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Did you know that your Android Phone just might be able to use a USB keyboard with a few dollars for spare parts and some elbow grease? I’m not completely sure WHY you would have an Android Phone while lugging around a USB keyboard instead of just getting something with a more fitting form-factor for your needs – but whatever floats your boat!
The process only works on certain base builds of Android and involves enabling USB On The GO, using the proper cables (car charger, micro USB, USB extender), and a bit of soldering to splice two cables together. For the nitty gritty details check out the links.
On a slightly related topic, I’ve been wondering. Does Android have any support for BTHID devices? As in, Bluetooth Keyboards.
I was wondering the same thing if Android would support a bluetooth keyboard and/or mouse. Is there an app for that? :-)
would be nice to be able to dock an android device into a keyboard/monitor.
someone patent it before Jobs does.
I think the (usb) keyboard trick works because android is based on the linux kernel, who has much drivers in it (i’m using ubuntu on my netbook). Hopefully google have also left the drivers for camera’s, mp3’s (Ipod name is patented), usb storages, mouses, and so on in the kernel. If so, the phone usb can be used as a real usb port. That would be really nice…
@c.wrinn and will
i’ve read somewhere that you would not be able to pair the g1 with a bluetooth keyboard. dont know about the other android devices. too lazy to find the article now.
I’ve got BT keyboard support from KeyPro for my Xema BT keyboard. Works well. But I also know I saw BT HID software support just the other day while browsing. Unfortunately I don’t have that link handy, but “Google is your friend.” :)
I will definitely be looking into this possibility as well. I like to tinker with hardware and this is a good excuse.
I’ve got BT keyboard support from KeyPro for my Xema BT folding keyboard. Works well. But I also know I saw BT HID Keyboard software support just the other day while browsing. Unfortunately I don’t have that link handy, but “Google is your friend.” :)
I will definitely be looking into this possibility as well. I like to tinker with hardware and this is a good excuse.
Oops, double post. How’d I do that?
Here’s that link for BT HID keyboard support:
http://www.teksoftco.com/index.php?section=blueinputandroid
dood that would be crazy if i can make my motraol droid phone into a working mouse useing bluetooth if u find an app for that could u get it to me at @rickof956.
I just bought a Freedom Pro Keyboard and they have Android 2.1/2.2 beta drivers out (as well as normal 1.5/1.6 drivers). The Android 2.1 drivers work great for my Motorola Droid (although I’ve been experiencing some automatic rebooting for some reason). I think it may be using SPP.
kgold0: I also had it reboot at least once. anyone else figured the reason for this? (freedom pro, droid, 2.1)
I have an idea(if you knew me you would be terrified at what is coming next)… Using something like http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320535608358&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT with http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280359085409&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT and a usb mouse to make my phone a full computer… Was wondering tho, is there some way that I can make my phone access my portable hard drive? If so please help me, I tried directly connecting it to my phone with no results(btw I have a HTC Droid Eris). help in this matter greatly appreciated!
Till Then,
Penru