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Nexus 7 Hardware mod to add storage

I was thinking about the Nexus 7 storage issue, what with not having a microSD slot and 16gb being the max, and I was wondering; would it be possible to compile android for the Nexus 7 onto a 64gb SD card, pry open the Nexus, and replace the one in it with the 64gb SD card slot with Android? I'm not into hardware modding, so I don't know if this is even possible, but if it is, I think it'd be great.
Also, yes, I know there's a microUSB slot and developers will add USB host support and all that, but I'm talking about the microSD slot, not microUSB.
Moderators - I don't know if this is the right place to post this, so please move it to the proper place if necessary. Thanks

Unless I missed something, the memory inside the device is not a Micro SD slot. It's most likely memory soldered on to the mainboard.

Aaah... I see. Well, that's a shame... So definitely no way to do this then?

There's a few teardown pics over at iFixit. The flash is a surface - mount flash chip from Kingston, not an internal SD card slot or anything like that. If you had, like, supernatural skills with a soldering iron, maybe you could remove it and solder in Kingston 's 32GB eMMC chip and it might work? Most likely you'd destroy the tablet. I've been soldering for years and I wouldn't try it.
If sales are strong someone will probably make a case that provides storage on the USB port without an ugly dangling drive. Or you could just upload all your music to Google and stream it.

Not possible, I also don't think it's worth the hassle.... just forget about the Nexus 7 and go buy a tablet with more storage!

Got it, thanks. Well, good thing I use google music then, so it shouldn't be an issue. Thanks for the info!

You can..
baldeagle76 said:
I was thinking about the Nexus 7 storage issue, what with not having a microSD slot and 16gb being the max, and I was wondering; would it be possible to compile android for the Nexus 7 onto a 64gb SD card, pry open the Nexus, and replace the one in it with the 64gb SD card slot with Android? I'm not into hardware modding, so I don't know if this is even possible, but if it is, I think it'd be great.
Also, yes, I know there's a microUSB slot and developers will add USB host support and all that, but I'm talking about the microSD slot, not microUSB.
Moderators - I don't know if this is the right place to post this, so please move it to the proper place if necessary. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a way by using the usb host functionality. But "replacing" the existing flash isn't a practical option I believe..
I really can't afford screwing up my nexus (I haven't even received it yet!), but soldering a usb memory card reader chip to the usb connector would be an effective way of adding external storage with minimal to no drawbacks while possibly keeping it inside the case.
I really don't understand why google didn't include a slot.. I hope it wasn't a decision from the design department because if so they could avoid everyone being pissed at this.
If you don't want (and I am shure you don't) the hassle of picking up a soldering iron and cutting your nexus you can just buy an OTG usb cable and connect any external hardware/usb stick to the nexus 7.

serjts said:
I really don't understand why google didn't include a slot..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From Google:
We got tired of seeing OEMs include many GB of internal storage for music, while users were still running out of space for apps and data. This approach lets us merge everything on one volume, which is way better.
– Dan Morrill, Android engineer at Google
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That said, it doesn't explain why they didn't add 16GB internal storage AND an SD slot.
Edit:
Seeing that the Nexus 7 is the Asus Memo ME370T, and the ME370T was reported as having an SD card, before the Nexus 7 took its place, it's likely that the SD slot solder pads are on the device somewhere. Perhaps J1? CON3 was likely for the rear facing camera the Nexus 7 lacks.

Google drive. $4.99 a month for 100gb. That's why they didn't include it. It's a really good deal though, and it works great. Plus, your HDD won't take a sudden crap after two years(like my 1tb Seagate drive did).
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

jdyowa said:
Google drive [...] and it works great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Until you're on an international flight and don't have access to it, or didn't/couldn't download before you boarded....

Yeah, not everyone has a constant fast wireless connection to use in all situations.

There is a guy on eBay selling the first 80GB Nexus 7 he claims to have added a 64GB micro sd card to it....he doesnt show any pictures so do you think its just hanging off the bottom? Or is there a way to add it internally? eBay item # 140821188316

AZImmortal said:
Yeah, not everyone has a constant fast wireless connection to use in all situations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Google Drive and puush for minor backups, but I can't imagine using anywhere near 5GB of the free space I get, especially on my low-speed DSL connection :/

neverlift said:
There is a guy on eBay selling the first 80GB Nexus 7 he claims to have added a 64GB micro sd card to it....he doesnt show any pictures so do you think its just hanging off the bottom? Or is there a way to add it internally? eBay item # 140821188316
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read the description...?
It is the 16GB model with a tiny little 64GB USB flash drive (brand name, probably Patriot). Handling time is 1 day if you dont want me to root and mod it. The 64GB flash drive however will not work with the device if it is not rooted, and will simply be bundled alongside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Don't even consider modifying the hardware. SMT is not for the casual hacker.
If USB storage does not work for you, and you really need more storage - the Nexus 7 is the wrong device for you.

Never add micro sdcard
I have ME370t schematic,
Real J1
In design schematic
it 's just debug connector !
No microSD card Interface
So we have no way to mod microsd card :crying::crying:

tuananh15986 said:
I have ME370t schematic,
Real J1
...
In design schematic
it 's just debug connector !
...
No microSD card Interface
...
So we have no way to mod microsd card :crying::crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. Shame about the SD pins not coming out to test points or pads. Debug UART on J1 is interesting though.
Do you have the rest of the schematic? If so, can you make it available?

Hey guise.
Not that this is an internal mod, but it's kinda close.
I took a sandisk cruzer fit, disassembled, removed the flash chip/pcb, and soldered a male microsub onto it, along with the OTG mod.
The small size makes it light, less likely to snag/snap, and ultra portable. Would fit in your wallet or perhaps in a nexus folio with some work.
I posted it on reddit r/nexus7 and the response was nil, even though I've seen people ask for solutions a million times there.
Anyways, pics. I can't post a link to imgur yet per forum rules since I'm a n00b - but I'll leave it up to your imagination how to complete this l i n k. Someone else can reply with the pics so they're in the thread, fine by me.
imgur dot com /a/iTsAU

Hey guys
I ordered the OTG cable for my N7 but i also explored the fact it's very possible to Solder a storage inside the device specially there's a lot a free room for it .
i added a screen shot from tear down on Ifix it.
what you need for this project:
N7
32 GB usb
motherboard cable type very slim connection
solder gun
Iron
Please don't do this if you not an expert in soldering its very tiny area
make sure to remove the speaker before you start
i added a screenshot on how the cable has to be soldered
all what needed is solder the cable to the storage card could be USB or SD but has its connector
and solder it to the micro USB input as per the picture.

*edit - pic shows up now, sorry
very cool marakji.
Personally I may use the extra space inside the nex to install an inductive charger/touchstone, since extra storage is something mostly useful when travelling. carrying the little microusb drive to store/playback that media is easy enough. But easier charging is useful every day.

[Q] External Storage

Hello,
I'm thinking about getting the Nexus 10, currently have an iPad 2 but the screen of googles tablet is just too tempting.
One of the things I want to use it for is viewing media, I'll be getting the 16gb version and I'm a little bit worried the storage will get filled up pretty quickly. I have about 75gb worth of dropbox storage but was wondering if there's anything I could use if there's no wifi?
I'm thinking of just a small flash drive to plug into the microUSB port with loads of films on it, basically like a usb drive but compatible with the nexus 10, is there anything out there that'll do that?
Cheers.

There are ways to make that happen but you will need to root your device. This can be done with the use of apps, or with a custom rom but definitely possible. gaming...I don't think you can yet. mainly because its early and 4.2 is still pretty new.

I have no problem rooting the device, was probably going to anyway. I just wanted to know what the best/smallest external storage options were?
Maybe this thread would be better in the Accessories thread.

so many threads on this already, have possibilities of micro sd, sd, usb thumbdrive, some portable hdd enclosures and wireless hdds.
Dont need to be rooted, just use nexus media importer

64GB class 10 microSDXC should do the trick, they come with super small USB converters. Too bad for the lack of microUSB microSD reader, how much money one could make off it!

BoneXDA said:
64GB class 10 microSDXC should do the trick, they come with super small USB converters. Too bad for the lack of microUSB microSD reader, how much money one could make off it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Making one :laugh:
Shame the reader only support sdhc so max 32gb cards for me, but can get a few!

No SDcard... is it really that big of a deal...

So I see this conversation taking over a few other threads. I am not trying to play clean up I just think we need a thread for it since it is a heated debate.
So no SD card... What to do... some say online storage and others say OTG.
I currently use both. I am on Sprint and running the Epic 4G Touch. I am lucky enough to be on a WiMax area so I can take advantage of the unlimited data that Sprint offers. But even with that I still use OTG.
If I take some pics and vids I usually start putting them on Picasa and Youtube pretty fast. This keeps my internal 14Gb memory a little more open for new pics and vids. I have an 8Gb SDcard and it is full of music. to this date I have only ever ran out of space once and I was shooting a 30 min HD movie on top of what I had not cleared off. I then started carrying a 32gig USB stick to help alleviate the lack of space but even that can get cramped so I have a 500Gb 2.5" hard drive and it works very well so far.
The other thing I have done, because we all know that Youtube recompresses your video's, was setup an Android on a stick TV device with an FTP server. Attached to that guy it a couple 1Tb harddrives. I can throw my vids up there as well when in a crunch.
As you can see there are lots of options to replace a missing SDcard slot that can only ad 32Gb of space unless the company paid the extra buck to allow 64Gb. That to me is still limited and I find it just as easy to OTG some movies off and on my phone as the USB sticks are easier to manage than opening my phone up to remove the Micro SDcard and put it into a USB adapter.
Again this is not a deal breaker for me as there are far to many options to a SDcard and some are way more convenient.

No SD is not really a problem for me, though a 64gb version of the handset would have been welcome, to many others aswell. I know one is due to be coming to the uk but not soon enough for some.

Not an issue for me as I have very little music/pictures on my phone and just apps.

USB OTG is more than enough for me
Sent from my DHD

I have 100GB Dropbox so it is definitely not an issue for me.
I always had the 32GB iPhone and I never had storage issues.

I have a 16 GB nexus 4. Its ok
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

No sd card... Not a deal breaker for me... I think 32gb is enough for me... And yeah USB OTG can help u out...

32gb its good for me
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

Its only a problem when you have 16gb or less space, games like gta and need for speed take alot of space.but great htc making 32gb and 64gb versions. .
Sent from my SGH-I317M using Tapatalk 2

No big deal at all for me.

So all in all looks like a non deal breaker for most. But there are a lot out there that refuse to buy it because of this omission. LOL
I really hope that the 22nd is the date for the US carrier's because this baby will be in my pocket that very day!

It's not a deal breaker for me, the thing I like about the sd I'd if something happens to the phone how would you get your backups, photos, etc. off of it. I plan to keep it backed up to my computer or ex hard drive. Just saying
Sent from my EVO using xda premium

At the end of the day, the only people that will struggle are those who are used to using devices with a lot more storage.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

For me it's not an issue at all. I used to only believe in sd card storage but then I started to realize I've never even filled up an sd card to it full capacity and I've only ever had an 8gb card so 32gb is more than enough for me I can't even see my self getting close to 16 gb.
Not to mention I've had an iPhone for about 2 years now so I've gotten used to not having an sd card anyways.

with my phone history realistically whether the phone had memory card or not I haven't even used 11gb of memory ever! especially when I get bored of things I delete them. I have a 32gb memory card (29gb was free space) and I still have 23gb left! and I have tonnes of videos and music and pics on my memory card. Just generally if I want to watch HD content etc I put it on my laptop which has 750gb hard drive plus a bigger screen to watch things on.
In terms of backing everything up, my most important things are backed up on my laptop and my memory card and memory stick so even if the phone was to die, I would have everything available anyway as when I take pics and videos etc I put them on my laptop then memory stick or memory card. I suppose having a card slot makes thing easier but i am not fussed. Have had xperia S, One S and One X with no memory card and hasn't bothered me.

Never took the SD card out of my Nexus One in almost 3 years. So to me the SD card is pretty much just a potential security problem, I don't care about that at all. A removable battery is nice, though. This is actually the only real problem I have with the HTC One, that the battery is not removable and it doesn't have a waterproof-excuse for this like the Xperia Z.

I've been saying this since the One X was announced last year. Is it a big deal? No. Simple.
In a year or 2 there won't be any expandable memory. Apple made it a standard years ago and clearly survived. I hate to compare to them but it's a simple concept that works.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

cpcrazyfly said:
In a year or 2 there won't be any expandable memory. Apple made it a standard years ago and clearly survived.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's mainly because they increased the internal memory. With greater onboard memory it does negate the need, plus switching is just clumsy.
I'm coming from a 16GB iPhone 3GS and never filled it.

I'm just glad HTC went with a 32 and 64gb variants. Because if they would've made the one with just 16gb storage capacity, I don't care how good the device would've been, I still would have not consider it.
I rather have an sdcard slot. But with a 64gb internal storage, I'm good with.
I have a 32gb in my mytouch 4g and I'm already way over half of storage taken.
Sent from my HTC Mytouch 4g using xda premium

The smartphone obviously isn't a replacement for a desktop (or media content server), but is sure has become a replacement for all the other portable computerized devices we used to carry: PDA, GPS, camera and mp3 player, etc. So, what kind of storage would one need to replace all those devices? Camera storage of 8 - 16 GB is not unreal for a collection of photos and videos, and music player storage of 16 - 32 GB is not uncommon for a collection of music. That's pretty conservative these days.
And ya, cloud storage is great, but c'mon, let's be realistic, we want all of our music and video content available locally so that when we don't have connectivity (like on a plane) we can still access our collection of music and videos.
32GB is almost NOT enough for many users. It is good that a 64GB version is available. I only wish the 64 GB versions were more readily available.
With ~ 25 GB of user space left over on a 32GB phone, that's not enough for me. I could make it work, but I would have to make some serious compromises about what I would have to leave out of my music collections, just to add a movie or two to watch on a trip.
An SD card slot would have solved the whole thing.
Just because Apple makes lots of money selling products targeted to users who care less about options than your average techie, doesn't mean it is a good idea to copy them.
I'm seriously considering the HTC One, but the lack of SD card and battery replacement has ALWAYS been a negative point against the whole prospect. The screen resolution is a plus, but they are starting out with points against them with the SD card problem.
And I really don't understand why they would do that.

Didn't get the 32GB Model? This is better!

If you're like me, you decided that the 32GB model was too much for so small extra storage. I decided to go this route instead.
First, you pick up one of these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151083670634
Then you get one of these or use one you have laying around from a previous phone (I have several):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XZM6VG
Then you root and install "StickMount" from the market for free. You end up with a 48GB or larger model. It's also great for accessing photos I've saved on my Galaxy Note 2 (saved to SD) and viewing them on the bigger screen.
I do my Titanium and Nandroid backups to this device and then I'm not carrying them around on the device all the time taking up space. Yes, this even works with TWRP Recovery, as you go to the "Mount" menu and set it to look to your OTG device instead of onboard storage.
If I need to load up some movies for a trip, I put them on the SD and pop them in when I want to watch. Really works great.

I still like having the extra internal storage. I do plan on storing Nandroid and Titanium Backups backups on a flash drive using this method.

cyberprodigy said:
I still like having the extra internal storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I would, too, but the original Nexus 7 16GB was never more than half filled even with a ton of apps I never used. I tend to watch and listen to video podcasts and Google Music on my phone or it might be different.

Cubfan99 said:
I thought I would, too, but the original Nexus 7 16GB was never more than half filled even with a ton of apps I never used. I tend to watch and listen to video podcasts and Google Music on my phone or it might be different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Games, ROMs, and movies are what kill me. I like to store a few different ROMs, I have a bunch of large games (Grand Theft Auto, Bard's Tale), and I usually keep about 3-5 movies until I watch them.

At only 40 bucks difference in price, not getting the 32 seems silly.

Just so others know there are other flavors of usb otg devices out there. Just get the otg cable and connect an external drive or any usb stick. Or mouse/keyboard.
I got the 16gb model because they were out of the 32s where I picked up mine. Still thinking if I should go back and get the 32 but may give the cloud/lan a try and see how I do. I use tasker and a couple programs to auto upload files when I'm home, so really the only thing on my storage is apps. Media is all pretty easy to stream where ever I use a tablet.

I would rather have more internal storage then external storage. The fragile micro USB port is the weak point of the tablet so I want to use that as little as possible. Besides using it for fastboot and ADB while in recovery, I do everything else wirelessly including wireless charging, ADB over Wifi and transfer over WiFi. It is much more convenient to torrent straight onto the tablet then transferring from the PC via external storage or be dependent on the OTG adapter always plugged in for downloading onto. A single TV episode is 1 - 1.3 GB and a movie is 2 - 5GB so the ~11.5 GB of useable internal storage is really not enough.

I just use my router+external hard drive as an ftp server as backup. Also use it as a dlna server. No need to store anything locally. As long as I'm on my lan...

I like the one from www.meenova.com better since its a smaller form factor.
Only problem is that they aren't available yet.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

It was a not so smart move if you didn't buy the extra storage with this weeks OfficeMax deal!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

michaelg1030 said:
I like the one from www.meenova.com better since its a smaller form factor.
Only problem is that they aren't available yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to point that out too.
In case anyone is curious, there is a video describing the product here:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andyfei/mini-microsd-reader-for-android-smartphones-and-ta
They blew out their kickstarter goal of $5k, raising over $70k

highfigh said:
I got the 16gb model because they were out of the 32s where I picked up mine. Still thinking if I should go back and get the 32 but may give the cloud/lan a try and see how I do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly my situation... amazon was sold out on the 32. I actually think it is a good exercise to try using the smaller version with cloud services. I have plenty of Dropbox storage and have Dropsync Pro purchased. Also have box.com and Asus' storage solution. Must have 200gb total! File Expert cloud services works great and is quite fun.
This approach is just right for me. Not for everybody, of course.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

Roms kill me. Start crack flashing and next thing you know you're out of storage. I also like games and when playing BardsTale on my 16gb, I hit the wall. My 16gb got stolen the same day OfficeDepot started leaking the 32gbs early. I literally came home with 16gb, read XDA on PC and immediately left again.
OTG is handy but I wouldn't want to be reliant on it. I use it mostly for grabbing files off USB disks.
Sent from Nexus 7 FHD from XDA Premium HD

sfhub said:
I was going to point that out too.
In case anyone is curious, there is a video describing the product here:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andyfei/mini-microsd-reader-for-android-smartphones-and-ta
They blew out their kickstarter goal of $5k, raising over $70k
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a backer, they're saying end of August it will be ready, can't wait

michaelg1030 said:
I like the one from www.meenova.com better since its a smaller form factor.
Only problem is that they aren't available yet.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andyfei/mini-microsd-reader-for-android-smartphones-and-ta
By the end of August they will be available, I've one ordered.

32GB is the best for me. Road trips and shorter car trips, I don't have access to cloud services, and I don't trust my young'uns to not break the micro USB connector with a cable and USB drive dangling from it. It's nice to have it locally and not be at the mercy of Internet speeds wherever I happen to be. Is there anything more annoying than stuttering youtube?

Not recommanding
TF card have very slow random I/O, it's better not to use TF card.
Low random I/O means slow game loading.
And don't think class 10 TF cards would be better at random I/O than class 2 ones because they are not.
Use small USB flash instead would be better, if possible.:cyclops:

I bought a 16 GB then I used the office max coupon and got the 32 GB f bout $15 cheaper then I paid for the 16
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

wrichards2009 said:
I bought a 16 GB then I used the office max coupon and got the 32 GB f bout $15 cheaper then I paid for the 16
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, yeah. Goody for you. The point is if you didn't get the 32gb, this is a solution that works. Not for all who need the 32, but they wouldn't make a 16 if it wasn't good enough for many (like me).

michaelg1030 said:
I like the one from www.meenova.com better since its a smaller form factor.
Only problem is that they aren't available yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like that one, too. However, mine was cheap and the fact that the other one isn't available seems to weigh pretty heavily toward the one I selected, right?

REVIEW: Fire 7 as a Photographers Companion

I am a photojournalist by trade and my sole purpose with the Fire 7 was to use it as a companion when working away from home. I have wrote a small review on my online magazine:
http://www.cornwallmonthly.co.uk/amazon-fire-2015-photography/
Toby

k3ll0gs said:
I am a photojournalist by trade and my sole purpose with the Fire 7 was to use it as a companion when working away from home. I have wrote a small review on my online magazine:
http://www.cornwallmonthly.co.uk/amazon-fire-2015-photography/
Toby
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good review, I'm a lazy reader a and I still finished most of it, you didn't mentioned you ScreenOn Time? Did you? I would like to know what tour SOT is with your usage pattern, and just one thing, I would seriously try to get a sd reader to microusb otg, they exist, this would allow you to use sd cards when needed and get a little more speed, I suspect microsd is always slower than full size sds.

Jose-MXL said:
Very good review, I'm a lazy reader a and I still finished most of it, you didn't mentioned you ScreenOn Time? Did you? I would like to know what tour SOT is with your usage pattern, and just one thing, I would seriously try to get a sd reader to microusb otg, they exist, this would allow you to use sd cards when needed and get a little more speed, I suspect microsd is always slower than full size sds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you glad you liked the review - I completely forgot about the screen on time I'll will add it to the article when I get the chance. I prefer the dedicated canon camera cables via OTG USB when connecting as opposed to using external card readers. When working away it is a lot easier to lose the card readers as they are smaller than the cables themselves and also easier to find on my bag. Just a personal preference

k3ll0gs said:
Thank you glad you liked the review - I completely forgot about the screen on time I'll will add it to the article when I get the chance. I prefer the dedicated canon camera cables via OTG USB when connecting as opposed to using external card readers. When working away it is a lot easier to lose the card readers as they are smaller than the cables themselves and also easier to find on my bag. Just a personal preference
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had no idea your cameras had a way to directly connect OTG, I kept thinking you were removing microsd cards and putting them inside the Fire, so you actual solution is a million times better than my sugestion.
Yeah the review is very good, I mean for $50 the tablet is the best bang for the buck as we say in the US..

Jose-MXL said:
I had no idea your cameras had a way to directly connect OTG, I kept thinking you were removing microsd cards and putting them inside the Fire, so you actual solution is a million times better than my sugestion.
Yeah the review is very good, I mean for $50 the tablet is the best bang for the buck as we say in the US..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dedicated cables are the future until you lose them