Does Lenovo A6000 Support OTG After Updating to Lollipop?
The portable and compact Lenovo A6000 is a popular choice among users with its sleek design and affordable price. This post delves into a common question about the device: does it support OTG after being upgraded to the Lollipop version? We will explore the technical aspects, user experiences, and official statements to provide you with a comprehensive answer.
OTG Overview and its Compatibility
Before delving into the specifics of the Lenovo A6000, it's essential to understand what OTG (On-The-Go) is and its common applications. OTG allows users to connect various USB devices, such as USB drives or keyboards, directly to the mobile device without the need for an additional OTG hub or adapter. However, OTG support is not universal and can vary based on a device's hardware and firmware.
Lenovo A6000's Limited OTG Support
Truth be told, the Lenovo A6000 has some OTG capabilities through a custom cable that allows limited use, but it does not fully support the OTG protocol. This is where things get a bit complicated.
Custom Catridge and Limited OTG Usage
There was a custom firmware release for the Lenovo A6000/Plus that enabled a feature similar to OTG through the use of an OTG Y cable. In this setup, the device would supply additional power via USB. However, this solution did not provide a complete OTG experience and required the user to manually manage the power supply for external USB devices. This workaround was a neat hack but not a full-featured OTG solution.
No Hardware Support for Full OTG
Unfortunately, the Lenovo A6000 and A6000 Plus are not equipped with the necessary hardware to provide full OTG support. The reliability and cost-effectiveness of making these devices compatible with OTG were not deemed worth the effort by Lenovo. Additionally, even with updates, such as the Lollipop update, the addition of OTG capability requires hardware changes, which the manufacturer did not implement.
Official Statements and Community Feedback
The official stance from Lenovo on the OTG compatibility of the A6000 is clear: the device does not support OTG before or after the Lollipop update. However, in some cases, users have reported that third-party OTG cables or adapters worked, albeit not entirely reliably.
Third-Party Solutions and Limitations
Users interested in using OTG with their Lenovo A6000 might consider purchasing third-party OTG cables that provide additional power via a separate charger. Nevertheless, the reliability and performance of these solutions can vary significantly, and users should be prepared for potential issues.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
In summary, the Lenovo A6000 does not fully support OTG. This lack of support is due to its hardware limitations, which were not altered even with the Lollipop update. While some users have reported success with third-party OTG solutions, it is not a guaranteed feature and may not work for everyone.
For those considering a similar device or looking for a reliable device with OTG capabilities, it will be beneficial to research the hardware and firmware details of the models you are interested in. Keeping an eye on official updates and community feedback can also provide valuable insights into any changes that might be made in future software releases.
It is essential to stay informed about your device's capabilities to make the most out of its features. If you have any further questions or need more detailed information on this topic, please contact the Lenovo support team or forum communities where you can get updated and platform-specific advice.