USB Host on a rooted Playbook

**4speed** · 12-12-2011, 01:02 PM

This would be sweet if it's on the new 2.0 coming in Feb, check out the link to see it working on a rooted Playbook.

**axllebeer** · 12-12-2011, 01:41 PM

Oh man here's hoping this comes with the OS2 update. I've been waiting for this since day 1! As good as just using a micro SD card for me. Hopefully it will support an external HDD also...

**guillem** · 12-12-2011, 01:46 PM

Hi, i'm the poster of the video. This is working on a 1.0.8.XXX firmware so i guess it will also work on a OS2 update

I'll be posting instructions soon on my blog on how to enable USB Host mode. Will also contact crackberry to see if they post about it.

A external HDD works as soon as it is external powered. If not, you probably need the rapidcharger plugged in or it won't work at all.

**manofice1** · 12-12-2011, 03:02 PM

very cool, well done!

**RexBB** · 12-12-2011, 03:13 PM

That's what irritates me in RIM if you see what is possible and they just don't allow it. If you see what all the people here have done with a rooted pb.

USB acces would be very interesting for corperations they would have sold much more pb if that would have been possible a few months ago.

**FourOhFour** · 12-12-2011, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by RexBB

That's what irritates me in RIM if you see what is possible and they just don't allow it. If you see what all the people here have done with a rooted pb.

You're missing the part where if RIM deploys the solution, then it has to be extensively tested, bugfixed, supported, there needs to be a pretty GUI to go along with it, integration into the navigator, integration with the media libraries, video players, etc., notification to system components, security considerations for corporate policies, etc. etc. etc. The list goes on.

**batboris** · 12-12-2011, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by FourOhFour

You're missing the part where if RIM deploys the solution, then it has to be extensively tested, bugfixed, supported, there needs to be a pretty GUI to go along with it, integration into the navigator, integration with the media libraries, video players, etc., notification to system components, security considerations for corporate policies, etc. etc. etc. The list goes on.

Exactly.
Talking about security ... I remember my teacher telling me a story...
A bank confident in its high security against viruses and a bag of USB flash drives thrown in front of the main entrance. After that, there are no longer USB ports on any bank's PCs.

Imagine DB on a Flash drive....
Introducing USB support will make the PB a very popular device, but the consequences might ruin RIM's reputation.

**RicThot** · 12-12-2011, 06:30 PM

WOW, guillem this is just AWESOME! I was that close from selling my 16gb to a friend and buying the 32gb for 100$ more... So it looks like I'll be getting a 48gb PB instead, for an 25$ ! Sweeeeeeeet!

Now all we need is custom fit micro-usb to usb adapter that fits nicely on the PB!

Good job!

**dony71** · 12-12-2011, 08:10 PM

@guillem : do u need to be rooted on 1.0.8.6067 for USB host?
if yes, i don't know anybody still can root 1.0.8.6067 ?

**dcorx** · 12-13-2011, 12:19 AM

this is exciting

**guillem** · 12-13-2011, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by dony71

@guillem : do u need to be rooted on 1.0.8.6067 for USB host?
if yes, i don't know anybody still can root 1.0.8.6067 ?

yes, you need to have it rooted. i haven't tested this under OS2, but i guess it also works.

**mundo472** · 12-13-2011, 06:55 AM

Originally Posted by FourOhFour

You're missing the part where if RIM deploys the solution, then it has to be extensively tested, bugfixed, supported, there needs to be a pretty GUI to go along with it, integration into the navigator, integration with the media libraries, video players, etc., notification to system components, security considerations for corporate policies, etc. etc. etc. The list goes on.

But that's their JOB!

**peter9477** · 12-13-2011, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by mundo472

But that's their JOB!

Exactly, and they're doing it. Just not fast enough, apparently, to avoid comments like "... and they just don't allow it."

Clearly they're not "not allowing it", they're just not ready to release it since they haven't completed all the work FourOhFour described.

**niazdokrat** · 12-13-2011, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by mundo472

But that's their JOB!

Exactly and its not that hard to integrate with other apps as it will just be another "directory"/path to browse. and for security they just need to have an option to turn it on or off on the device and bes.

Really hope this comes soon in the official OS with an API... I have an idea for an awesome app.

**M.Rizk** · 12-13-2011, 08:14 AM

Wish it comes to non rooted PlayBooks it rocks! Will help a lot in transfering files from PB to PC and viceversa also watching HD movies

**RicThot** · 12-13-2011, 08:25 AM

The perfect companion to the PB USB Host functionality, a 90° angled micro-usb to std USB adapter:
short Usb A female to angle 90° micro usb cable adapter | eBay

This is the one with the smallest micro-usb connector I could find. The only downside is that the PB usb port is a bit flimsy...

Just bought 3.

**kzeusr** · 12-13-2011, 08:49 AM

WOW Finally a good reason for me to use Dingleberry! Ive had my 32gbmicroSD rig waiting since April 19th.

**balding1** · 12-13-2011, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by RicThot

The perfect companion to the PB USB Host functionality, a 90° angled micro-usb to std USB adapter:
short Usb A female to angle 90° micro usb cable adapter | eBay

This is the one with the smallest micro-usb connector I could find. The only downside is that the PB usb port is a bit flimsy...

Just bought 3.

Thanks for the heads up just bought 2

**fruitloaf** · 12-13-2011, 08:58 AM

There are these ones USB 2.0 A Female to Micro-B Male Adapter Connector F/M | eBay

**M.Rizk** · 12-13-2011, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by balding1

Thanks for the heads up just bought 2

Why do you guys buy more than one lol ?

**balding1** · 12-13-2011, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by M.Rizk

Why do you guys buy more than one lol ?

Reason 1. free shipping
Reason 2. the price.
Reason 3. Got a couple of friends with playbooks, could sell it to them but will probably give it to them for free.
Reason 4. If the usb port opens up will keep both and leave one @ desktop and 1 with lappy.
Reason 5. I felt like it.

**M.Rizk** · 12-13-2011, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by balding1

Reason 1. free shipping
Reason 2. the price.
Reason 3. Got a couple of friends with playbooks, could sell it to them but will probably give it to them for free.
Reason 4. If the usb port opens up will keep both and leave one @ desktop and 1 with lappy.

I wish I can buy one... But too busy to get out any time soon outside home to pick it up from Corier :S got loads of exams

**AM42** · 12-13-2011, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by balding1

Reason 1. free shipping
Reason 2. the price.
Reason 3. Got a couple of friends with playbooks, could sell it to them but will probably give it to them for free.
Reason 4. If the usb port opens up will keep both and leave one @ desktop and 1 with lappy.
Reason 5. I felt like it.

lol, I'm just like you

**thisissun** · 12-13-2011, 10:50 AM

So much for having a larger than a 16GB playbook, lol

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

**InfinitiGuy** · 12-13-2011, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by RicThot

The perfect companion to the PB USB Host functionality, a 90° angled micro-usb to std USB adapter:
short Usb A female to angle 90° micro usb cable adapter | eBay

This is the one with the smallest micro-usb connector I could find. The only downside is that the PB usb port is a bit flimsy...

Just bought 3.

The problem with this one is that the 90 degree bend would interfere with a HDMI cable. For my uses, I would be playing movies to a connected HDMI display so I'll have to look for a straight-out connector.