Sometimes I plug my phone into the computer and a little boc pops up
asking it I want to treat the phone like a USB drive, and all is well.
But if the box doesn't pop up, how do I find it?
On Fri, 5 Jan 2024 10:33:03 +0000, Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote
Sometimes I plug my phone into the computer and a little boc pops up
asking it I want to treat the phone like a USB drive, and all is well.
But if the box doesn't pop up, how do I find it?
perhaps the times it doesn't pop up are when you're using a
charging-only cable with no data pins?
Most of the time it's the cable but you can also connect by wifi.
Sometimes I plug my phone into the computer and a little boc pops up
asking it I want to treat the phone like a USB drive, and all is well.
But if the box doesn't pop up, how do I find it?
perhaps the times it doesn't pop up are when you're using a
charging-only cable with no data pins?
On Fri, 5 Jan 2024 10:33:03 +0000, Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote
Sometimes I plug my phone into the computer and a little boc pops up
asking it I want to treat the phone like a USB drive, and all is well.
But if the box doesn't pop up, how do I find it?
perhaps the times it doesn't pop up are when you're using a
charging-only cable with no data pins?
Most of the time it's the cable but you can also connect by wifi.
Steve Hayes wrote:
Sometimes I plug my phone into the computer and a little boc pops up
asking it I want to treat the phone like a USB drive, and all is well.
But if the box doesn't pop up, how do I find it?
perhaps the times it doesn't pop up are when you're using a
charging-only cable with no data pins?
Is there any sure way of getting a phone and computer to connect?
Sometimes I plug my phone into the computer and a little boc pops up
asking it I want to treat the phone like a USB drive, and all is well.
But if the box doesn't pop up, how do I find it?
Is there any sure way of getting a phone and computer to connect?
Sometimes I plug my phone into the computer and a little boc pops up
asking it I want to treat the phone like a USB drive, and all is well.
But if the box doesn't pop up, how do I find it?
perhaps the times it doesn't pop up are when you're using a
charging-only cable with no data pins?
Most of the time it's the cable but you can also connect by wifi.
My phone sometimes shows up on my computer when connected by cable,
but it *never* shows up on the the home network (wifi for the phone,
but the computer is connected by ethernet cable).
What I want to know is why it only shows up sometimes and not every
time I want to connect.
What I want to know is why it only shows up sometimes and not every
time I want to connect.
On 05 Jan 2024 11:52:01 +0200 Steve Hayes wrote:
Is there any sure way of getting a phone and computer to connect?
Sometimes I plug my phone into the computer and a little boc pops up
asking it I want to treat the phone like a USB drive, and all is well.
But if the box doesn't pop up, how do I find it?
Too little information.
Windows? Mac?
OS - Win 10?
What make of phone (and model preferably)?
Android version? (Which is important.)
Box appears where? On the PC, phone...
Does it really say 'treat as a USB Drive' or is that your interpretation
of 'mass storage device'?
What appears on the phone screen eg at the top - assuming the box is on
the PC?
On Fri, 5 Jan 2024 17:01:33 -0000 (UTC), Dave
Royal<dave@dave123royal.com> wrote:
On 05 Jan 2024 11:52:01 +0200 Steve Hayes wrote:
Is there any sure way of getting a phone and computer to connect?
Sometimes I plug my phone into the computer and a little boc pops up >>>asking it I want to treat the phone like a USB drive, and all is well.
But if the box doesn't pop up, how do I find it?
Too little information.
Windows? Mac?
OS - Win 10?
Windows XP
What make of phone (and model preferably)?
Samsung SM-A-260F
Android version? (Which is important.)
8.1.0
Box appears where? On the PC, phone...
On the phone, when it does, The problem here is what one can do to
make it appear when it doesn't appear.
Does it really say 'treat as a USB Drive' or is that your interpretation
of 'mass storage device'?
Since the problem is that I can't see it I cannot say what it "really
says". That is roughly what I remember it giving as an option after
using several generations of Android phones for this purpose.
Ha, this morning it appeared:
It says
Use this to
- Charge phone
- Transfer file
- Transfer images
I'd still like to know whaty made it appear this morning when it
didn't appear yesterday.
What appears on the phone screen eg at the top - assuming the box is on
the PC?
On 1/5/2024 7:49 AM, Steve Hayes wrote:
What I want to know is why it only shows up sometimes and not every
time I want to connect.
I don't think that you'll ever know why you don't always get the pop-up
as soon as you connect. It's just an Android thing and I've noticed the
same thing.
One thing to be aware of is that if the screen lock comes on then you
won't see any files on the computer until you unlock it, you'll only see "This folder is empty."
It's highly unlikely that it's a bad connection or a bad cable.
Steve Hayes wrote on Fri, 05 Jan 2024 17:49:45 +0200 :
perhaps the times it doesn't pop up are when you're using a
charging-only cable with no data pins?
Most of the time it's the cable but you can also connect by wifi.
My phone sometimes shows up on my computer when connected by cable,
but it *never* shows up on the the home network (wifi for the phone,
but the computer is connected by ethernet cable).
It will if you set it up to show up on the home network over wifi.
On Fri, 5 Jan 2024 07:15:39 -0700, Oliver <ollie@invalid.net> wrote:
On Fri, 5 Jan 2024 10:33:03 +0000, Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote
Sometimes I plug my phone into the computer and a little boc pops up
asking it I want to treat the phone like a USB drive, and all is well. >>>>
But if the box doesn't pop up, how do I find it?
perhaps the times it doesn't pop up are when you're using a
charging-only cable with no data pins?
Most of the time it's the cable but you can also connect by wifi.
My phone sometimes shows up on my computer when connected by cable,
but it *never* shows up on the the home network (wifi for the phone,
but the computer is connected by ethernet cable).
What I want to know is why it only shows up sometimes and not every
time I want to connect.
On Fri, 5 Jan 2024 10:33:03 +0000, Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk>
wrote:
Steve Hayes wrote:
Sometimes I plug my phone into the computer and a little boc pops up
asking it I want to treat the phone like a USB drive, and all is well.
But if the box doesn't pop up, how do I find it?
perhaps the times it doesn't pop up are when you're using a
charging-only cable with no data pins?
No, it worked a couple of weeks ago.
If you are using MicroUSB also check the connector in the phone if it
is dirty - sometimes dust builds up in MicroUSB sockets and causes
the plugs not to sit in the socket properly. You may need a fine
needle
It will if you set it up to show up on the home network over wifi.
How? I mean how will a smartphone show up on a *computer* in the same
network when connected to WiFi?
When using USB with a data connection (and not only power), the computer
will see the device as storage device depending on what protocols are supported by the computer and by the smartphone (usually PTP or MTP).
However this has to be enabled in the smartphone *and* the cable has to
work properly.
It never happens to me.
One thing to be aware of is that if the screen lock comes on then you
won't see any files on the computer until you unlock it, you'll only see
"This folder is empty."
It's highly unlikely that it's a bad connection or a bad cable.
It is very probably a bad cable or a bad connection.
I'm wary of using metal needles inside USB connectors, wooden cocktail
sticks are better if you can find ones thin enough. Also use a bright
torch to shine into the socket, it only takes a bit of fluff to block
the connection ...
When the box _doesn't_ appear did you look in Explorer to see if it was mounted anyway - as a drive (E: or something)?
If you go into "Developer Options" then you can set "File
transfer/Android Auto" as the default. This eliminates the need to go
through authorization every time you connect. To become a developer:
Settings > System > "About Phone" > then click "Build Number" seven times.
Assuming you mean an Android cellphone, and assuming that you want
to transfer files, such as images, it should work if you have a compatible cable. Another option is bluetooth. Enable BT on both and then on Windows (assuming Windows) use the GUI to connect. I did this a few days ago
on Win10 but don't exactly remember the process. I think I found the bluetooth options in PC Settings, but it's not very obvious. There should
be a dedicated program on the Start Menu.
There's also a default usb configuration setting in Developer options. Settings -> Developer options -> Default USB configuration
which for my device is set to "Transfer files/Android Auto."
There's also a default usb configuration setting in Developer options.
Settings -> Developer options -> Default USB configuration
which for my device is set to "Transfer files/Android Auto."
Yes, that's what I did.
But the original poster is using a very old phone running a very old
version of Android, and may not have that option.
Steve Hayes, 2024-01-05 16:49:
On Fri, 5 Jan 2024 07:15:39 -0700, Oliver <ollie@invalid.net> wrote:
On Fri, 5 Jan 2024 10:33:03 +0000, Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote >>>
Sometimes I plug my phone into the computer and a little boc pops up >>>>> asking it I want to treat the phone like a USB drive, and all is well. >>>>>
But if the box doesn't pop up, how do I find it?
perhaps the times it doesn't pop up are when you're using a
charging-only cable with no data pins?
Most of the time it's the cable but you can also connect by wifi.
My phone sometimes shows up on my computer when connected by cable,
but it *never* shows up on the the home network (wifi for the phone,
but the computer is connected by ethernet cable).
Define "shows up". If you expect the phone to be visible as a device on
your computer, where you can copy files from or to it, this will *never* happen when using WiFi.
When using USB with a data connection (and not only power), the computer
will see the device as storage device depending on what protocols are supported by the computer and by the smartphone (usually PTP or MTP).
However this has to be enabled in the smartphone *and* the cable has to
work properly.
What I want to know is why it only shows up sometimes and not every
time I want to connect.
Most likely because the cable is defect or low quality or the connectors
are dirty or otherwise damaged in some way, so the connection is not reliable.
Most of the time it's the cable but you can also connect by wifi.
But not to transfer data between the phone and the computer without additional software.
Is there any sure way of getting a phone and computer to connect?
Since noone has mentioned the solution that I use, here it is:
I ftp into my phone. I use the free version "Wifi FTP Server", which I
only start on demand, set username/pw and then you can use an ftp
programme of your choice on your computer (here it is Total
Commander/Double Commander for Linux), but you also could use Filezilla
or whatever ftp programme you would like to use. No cable required, your phone just has to be in the same home network as your computer. Always
works.
Is there any sure way of getting a phone and computer to connect?
FTP has issues due to the fact it uses ports 21/22
but if you want to use
FTP to mount Android as a Windows drive letter over Wi-Fi, you can do that.
Oscar Mayer wrote:
FTP has issues due to the fact it uses ports 21/22
Which "issues" are you talking about? It is not encrypted, of course,
but this is done on the user's home network, not on the internet. BTW, I
am not suggesting to keep the ftp server on the phone running all the
time.
"Larry Wolff" <larrywolff@larrywolff.net> wrote
| You're right that Bluetooth alone works as an ad hoc network if both the
| phone and the computer have it but the OP's computer is XP so maybe not.
|
Yes. I think I've used a bluetooth antenna on XP, but
a cable is easier than anything else. I had used the bluetooth
with Win10 only because I didn't have a USB-to-USB-C cable.
Arno Welzel wrote on Sat, 6 Jan 2024 15:40:07 +0100 :
It will if you set it up to show up on the home network over wifi.
How? I mean how will a smartphone show up on a *computer* in the same
network when connected to WiFi?
Lots of ways. With this your phone will show up as a Windows drive letter. https://play.google.com/store/search?q=webdav%20server&c=apps
On 1/6/2024 9:45 AM, Andy Burns wrote:
I'm wary of using metal needles inside USB connectors, wooden cocktail
sticks are better if you can find ones thin enough. Also use a bright
torch to shine into the socket, it only takes a bit of fluff to block
the connection ...
Metal is a really bad idea.
Sharp is also a really bad idea.
Take a guess as to how bad using sharp metal will be?
Most people use those little cans of compressed air to blow it out.
Most of the time it's the cable but you can also connect by wifi.
But not to transfer data between the phone and the computer without
additional software.
Not if you use WebRTC.
What does WebRTC have to do with that? Please explain.
On Fri, 5 Jan 2024 15:53:18 +0100, Arno Welzel <usenet@arnowelzel.de> wrote
Most of the time it's the cable but you can also connect by wifi.
But not to transfer data between the phone and the computer without
additional software.
Not if you use WebRTC.
I talk about using the phone *without* additional software.
On Tue, 9 Jan 2024 01:41:52 +0100, Arno Welzel <usenet@arnowelzel.de> wrote
Most of the time it's the cable but you can also connect by wifi.
But not to transfer data between the phone and the computer without
additional software.
Not if you use WebRTC.
What does WebRTC have to do with that? Please explain.
Anyone can easily copy any file over Wi-Fi from any device on any platform
to any other device on any platform using nothing but the native tools.
That other device is typically on your own LAN but it could cross networks. You do need momentary Internet access to establish the ad hoc connections. That's where the WebRTC comes in.
https://webrtc.org/
Arno Welzel wrote on Tue, 9 Jan 2024 01:44:37 +0100 :
I talk about using the phone *without* additional software.
While it's nice to have the Android phone showing up as a drive,
you do have to install a server (like webdav) & configure it right.
I saw someone already gave you the answer if you insist on installing
nothing and configuring nothing and just copying over the wifi lan.
Sharedrop needs no software and no configuration as it uses webrtc. https://github.com/szimek/sharedrop
"ShareDrop is a web application inspired by Apple AirDrop service. It
I know what WebRTC is. But how does this help to transfer files between
an Android smartphone and a computer in the same network via WiFi
*without* any additional software?
Arno Welzel wrote:
I know what WebRTC is. But how does this help to transfer files between
an Android smartphone and a computer in the same network via WiFi
*without* any additional software?
Seems you know *part* of what webRTC is, I suppose the important feature
here is peer discovery ...
<https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Glossary/WebRTC>
Sharedrop needs no software and no configuration as it uses webrtc.
https://github.com/szimek/sharedrop
Oh my... Sharedrop *is* software.
"ShareDrop is a web application inspired by Apple AirDrop service. It
Also "web application" is *software* and is has to run somewhere.
You need to connect to a website where Sharedrop is running, as for example <https://www.sharedrop.io/>.
Maybe it is still not clear enough:
When using USB you need *NOTHING* extra! No internet connection, no
extra software. Just connect via USB, enable data connection in the
Android phone and you can access the phone on your computer - no extra software in most cases.
Seems you know *part* of what webRTC is, I suppose the important feature
here is peer discovery ...
No, I know that.
<https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Glossary/WebRTC>
This does not help without any software running one some machine
providing this, like <https://www.sharedrop.io/> as mentioned in anothe
post. But without access to such a server, WebRTC is *not* a substitute
to using a USB cable and file transfer using PTP/MTP - which is
supported in Windows, macOS or Linux out of the box.
Arno Welzel wrote on Tue, 9 Jan 2024 15:01:02 +0100 :
Sharedrop needs no software and no configuration as it uses webrtc.
https://github.com/szimek/sharedrop
Oh my... Sharedrop *is* software.
Oh my... A USB driver *is* software too.
ShareDrop is just a server. It's not "software". That you think it's
software means you are objecting to something you don't even understand.
Oh my... A USB driver *is* software too.
Huh, no. Comes by default, nothing has to be installed.
ShareDrop is just a server. It's not "software". That you think it's
software means you are objecting to something you don't even understand.
Well, is is some extra service, maybe external, that is needed so that
phone and computer find one another and can exchange files.
Arno Welzel wrote on Tue, 9 Jan 2024 15:01:02 +0100 :
Sharedrop needs no software and no configuration as it uses webrtc.
https://github.com/szimek/sharedrop
Oh my... Sharedrop *is* software.
Oh my... A USB driver *is* software too.
ShareDrop is just a server. It's not "software". That you think it's
software means you are objecting to something you don't even understand.
"ShareDrop is a web application inspired by Apple AirDrop service. It
Also "web application" is *software* and is has to run somewhere.
Also the "usb application" is *software* and it has to run somewhere.
You need to connect to a website where Sharedrop is running, as for example >> <https://www.sharedrop.io/>.
With USB you need to connect to another USB device where a USB driver is running, as for example a Windows computer with USB.
Carlos E.R. wrote on Tue, 9 Jan 2024 23:00:12 +0100 :
Oh my... A USB driver *is* software too.
Huh, no. Comes by default, nothing has to be installed.
It's not really important because the objections that Arno Welzel were ridiculous in that both solutions work quite well without configuration.
If I use the same fault-finding level, I point out the correct USB driver
has to be INSTALLED as an additional driver on Windows when you plug it in.
Sure, that's automatic. Most of the time. If you're lucky. But it's added.
On Tue, 9 Jan 2024 18:14:13 +0100, Arno Welzel <usenet@arnowelzel.de> wrote
Seems you know *part* of what webRTC is, I suppose the important feature >>> here is peer discovery ...
No, I know that.
<https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Glossary/WebRTC>
This does not help without any software running one some machine
providing this, like <https://www.sharedrop.io/> as mentioned in anothe
post. But without access to such a server, WebRTC is *not* a substitute
to using a USB cable and file transfer using PTP/MTP - which is
supported in Windows, macOS or Linux out of the box.
You complain about Mom & Apple Pie because you like Dad's Pumpkin Pie.
USB requires short distances to transfer between devices.
Ad hoc wi-fi via WebRTC peer-discovery does not.
USB requires a compatible cable to transfer between devices.
Ad hoc wi-fi via WebRTC peer-discovery does not.
USB requires a compatible driver to transfer between devices.
Ad hoc wi-fi via WebRTC peer-discovery does not.
Ad hoc wi-fi requires peer discovery (which is where WebRTC comes in).
USB does not.
Having made that distinction, I'm not going to continue a discussion that
is fraught with impossibly insane argument such as those you are making.
Neither method uses more software (nor less).
Neither method requires more setup (nor less).
Each method solves the hurdles (such as distances) the other can't solve.
If the distance is extremely short & cables & drivers compatible, use USB.
The fundamental difference is USB requires compatible hardware & distances while WebRTC peer-to-peer discovery requires a few seconds of Internet.
Neither method precludes the other.
Both methods are practically perfect.
No sense continuing this farcical charade to the point of absurdity.
Andrew, 2024-01-10 05:20:
Carlos E.R. wrote on Tue, 9 Jan 2024 23:00:12 +0100 :
Oh my... A USB driver *is* software too.
Huh, no. Comes by default, nothing has to be installed.
It's not really important because the objections that Arno Welzel were
ridiculous in that both solutions work quite well without configuration.
The latter one needs
a) Internet access
b) The user has to know a website like <https://www.sharedrop.io/> -
without that knowledge he can not exchange files at all
If I use the same fault-finding level, I point out the correct USB driver
has to be INSTALLED as an additional driver on Windows when you plug it in.
No, it hasn't. The driver is already installed. Windows will only
activate the device in the device manager,
Sure, that's automatic. Most of the time. If you're lucky. But it's added.
No, not "if you're lucky".
With USB you need to connect to another USB device where a USB driver is
running, as for example a Windows computer with USB.
But the driver is already built in!
You don't get it.
By default neither Windows nor macOS or Linux have any software built in which privides this.
b) The user has to know a website like <https://www.sharedrop.io/> -
without that knowledge he can not exchange files at all
Not something I'm inclined to do when copying private files.
If I want to copy files using WiFi in my LAN (which sometimes I do, for various reasons), I can try the functionality on my phone to send files "nearby", which is an option in the Google Files app, for instance.
Doesn't need a LAN, I believe, the finding is done using BT.
I don't know if other tools can use the "Nearby" facility, so I don't
know if this is an "out of the box" facility, because I installed "Files".
Or I would use an FTP server, or some other app on the phone to share
files, or connect to a server on my LAN. Some tools like Ghost Commander
can do that. This is not out of the box, though.
No, not "if you're lucky".
Same on Linux, the USB connection works out of the box, nothing to
install, ever.
Carlos E.R. wrote on Wed, 10 Jan 2024 23:40:14 +0100 :
b) The user has to know a website like <https://www.sharedrop.io/> -
without that knowledge he can not exchange files at all
Not something I'm inclined to do when copying private files.
There are lots of ways to copy files but Arno Welzel insisted on no configuration & no additional software - which is when sharedrop came in.
If I want to copy files using WiFi in my LAN (which sometimes I do, for
various reasons), I can try the functionality on my phone to send files
"nearby", which is an option in the Google Files app, for instance.
Doesn't need a LAN, I believe, the finding is done using BT.
That works too as do many other ways but Arno Welzel insisted on no additional software and no configuration, so BT fails /his/ test.
Besides, BT requires hardware even worse than USB requires hardware.
The peer-to-peer solution requires no hardware other than working Wi-Fi.
I don't know if other tools can use the "Nearby" facility, so I don't
know if this is an "out of the box" facility, because I installed "Files".
The solution proposed /is/ an out of the box facility that just works.
It requires no additional software and no configuration.
USB requires short distances and a compatible cable.
Peer-to-peer requires Wi-Fi and an Internet discovery.
Or I would use an FTP server, or some other app on the phone to share
files, or connect to a server on my LAN. Some tools like Ghost Commander
can do that. This is not out of the box, though.
But that fails Arno Welzel's test of no additional software & no config.
No, not "if you're lucky".
Same on Linux, the USB connection works out of the box, nothing to
install, ever.
If we limit the solutions to Arno Welzel's requirement of no additional software and no configuration, both USB and peer-to-peer transfers work.
Nothing else that I know of requires no additional software & no configuration. Do you know of anything else that fits Arno's requirements?
On 2024-01-10 17:34, Arno Welzel wrote:[...]
Andrew, 2024-01-10 05:20:
It's not really important because the objections that Arno Welzel were
ridiculous in that both solutions work quite well without configuration.
The latter one needs
a) Internet access
b) The user has to know a website like <https://www.sharedrop.io/> -
without that knowledge he can not exchange files at all
Not something I'm inclined to do when copying private files.
If I want to copy files using WiFi in my LAN (which sometimes I do, for various reasons), I can try the functionality on my phone to send files "nearby", which is an option in the Google Files app, for instance.
Doesn't need a LAN, I believe, the finding is done using BT.
I don't know if other tools can use the "Nearby" facility, so I don't
know if this is an "out of the box" facility, because I installed "Files".
Or I would use an FTP server, or some other app on the phone to share
files, or connect to a server on my LAN. Some tools like Ghost Commander
can do that. This is not out of the box, though.
Carlos E.R. wrote on Wed, 10 Jan 2024 23:40:14 +0100 :
b) The user has to know a website like <https://www.sharedrop.io/> -
without that knowledge he can not exchange files at all
Not something I'm inclined to do when copying private files.
There are lots of ways to copy files but Arno Welzel insisted on no configuration & no additional software - which is when sharedrop came in.
On Wed, 10 Jan 2024 17:30:24 +0100, Arno Welzel wrote:
By default neither Windows nor macOS or Linux have any software built in
which privides this.
Wrong. Firefox has it built in. So does Chrome. Safari too.
Your incorrect claim "neither Windows nor macOS or Linux has" Firefox,
Chrome or Safari is just wrong. It means you don't understand anything.
What is funny is what they don't have are the correct USB drivers.
That's "additional software" that has to be installed for USB to work.
On Wed, 10 Jan 2024 17:32:18 +0100, Arno Welzel wrote:
With USB you need to connect to another USB device where a USB driver is >>> running, as for example a Windows computer with USB.
But the driver is already built in!
You don't get it.
Wrong. Firefox has it built in. So does Chrome. Safari too.
Carlos E.R., 2024-01-10 23:40:
On 2024-01-10 17:34, Arno Welzel wrote:[...]
Andrew, 2024-01-10 05:20:
It's not really important because the objections that Arno Welzel were >>>> ridiculous in that both solutions work quite well without configuration. >>>The latter one needs
a) Internet access
b) The user has to know a website like <https://www.sharedrop.io/> -
without that knowledge he can not exchange files at all
Not something I'm inclined to do when copying private files.
If I want to copy files using WiFi in my LAN (which sometimes I do, for
various reasons), I can try the functionality on my phone to send files
"nearby", which is an option in the Google Files app, for instance.
Doesn't need a LAN, I believe, the finding is done using BT.
I don't know if other tools can use the "Nearby" facility, so I don't
know if this is an "out of the box" facility, because I installed "Files".
At least Windows and Linux do *not* proviude a similar feature without
using a browser - because *WebRTC* is a browser based technology. And
the service provided by <https://www.sharedrop.io/> is of course *not*
only the protocol WebRTC but is a *software* developed in JavaScript
running in the browser to provide this feature.
And no, the data is not transmitted to the server, it is directly
transferred from the Smartphone to the Computer since they both "see"
each other when accessing this website. But of course you need to open a browser on both devices and visit that website to initiate the connection.
Or I would use an FTP server, or some other app on the phone to share
files, or connect to a server on my LAN. Some tools like Ghost Commander
can do that. This is not out of the box, though.
Or Cx File Exporer or many other file managers which provide this.
But this is exactly my point:
Using a USB cable you do *not* need any app on the smartphone at all and PTP/MTP via USB is *built* *in* to Windows or macOS. You do *not* have install anything at all - just wait a moment, if the device is connected
for the very first time.
BT is included hardware, same as WiFi. All current phones include it,
since maybe a decade.
I don't know if other tools can use the "Nearby" facility, so I don'tThe solution proposed /is/ an out of the box facility that just works.
know if this is an "out of the box" facility, because I installed "Files". >>
It requires no additional software and no configuration.
It requires an external service to intermediate. That can be considered
an external configuration service.
Firefox, Chrome and Safari have a link to websites like <https://www.sharedrop.io/> built in? Where?
Your incorrect claim "neither Windows nor macOS or Linux has" Firefox,
Chrome or Safari is just wrong. It means you don't understand anything.
No, *you* don't understand anything. It's about *not* knowing what
website or additional(!) software one has to visit to be able to use
WebRTC for file transfer.
What is funny is what they don't have are the correct USB drivers.
They are
That's "additional software" that has to be installed for USB to work.
No. This happens automatically. A user does not have to do anything at
all for this except allowing data transfer on his smartphone.
Ok, a practical test, maybe you understand it then:
3) Now tell the person to remove the USB cable and use WebRTC instead
for the same operation - of course *without* telling any website for
this. Because as you claim the existance of WebRTC alone is a complete subsitute for using an USB cable.
Even with configuration, but without software (as per Arno, not me), can
you tell me how to copy a file over BT from my phone to my kid's laptop?
On Thu, 11 Jan 2024 18:03:23 +0100, Arno Welzel wrote:
Firefox, Chrome and Safari have a link to websites like
<https://www.sharedrop.io/> built in? Where?
I'm not even going to respond to that because only an idiot says that they want all their web browsers to be pre-loaded with every URL they may use.
3) Now tell the person to remove the USB cable and use WebRTC instead
for the same operation - of course *without* telling any website for
this. Because as you claim the existance of WebRTC alone is a complete
subsitute for using an USB cable.
You are an idiot because you think everyone always has a five hundred foot long USB cable available so that they can connect to any device at home.
Because you are an idiot, there's no way to get you to not say idiotic statements so I will simply summarize for the people who are not idiots.
[1] If you have compatible cables & ports handy and if the distance
is extremely close, then you will find USB easy to use.
[2] If you don't have compatible cables or ports or if the distance
is not extremely close, then you will find peer-to-peer easy to use.
[3] USB requires short distances. Peer-to-peer discovery requires the net.
[4] Neither requires additional software. Neither requires configuration.
Because you are an idiot, there's nothing possible to learn from any more
of your idiotic nonsense so this summary is not for you. It's for others.
Andrew wrote:
Even with configuration, but without software (as per Arno, not me), can
you tell me how to copy a file over BT from my phone to my kid's laptop?
On the laptop, run fsquirt.exe, tell it to receive.
Then on the phone select your file, click the share* icon, choose your
laptop as the device.
[*] <https://www.iconarchive.com/show/iconoir-icons-by-iconoir-team/share-android-icon.html>
Carlos E.R. wrote on Thu, 11 Jan 2024 11:29:26 +0100 :
BT is included hardware, same as WiFi. All current phones include it,
since maybe a decade.
I'm all for solutions that work so I'd like to test out your BT suggestion.
My desktop doesn't have bluetooth but my kid's laptop does have bluetooth.
My phone has bluetooth.
I don't know about Bluetooth versions, but let's assume compatibility.
Without any software nor configuration, how would you suggest I copy a file from my phone downstairs to my kid's laptop upstairs using just bluetooth?
Andy Burns, 2024-01-12 11:28:
Andrew wrote:
Even with configuration, but without software (as per Arno, not me), can >>> you tell me how to copy a file over BT from my phone to my kid's laptop?
On the laptop, run fsquirt.exe, tell it to receive.
Then on the phone select your file, click the share* icon, choose your
laptop as the device.
[*]
<https://www.iconarchive.com/show/iconoir-icons-by-iconoir-team/share-android-icon.html>
One of the few useful suggestions here, thanks! Better than just saying
"use Bluetooth, it's already build in to your phone" ;-)
On 2024-01-11 23:47, Andrew wrote:
Carlos E.R. wrote on Thu, 11 Jan 2024 11:29:26 +0100 :
BT is included hardware, same as WiFi. All current phones include it,
since maybe a decade.
I'm all for solutions that work so I'd like to test out your BT suggestion.
My desktop doesn't have bluetooth but my kid's laptop does have bluetooth. My phone has bluetooth.
I don't know about Bluetooth versions, but let's assume compatibility.
Without any software nor configuration, how would you suggest I copy a file from my phone downstairs to my kid's laptop upstairs using just bluetooth?
Sorry, I was thinking phone to phone.
I don't know if computers support "Nearby" (probably ?)
Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
On 2024-01-11 23:47, Andrew wrote:
Carlos E.R. wrote on Thu, 11 Jan 2024 11:29:26 +0100 :Sorry, I was thinking phone to phone.
BT is included hardware, same as WiFi. All current phones include it,
since maybe a decade.
I'm all for solutions that work so I'd like to test out your BT suggestion. >>>
My desktop doesn't have bluetooth but my kid's laptop does have bluetooth. >>> My phone has bluetooth.
I don't know about Bluetooth versions, but let's assume compatibility.
Without any software nor configuration, how would you suggest I copy a file >>> from my phone downstairs to my kid's laptop upstairs using just bluetooth? >>
I don't know if computers support "Nearby" (probably ?)
Your Wikipedia reference [1] says Nearby Share is supported on Windows (and ChromeOS). It points to android.com without a direct reference, but
they also point to two articles, on Android Central one.
I went to android.com, searched on 'Nearby Share' and found:
'Wireless sharing with your PC, made easy.'
'Send and receive photos, documents and more between nearby Android
devices1 and Windows PCs.' <https://www.android.com/better-together/nearby-share-app/>
I haven't downloaded/tried the Windows 'app' yet. (First have to get Bluetooth working (phone fails to connect to laptop). Or I might try
Wi-Fi instead.)
Of course this fails the no-extra-software requirement, but maybe
useful in cases when this requirement is a non-issue.
[1] <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nearby_Share>
Oscar Mayer, 2024-01-11 23:35:
On Thu, 11 Jan 2024 18:03:23 +0100, Arno Welzel wrote:
Firefox, Chrome and Safari have a link to websites like
<https://www.sharedrop.io/> built in? Where?
I'm not even going to respond to that because only an idiot says that they want all their web browsers to be pre-loaded with every URL they may use.
You still don't get my point.
When using a USB cable you don't need to know any website at all.
When we're in the boonies, without any Internet - mobile or otherwise -
I often need to copy stuff from my phone to my laptop or vice versa, so
then USB is the simplest solution. There are other solutions, like
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, etc., but IME they're not that easy to setup
or/and do require extra software.
On 14 Jan 2024 19:44:58 GMT, Frank Slootweg wrote:
When we're in the boonies, without any Internet - mobile or otherwise -
I often need to copy stuff from my phone to my laptop or vice versa, so
then USB is the simplest solution. There are other solutions, like
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, etc., but IME they're not that easy to setup
or/and do require extra software.
These solutions are like different shaped screwdrivers.
You likely want one of each shape in your toolbox.
[1] USB
[2] Wi-Fi peer-to-peer
[3] Bluetooth peer-to-peer
Any others?
On 1/14/24 4:21 PM, Oscar Mayer wrote:
On 14 Jan 2024 19:44:58 GMT, Frank Slootweg wrote:
When we're in the boonies, without any Internet - mobile or otherwise - >> I often need to copy stuff from my phone to my laptop or vice versa, so
then USB is the simplest solution. There are other solutions, like
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, etc., but IME they're not that easy to setup
or/and do require extra software.
These solutions are like different shaped screwdrivers.
You likely want one of each shape in your toolbox.
[1] USB
[2] Wi-Fi peer-to-peer
[3] Bluetooth peer-to-peer
Any others?
I often use an SD card...
'Wireless sharing with your PC, made easy.'
'Send and receive photos, documents and more between nearby Android
devices1 and Windows PCs.' <https://www.android.com/better-together/nearby-share-app/>
AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:
On 1/14/24 4:21 PM, Oscar Mayer wrote:
On 14 Jan 2024 19:44:58 GMT, Frank Slootweg wrote:
When we're in the boonies, without any Internet - mobile or otherwise - >> >> I often need to copy stuff from my phone to my laptop or vice versa, so >> >> then USB is the simplest solution. There are other solutions, like
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, etc., but IME they're not that easy to setup
or/and do require extra software.
These solutions are like different shaped screwdrivers.
You likely want one of each shape in your toolbox.
[1] USB
[2] Wi-Fi peer-to-peer
[3] Bluetooth peer-to-peer
Any others?
I often use an SD card...
And while doing so, you of course plug the 3.5mm TRRS/TRS plug of
your wired earphones into your smartphone to listen to its FM radio.
On 14 Jan 2024 19:44:58 GMT, Frank Slootweg wrote:
When we're in the boonies, without any Internet - mobile or otherwise -
I often need to copy stuff from my phone to my laptop or vice versa, so
then USB is the simplest solution. There are other solutions, like
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, etc., but IME they're not that easy to setup
or/and do require extra software.
Arno Welzel's whole argument is that there is only one screwdriver.
Only flathead.
No Phillips.
But most people aren't as rigid as he is in the way they think.
Most people prefer simple solutions that fit their needs.
These solutions are like different shaped screwdrivers.
You likely want one of each shape in your toolbox.
[1] USB
[2] Wi-Fi peer-to-peer
[3] Bluetooth peer-to-peer
Oscar Mayer, 2024-01-15 00:21:
On 14 Jan 2024 19:44:58 GMT, Frank Slootweg wrote:
When we're in the boonies, without any Internet - mobile or otherwise - >>> I often need to copy stuff from my phone to my laptop or vice versa, so
then USB is the simplest solution. There are other solutions, like
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, etc., but IME they're not that easy to setup
or/and do require extra software.
[1] USB
Works out of the box.
[2] Wi-Fi peer-to-peer
Needs a working internet connection on both devices *and* a website.
What if you don't remember which website it was in the first place?
[3] Bluetooth peer-to-peer
Needs bluetooth on both devices which is not always the case.
Also
bluetooth is quite slow - even Bluetooth 5.0 provides only 3 MBit/s when
EDR is available. So transferring 500 MB of data can take more than 30 minutes.
[1] USB
Works out of the box.
TBF, USB will need a specific type of cable. Odd that you think a USB
cable would be more available in the boonies than Bluetooth connectivity between two computer devices.
[1] USB
Works out of the box.
Needs a DATA cable.
[2] Wi-Fi peer-to-peer
Needs a working internet connection on both devices *and* a website.
What if you don't remember which website it was in the first place?
[3] Bluetooth peer-to-peer
Needs bluetooth on both devices which is not always the case.
It's more likely the case than the availability of a USB "data" cable.
Also
bluetooth is quite slow - even Bluetooth 5.0 provides only 3 MBit/s when
EDR is available. So transferring 500 MB of data can take more than 30
minutes.
500 MB is likely an outlier usage case when in the boonies. Bluetooth
comes in handy for file transfer precisely because of its ubiquity and
lack of extra hardware or software.
On 1/15/2024 1:13 PM, Arno Welzel wrote:
Oscar Mayer, 2024-01-15 00:21:
On 14 Jan 2024 19:44:58 GMT, Frank Slootweg wrote:
When we're in the boonies, without any Internet - mobile or otherwise -
I often need to copy stuff from my phone to my laptop or vice versa, so >>> then USB is the simplest solution. There are other solutions, like
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, etc., but IME they're not that easy to setup
or/and do require extra software.
TBF, USB will need a specific type of cable. Odd that you think a USB
cable would be more available in the boonies than Bluetooth connectivity between two computer devices.
a USB (smart)phone to/from laptop transfer does *not* need "a
specific type of cable". It uses the *same* cable as is used to charge
the phone, so no special cable or any other hardware (or software) is
needed for this type of connection. That's the main advantage: Needs
nothing extra and is reasonably fast.
On 1/16/24 9:01 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:
a USB (smart)phone to/from laptop transfer does *not* need "a
specific type of cable". It uses the *same* cable as is used to charge
the phone, so no special cable or any other hardware (or software) is >needed for this type of connection. That's the main advantage: Needs >nothing extra and is reasonably fast.
There are charge only (no data line) USB cables in my collection. Not yours?
AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:
There are charge only (no data line) USB cables in my collection. Not yours?
Nope, I don't [1] have any such cables.
But the point of charge-only cables is irrelevant, because the
(snipped) context is obviously about a cable which came with the phone,
otherwise it *would* be an extra item in this "no-extra's"
(non-)discussion.
[1] I do have some special-case charge-only cables which have a USB
connector on one end, but a non-USB connector on the other end. For
example for a Fitbit 'watch' and a AA/AAA charger.
On 1/16/24 11:15 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:
AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:
There are charge only (no data line) USB cables in my collection.
Not yours?
Nope, I don't [1] have any such cables.
But the point of charge-only cables is irrelevant, because the
(snipped) context is obviously about a cable which came with the phone,
Ah. I think my original phone cable got lost around 4 years ago. But no
worries. I think I have 20 or more in my box.
otherwise it *would* be an extra item in this "no-extra's" >(non-)discussion.
Yup. But better IMO than a dead group...
[1] I do have some special-case charge-only cables which have a USB >connector on one end, but a non-USB connector on the other end. For
example for a Fitbit 'watch' and a AA/AAA charger.
Yup2. Same here but I also have some with USB on the other end. The most
recent came with a rechargable mouse.
Am posting with my recently acquired $39US 7" Android tablet (you are the
victim of a test)...
AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:.
when we're going into the boonies, I make very, very sure that I
have the right cable(s) and at least one spare for each unique cable. A
bit of a bother when the next shop might be some 800-1000km away! :-)
[Endless arguing is] better IMO than a dead group...
Yes, it's getting a bit quiet, but then I'm filtering quite a lot of >trolls/loons and (crossposted to) troll groups.
As 'nospam' used to say...
I see that our (Samsung) USB-A to USB-C cables have
no marking on the USB-C side. Do USB-C to USB-C cables have no markings
on their connectors.
If so, I understand why the Apple adepts objected
so much to USB-C charging ports for/on iPhones! :-)
In news.software.readers there's yet another thread in search of a
Android newsreader. Well, one can hope, can't one!?
On 1/16/24 9:01 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:
a USB (smart)phone to/from laptop transfer does *not* need "a
specific type of cable". It uses the *same* cable as is used to charge
the phone, so no special cable or any other hardware (or software) is
needed for this type of connection. That's the main advantage: Needs
nothing extra and is reasonably fast.
There are charge only (no data line) USB cables in my collection. Not
yours?
On 1/15/2024 1:13 PM, Arno Welzel wrote:
Oscar Mayer, 2024-01-15 00:21:
On 14 Jan 2024 19:44:58 GMT, Frank Slootweg wrote:
When we're in the boonies, without any Internet - mobile or
otherwise -
I often need to copy stuff from my phone to my laptop or vice versa, so >>>> then USB is the simplest solution. There are other solutions, like
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, etc., but IME they're not that easy to setup
or/and do require extra software.
TBF, USB will need a specific type of cable. Odd that you think a USB
cable would be more available in the boonies than Bluetooth connectivity between two computer devices.
[1] USB
Works out of the box.
Needs a DATA cable.
kelown <kelown@privacy.invalid> wrote:
TBF, USB will need a specific type of cable. Odd that you think a USB
cable would be more available in the boonies than Bluetooth connectivity
between two computer devices.
Correct. Often are cases of incompatible ports or longer distances?
Then usb no longer works at all.
[1] USB
Works out of the box.
Needs a DATA cable.
Correct. Usb only works after you add additional specific hardware.
And usb requires software drivers specific to your hardware.
Although if you're not on the internet when you first connect usb, I would hope that Windows will automatically install at least a generic usb driver.
Each method is better/worse than the others depending on the situation.
On 2024-01-16 18:16, AJL wrote:
There are charge only (no data line) USB cables in my collection.
Provided in the box where the smart phone came? No way.
And they are not USB, actually.
On 1/16/24 1:16 PM, Frank Slootweg wrote:
AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:.
when we're going into the boonies, I make very, very sure that I
have the right cable(s) and at least one spare for each unique cable. A
bit of a bother when the next shop might be some 800-1000km away! :-)
Impressive. My boonies are only 100 miles away (in the mountains out of the
desert heat)...
As 'nospam' used to say...
Where did nospam go? Haven't seen him in a long time. As most of us are old
farts here I hope it's not the worst...
If so, I understand why the Apple adepts objected
so much to USB-C charging ports for/on iPhones! :-)
Not a problem for the iPhone that lives and wirelessly charges in my
house...
kelown <kelown@privacy.invalid> wrote:
TBF, USB will need a specific type of cable. Odd that you think a USB
cable would be more available in the boonies than Bluetooth connectivity
between two computer devices.
Correct. Often are cases of incompatible ports or longer distances?
Then usb no longer works at all.
Each method is better/worse than the others depending on the situation.
On 1/16/24 9:01 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:
a USB (smart)phone to/from laptop transfer does *not* need "a
specific type of cable". It uses the *same* cable as is used to charge
the phone, so no special cable or any other hardware (or software) is
needed for this type of connection. That's the main advantage: Needs
nothing extra and is reasonably fast.
There are charge only (no data line) USB cables in my collection. Not yours?
On 1/15/2024 1:13 PM, Arno Welzel wrote:
Oscar Mayer, 2024-01-15 00:21:
On 14 Jan 2024 19:44:58 GMT, Frank Slootweg wrote:
When we're in the boonies, without any Internet - mobile or otherwise - >>>> I often need to copy stuff from my phone to my laptop or vice versa, so >>>> then USB is the simplest solution. There are other solutions, like
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, etc., but IME they're not that easy to setup
or/and do require extra software.
TBF, USB will need a specific type of cable. Odd that you think a USB
cable would be more available in the boonies than Bluetooth connectivity between two computer devices.
[1] USB
Works out of the box.
Needs a DATA cable.
[3] Bluetooth peer-to-peer
Needs bluetooth on both devices which is not always the case.
It's more likely the case than the availability of a USB "data" cable.
Also
bluetooth is quite slow - even Bluetooth 5.0 provides only 3 MBit/s when
EDR is available. So transferring 500 MB of data can take more than 30
minutes.
500 MB is likely an outlier usage case when in the boonies. Bluetooth
comes in handy for file transfer precisely because of its ubiquity and
lack of extra hardware or software.
On Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11
"Carlos E. R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
On 2024-01-16 18:16, AJL wrote:
There are charge only (no data line) USB cables in my collection.
Provided in the box where the smart phone came? No way.
Nope. They came with various other devices.
Arno Welzel <usenet@arnowelzel.de> wrote:
[1] USB
Works out of the box.
Wrong. Usb does not work "out of the box."
Usb requires additional hardware and device-specific software drivers.
AJL, 2024-01-17 16:35:
On Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11
"Carlos E. R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
On 2024-01-16 18:16, AJL wrote:
There are charge only (no data line) USB cables in my collection.
Provided in the box where the smart phone came? No way.
Nope. They came with various other devices.
The Pixel 6a I bought a while ago came with a data cable.
Also the Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite before and the Sony Xperia Z1 before and so on...
Arno Welzel wrote:collection.
AJL wrote:
"Carlos E. R." wrote:
AJL wrote:
There are charge only (no data line) USB cables in my
and so on...Provided in the box where the smart phone came? No way.
Nope. They came with various other devices.
The Pixel 6a I bought a while ago came with a data cable.
Also the Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite before and the Sony Xperia Z1 before
Same here with the Pixel 7, the Pixel 4 before and so on.
Frank Slootweg wrote:
'Wireless sharing with your PC, made easy.'
'Send and receive photos, documents and more between nearby Android devices1 and Windows PCs.' <https://www.android.com/better-together/nearby-share-app/>
Nearby Share was already enabled on phone, but I was unaware of the
Window app, installed it, tried to send a file from Win->Android, it
just sits there "pulsing" various blue shapes while it tries to detect
the phone ...
AJL, 2024-01-17 16:35:
On Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11
"Carlos E. R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
On 2024-01-16 18:16, AJL wrote:
There are charge only (no data line) USB cables in my collection.
Provided in the box where the smart phone came? No way.
Nope. They came with various other devices.
The Pixel 6a I bought a while ago came with a data cable.
Also the Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite before and the Sony Xperia Z1 before and so on...
Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote:
Frank Slootweg wrote:
'Wireless sharing with your PC, made easy.'
'Send and receive photos, documents and more between nearby Android
devices1 and Windows PCs.'
<https://www.android.com/better-together/nearby-share-app/>
Nearby Share was already enabled on phone, but I was unaware of the
Window app, installed it, tried to send a file from Win->Android, it
just sits there "pulsing" various blue shapes while it tries to detect
the phone ...
Just now, I installed the Windows program [1] and I can send from
Android to Windows and from Windows to Android.
The first time it took a little while - a few seconds - to find the
phone. The second time it was faster.
Can you transfer a file in the other direction, Android to Windows?
BTW, my laptop has Windows 11 (23H2).
I'm largely unimpressed by Nearby Share! It may be handy for an
incidental transfer of a file or a few files, but the user interface is
not very friendly, nor powerful.
I am still looking for a file manager type UI on both Android and
Windows, where you can copy-and-paste and cut-and-paste/drag
files/folders from one device to the other via a network (Wi-Fi/mobile) connection. Nearby Share isn't that, not at all.
On 2024-01-18 13:56, Frank Slootweg wrote:[...]
I am still looking for a file manager type UI on both Android and Windows, where you can copy-and-paste and cut-and-paste/drag
files/folders from one device to the other via a network (Wi-Fi/mobile) connection. Nearby Share isn't that, not at all.
Try Ghost Commander on the phone. It can connect to a Windows share
(smb) and others (sftp (ssh) to Linux, or plain ftp). There are other
similar tools.
| Sysop: | Keyop |
|---|---|
| Location: | Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK |
| Users: | 297 |
| Nodes: | 16 (2 / 14) |
| Uptime: | 06:07:45 |
| Calls: | 6,666 |
| Files: | 12,213 |
| Messages: | 5,336,023 |