If you’ve been wanting to connect your Motorola Droid to USB-enabled peripherals, a mod by Mike Kershaw from Kismet and Mike Baker of OpenWRT will now allow you to do this.
By using a charging cable that plugs into a car’s cigarette lighter, a micro USB cable, and a USB extender cable, the guys created an improvised micro dongle and connector cable allowing the Motorola Droid to work with the Linux-enabled USB device.
How the Mod Works
The mod essentially transforms the Motorola Droid into a more versatile device by enabling it to interface with a variety of USB peripherals. This is particularly useful for tech enthusiasts and developers who want to expand the functionality of their smartphones. The process involves using a combination of cables to create a makeshift dongle that can connect to USB devices. The charging cable that plugs into a car’s cigarette lighter provides the necessary power, while the micro USB cable and USB extender cable facilitate the connection.
This setup allows the Motorola Droid to communicate with Linux-enabled USB devices, opening up a world of possibilities. For example, you could connect a USB keyboard for easier typing, a USB flash drive for additional storage, or even a USB game controller for a more immersive gaming experience. The mod essentially turns your smartphone into a mini-computer, capable of performing tasks that were previously impossible.
Current Limitations and Future Improvements
Currently, the mod is still a little flaky, but hopefully, any wrinkles will be ironed out in the near future. One of the main issues is that you need to reboot your smartphone to change peripherals. This can be inconvenient, especially if you frequently switch between different devices. Additionally, leaving the micro dongle plugged in for long periods of time causes the port to freeze, which can be frustrating.
Despite these limitations, the mod represents a significant step forward in smartphone customization. It demonstrates the potential for smartphones to become even more versatile and powerful, capable of performing a wide range of tasks. As the technology continues to improve, we can expect to see more stable and user-friendly versions of this mod in the future.
For those interested in trying out the mod, it’s important to note that it requires a certain level of technical expertise. You’ll need to be comfortable working with cables and connectors, and you may need to troubleshoot any issues that arise. However, for those willing to put in the effort, the rewards can be well worth it.
The mod developed by Mike Kershaw and Mike Baker is an exciting development for Motorola Droid users. It opens up new possibilities for smartphone customization and demonstrates the potential for smartphones to become even more versatile and powerful. While there are still some limitations to be addressed, the future looks bright for this innovative technology.
Via Everything USB
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