know more I'll try to answer what I can, but I've also only had it all for a day myself, so I'm still experimenting.

tomit12 said:
I got both docks, and an generally pleased with them so far.
(cleaned up for bandwidth)
I hope any of that helps. If you'd like to know more I'll try to answer what I can, but I've also only had it all for a day myself, so I'm still experimenting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great review tomit12.
I agree with your assessment, in general it is very much like a first rev netbook. I've been able to install all my normal FF add-ons (adblock, xmarks, url tooltip, no menu, etc) and they seem to work fine.
As far as the "OS" goes it does what it needs to, but is not very customizable. I wish for instance you could move the "taskbar" over to one side and get more vertical space but no-go. I paired a BT mouse with it, and as long as I wait until the Webtob OS has loaded before turning it on, it works great. If I turn on the mouse before WT loads, the scrolling and buttons seem to get messed up.
I'm still not sure if I'll be keeping it. If I didn't know it was all coming from a phone I'd be pretty disappointed in the performance, but knowing it's all coming from my phone, it's kind of impressive.
YMMV

Thanks for sharing your oppinions guys; I was thinking about licking it up; I know I would love it,but I just don't have a use for it now; if someone/ were to take the iPad off my hands I might though.
The concept is amazing though and I'm sure Ill end up getting one down the road.
Rooted/ROM Captivate
Rooted Atrix

Many many thanks for sharing. I cannot express how much I appreciate it.
I think I'll wait first to see if there is going to any way of customising the Linux distro. There are apps (such as Chrome) I want to put in.

Can the Evo sync with a computer like the Motorola Atrix?

So I just watched a video on the Motorola Atrix, and Wow! I want those features. I'm wondering if any of the geniuses here at xda are working on, or know of a way to make the evo sync with a laptop like the Atrix does with it's netbook type device. This would be amazing. Syncing it with the tv like they do with the Atrix would also be a plus. Is this something Google is behind, or is this all motorola? either way it's pretty sweet, but I like Sprint, and not so much At&t. not interested in trading my new phone either, but man that stuff looks useful. Hope someone has some ideas, thanx.

No
10char

hurrycaine3000 said:
So I just watched a video on the Motorola Atrix, and Wow! I want those features. I'm wondering if any of the geniuses here at xda are working on, or know of a way to make the evo sync with a laptop like the Atrix does with it's netbook type device. This would be amazing. Syncing it with the tv like they do with the Atrix would also be a plus. Is this something Google is behind, or is this all motorola? either way it's pretty sweet, but I like Sprint, and not so much At&t. not interested in trading my new phone either, but man that stuff looks useful. Hope someone has some ideas, thanx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, can't do that. There is however an app available now (it's in beta version) that allows full hdmi mirroring to a tv. You just need the app, a special kernel, and an hdmi cable. I've been using it lately, it works nicely. Search in the development section for "full hdmi out"

it would be really amazing, and worth some money to me, if one of the bright minds at xda put their mind on trying to make something like that work for the evo. it would seem that your just porting the software, but that's why i'm not cooking roms. I just don't know enough about the limitations

Last I heard it doesn't "sync" with the netbook. What it does is function like a laptop dock; the netbook takes over as the input device(s) and screen for the phone.
I could be mistaken though.
However, in the event that I'm right, all you would need is the full HDMI out to a HDMI-capable display, and a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Of course, since Sense is crappy closed-source on everything but the kernel, you can't really implement this too well. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a "webtop" mode in CM8 though...

drmacinyasha said:
Last I heard it doesn't "sync" with the netbook. What it does is function like a laptop dock; the netbook takes over as the input device(s) and screen for the phone.
I could be mistaken though.
However, in the event that I'm right, all you would need is the full HDMI out to a HDMI-capable display, and a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Of course, since Sense is crappy closed-source on everything but the kernel, you can't really implement this too well. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a "webtop" mode in CM8 though...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice, so in theory Gingerbread could do it? if that is the case however, the $499 retail price on that netbook looking device that the phone docks into, is pretty steep for a screen and a keyboard. guess I'll have to wait and see what comes a long in the months following.

While were on the topic of "atrixing" the Evo, why hasn't there been more monitors released with an HDMI IN feature (like a TV). I cant seem to find anything that looks compact enough to make a small lapdock without looking ghettofied.

norkoastal said:
While were on the topic of "atrixing" the Evo, why hasn't there been more monitors released with an HDMI IN feature (like a TV). I cant seem to find anything that looks compact enough to make a small lapdock without looking ghettofied.
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http://www.newegg.com/
Your argument is invalid.
--Swyped from my EVO

First let me say the Atrix is cool, and it's awesome to see a new cool design like this. BUT, the dock is basically a monitor, a keyboard, and a battery. It adds nothing to the computing power of the phone, and at $500 you could have netbook or a tablet that's more capable. That being said,i still think it's pretty damn cool.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

To those that said it can't be done, wrong, try again. Updated hardware aside, ALL Snapdragon based devices with a usb port can do what the Atrix does from a hardware standpoint, ALL OF THEM. Here's why, the Snapdragon family has usb host built into design.
Here's what's missing:
1. USB host (software)
2. Standard USB device drivers (they do exist)
3. Full UI out via USB to DVI adapter for device without A/V out ports (hmm, software)
4. For devices with A/V out ports, a cable and, let me guess, software
5. Lastly, a KB/mouse, USB hub and a screen or combine the three and you have the Atrix lapdock
The core tech is available, has been for close to 10 years now.

Guys the "laptop dock" is actually a full blown netbook that is software crippled. The only thing it uses the phone for is the internet connection and file storage.

Rakeesh_j said:
Guys the "laptop dock" is actually a full blown netbook that is software crippled. The only thing it uses the phone for is the internet connection and file storage.
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Click to collapse
That's incorrect the "laptop dock" its just a shell housing a screen, keyboard, trackpad, and a battery. Its powered by the phones hardware, and a hidden linux os that is built into the phone.
Would be cool to have something similar on the Evo. But I wouldnt pay $500 for a dock that's insane. 0.o

Cole28 said:
That's incorrect the "laptop dock" its just a shell housing a screen, keyboard, trackpad, and a battery. Its powered by the phones hardware, and a hidden linux os that is built into the phone.
Would be cool to have something similar on the Evo. But I wouldnt pay $500 for a dock that's insane. 0.o
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Click to collapse
I think it's stupid. Just buy a dual core netbook for $325, use dropbox, and tether your phone to it. Same thing. Plus you don't have to deal with Moto's bum ass Linux build.
What I'm waiting for is a dock/sync that scales Android/iOS/WebOS/WP7 to a desktop OS. WebOS and maybe WP7/Windows8 look like the most likely to get it right the soonest.

Xoom as external monitor

I'm about to purchase a core i5 tiny pc to build a nice portable, full powered linux box. Does anyone know if I can use the Xoom as the primary monitor for this little box? I'm going for portability fitting the tiny pc & the Xoom + keyboard in my laptop bag. I've looked at iDisplay but it seems like it makes your android device a secondary monitor. I'm looking for something to make my Xoom the primary.

Stone 13 said:
I'm about to purchase a core i5 tiny pc to build a nice portable, full powered linux box. Does anyone know if I can use the Xoom as the primary monitor for this little box? I'm going for portability fitting the tiny pc & the Xoom + keyboard in my laptop bag. I've looked at iDisplay but it seems like it makes your android device a secondary monitor. I'm looking for something to make my Xoom the primary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could get LogMeIn Ignition or any of the other remote desktop apps and just remote log into the PC... this is assuming you'll be able to network them in some fashion.

mikebeatrice said:
You could get LogMeIn Ignition or any of the other remote desktop apps and just remote log into the PC... this is assuming you'll be able to network them in some fashion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't even think about running it headless. I think that would work if they're not sharing an internet connection. I'm not sure it would work if i'm tethering the tinypc to my Xoom for internet connectivity, either way, I'll give that a try 1st. Might not need to buy anything. The only issues I can think of is the mouse, which would be connected to the tinypc and not my Xoom, i'm sure I could use my Xoom keyboard for typing. Time to experiment.

Let us know how this turns out, I'm very interested in your project. Might have something similar in planning soon.

Stone 13 said:
I'm about to purchase a core i5 tiny pc to build a nice portable, full powered linux box. Does anyone know if I can use the Xoom as the primary monitor for this little box? I'm going for portability fitting the tiny pc & the Xoom + keyboard in my laptop bag. I've looked at iDisplay but it seems like it makes your android device a secondary monitor. I'm looking for something to make my Xoom the primary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a interesting project. Keep us updated about your experiment.

In another thread someone wanted to know exactly the opposite - how to connect an external monitor and display something else than on the Xoom. There were some misleading references to an app called iDisplay which does what YOU want. So go to the market and check it out or search the forum for iDisplay. Good luck!
[sent with Xooming Android technology]

I wonder if it would be possible through USB? I wonder if it would be possible to take my PC with a tablet as a monitor to LAN parties some day. (much less to carry that way)

Magnesus said:
I wonder if it would be possible through USB? I wonder if it would be possible to take my PC with a tablet as a monitor to LAN parties some day. (much less to carry that way)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I rock a M11X Alienware.

funnycreature said:
In another thread someone wanted to know exactly the opposite - how to connect an external monitor and display something else than on the Xoom. There were some misleading references to an app called iDisplay which does what YOU want. So go to the market and check it out or search the forum for iDisplay. Good luck!
[sent with Xooming Android technology]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
I'll definitely give iDisplay a look if it does what I need, I was under the impression that it only acted as a secondary monitor allowing you to extend an existing monitor but I would love to be wrong.
I will keep everyone posted once I get my minipc....

Stone 13 said:
.
I'll definitely give iDisplay a look if it does what I need, I was under the impression that it only acted as a secondary monitor allowing you to extend an existing monitor but I would love to be wrong.
I will keep everyone posted once I get my minipc....
Click to expand...
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I heard its slow, please update this with your experiences with that application

DToX69 said:
I heard its slow, please update this with your experiences with that application
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Click to collapse
iDisplay is Windows and OS X only at this stage so it is a no go for the original request of Linux.
As far as speed goes, it is too slow to be usable to me on my Macbook Air 11" (1.4 Ghz dual core). It works in that the xoom shows up as a second screen and displays something. But the refresh rate is so bad (5-7 frames per second maybe) it is really only useful for static content. This may be the wireless access point I am connected to, which is distant enough that I am only getting 2 bars on the xoom with it. I have been meaning to try tethering the Air to the xoom to see if that performs better but I have not made time for it yet. Nor have I tried it with Windows yet.
I hope/assume the iPad version is better because I can not see anyone voluntarily purchasing and using it with the performance I am experiencing on Android.

Actually the speed has in this case nothing to do with your hardware. iDisplay is set somehow to only have a refresh rate of 12 fps. I was using it yesterday and my pc is an i7 with sli and stuff and the wireless router was right 1 meter in front of me but the speed was very lousy
Maybe they fix it somedays or at least give you more options to set the fps and the quality of the images.
For ipad users there is a similar app called air display. This one, so I read, has an fps set to at least 50. Much better than 12

Lapdock HARDMOD - CottonCandy ICS FXI - NATIVE

Hello
Just wanted to let you all know that although my Atrix is no longer in use, I have the lapdock lying around.
It is a good piece of hardware and I have been toying with finding a way to embed the actual atrix itself inside the lapdock. However, the real problem there is that there is no use for doing that since the Atrix's native dock functions suck!!! I also considered and toyed with the Raspberry, but its not meant for that.
However I have come across this puppy: FXI Tech Cotton Candy
and my plan is to embed it inside my Lapdock and create something actually useful with that hardware.
The FXI Cotton Candy officially supports GB, ICS and now Ubuntu 12.
For anyone who doesn't know what it is:
"FXI Tech Cotton Candy packs more power in a tiny space. It has a dual-core ARM Cortex A9 as its processor and the quad-core ARM Mali-400MP for graphics. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and WiFi 802.11 b/g/n. On both ends are USB 2.0 and HDMI out connectors and there’s one micro USB 2.0 connector on the side. It has 1GB RAM and a microSD slot for up to 64GB of expandable storage."
Given its size, it easily fits disassembled into the dock connector that rotates on the actual lapdock.
Does this sort of thing interest anyone?
I'll keep you guys posted as my adventures with that continue.

Sounds interesting and would love to see this kind of thing work.
Good look man hope it works for ya
Sent from my MB860 using XDA

Did you pre-order one?
If not, the likelyhood of you getting one this year is almost zero. They have stopped pre-orders as they have filled up on those, and currently have nobody to do mass production for them. Since this is their situation and they have to find someone to build these units, you most likely won't see any this year, as it takes time to complete all the necessary steps to put a product into production. Your best bet may be one of these to test out your idea:
http://www.mobilenapps.com/articles/2246/20120518/74-mk802-versus-200-fxi-cotton-candy.htm

If you can't get hold of one maybe look into the MK802 PC, you might find that easier to add onto the lapdock too looks like it already has a hdmi and a usb so i think you may just have to buy some extra wires and hook it all up. And it's only $74
http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/mk802-beats-cotton-candy-to-market/

Should work perfectly fine... people have shown that you can connect a PS3 to the lapdock. Only question is: will a regular ICS or Ubuntu 12 have the lapdock drivers..

thantos said:
Should work perfectly fine... people have shown that you can connect a PS3 to the lapdock. Only question is: will a regular ICS or Ubuntu 12 have the lapdock drivers..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that their generic... The fact that CM7 doesn't have any of Motos lapdock drivers yet you can use the keyboard and mouse proves it...

inaudibly said:
If you can't get hold of one maybe look into the MK802 PC, you might find that easier to add onto the lapdock too looks like it already has a hdmi and a usb so i think you may just have to buy some extra wires and hook it all up. And it's only $74
http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/mk802-beats-cotton-candy-to-market/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you bother to read what I posted in the post before yours? I posted a link for the MK802 already!
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium

I will be watching this thread. I have an extra lapdock and would love to put a ics stick in it. Very nice idea.
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium

I will take an attempt at this, I also got some friends that are linux devs. The only thing I need lol is cash... So if anyone has a Hard-Bricked Atrix pls PM me! I could use 3-4 of them donated to fund for this. (I know people who will buy them) If I can get 3 then I can buy everything I need...

You and Alaq have made me **** bricks. I normally figure stuff like this out early on. It's not until now that I've realized that connecting usb and hdmi ports will make the lapdock a sologig. A real upgradeable laptop, how about that?! It would be nothing to find screens of a similar size to replace them in any lapdock model if you wanted to do so. Still ****ting bricks.

srkelley said:
You and Alaq have made me **** bricks. I normally figure stuff like this out early on. It's not until now that I've realized that connecting usb and hdmi ports will make the lapdock a sologig. A real upgradeable laptop, how about that?! It would be nothing to find screens of a similar size to replace them in any lapdock model if you wanted to do so. Still ****ting bricks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I knew about it's potential ever since I saw that ps3 video (Either last year or the beginning of this year...), but it wasn't till this month that people started releasing PCs on a stick... But yea it would be amazing for school to have a razr thin laptop that runs smoothly and has 8 hour battery life (probably more because it's no longer charging the phone), and that's why I decided to start on the project (In my sig), I'll release everything when I'm through with it.. I'll have to record everything that I do to the lapdock for you guys...

This one looks really interesting.....in technical side.
But it is not efficient if you compare the price with typical windows netbook
199$ + lapdock price is more expensive than netbook.

AndroidON said:
This one looks really interesting.....in technical side.
But it is not efficient if you compare the price with typical windows netbook
199$ + lapdock price is more expensive than netbook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click the link in my sig, I'm trying this using the A10... And hopefully when I'm done with it I should be able to minimize costs...
Plus where would be the fun if you just buy it... Were gonna mod this to our desires xD

Once you get it sorted, could you make a video showing the performance? I love the idea and have been considering making a sort of 'dummy phone' like box to house a raspberry pi but this little a10 stick computer looks like it could be a better option. For me, it would have to run linux as android on a laptop is just wrong as far as I am concerned It looks good, but would not be worth it unless it is faster than webtop imho.
Thanks for being the Guinea Pig!

It can be interested they are publish source code at https://github.com/FXITech

Clambook - Compatible With iOS and Android

Just saw this on the internet and it looks something that may interest alot of us on the atrix forums. Its basically a lapdock for all phones(iOS and Android).
Take a look for yourself, it looks extremely sexy
Source : Daily Mail
I think with this we may see more content and uses for our Motorola lapdocks.

This better be able to disguise as a Lapdock when of Motoblur. Hopefully it'll be cheaper than a Lapdock.

nerfman100 said:
This better be able to disguise as a Lapdock when of Motoblur. Hopefully it'll be cheaper than a Lapdock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just by looking at I think it will be priced higher than the Lapdock and I'd also like to see how it would work on an iOS device because on Android it would change to a tablet layout

inaudibly said:
Just by looking at I think it will be priced higher than the Lapdock and I'd also like to see how it would work on an iOS device because on Android it would change to a tablet layout
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 4S has HDMI mirroring with a dongle, it could merely use that. Not nearly as good an experience as Android in tablet mode would provide, but it'd be something.

Does look sexy as hell but if it costs a cent over 199 us no deal
Sent from my MB860 using XDA

I want one if:
1. Webtop 3.0 is all its cracked up to be in terms of speed compared to current webtop
2. This actually enables webtop mode and not just entertainment center/mirroring
3. It actually works with the Atrix period
4. It costs less than $250

Looking forward to this!! Minus its name
At the end of the day this is where its leading, Moto has abandoned the webtop on ICS and as is Ubuntu is distended to come on the new android's one way or another.
So why not have an all in one interchangeable lapdock for your mobile device?
The spec are changing in the industry every day, even as much as I bash my webtop into a usable Micro Laptop its limited. So why not pay for this device and then look at upgrading when you can without losing the lapdock. I see the netbook market taking a hit if this thing takes off.

So heres a question, can hdmi/usb be adaptable to MHL?
I never heard of mhl until less than a week ago...

teeth_03 said:
So heres a question, can hdmi/usb be adaptable to MHL?
I never heard of mhl until less than a week ago...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_High-definition_Link
seems like there is no usb host device integrated into it, so probably its not interoperable with USB, it should be with HDMI though (at least so i assume). But looking at the page for the optimus 4x which has MHL, it seems it should work http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_optimus_4x_hd_p880-4563.php -> USB Yes, microUSB (MHL) v2.0