Comments by "XSportSeeker" (@XSpImmaLion) on "this case adds a microsd card slot to modern phones; does it suck? iblades smartcase review" video.

  1. Janky, but I can imagine why. The instructions and needing to enable USB debugging is usually a signal this isn't connecting like a standard USB OtG dongle, which is why it doesn't work like it. It's also the reason why it probably needs an app to work - if it's not using OtG, it's gonna need something separate to access the files. Usually for devices not using OtG standard that provides access to files on SD card, an external drive, or a pendrive, you need to create a separate file manager to do it. I had one of those multifunction Kingston devices that worked like this. In essence, you are giving a higher level of access back and forth to the thing - not just OtG. Now, this could be that it's just another sh*tty company trying to harvest data and collect it for their profit (very likely), but it also could be because the app enables more things to be done which is why it needs a higher access level... so like, if the app has a separate external battery monitoring system, or some other functions... perhaps detecting if the battery is connected, cloud crap, etc - it makes sense that it'd need debugging level access for those separate stuff. Looking at the app on Google Play Store, it might be a case of both - here's the data safety description: "This app may share these data types with third parties Location, App info and performance, and Device or other IDs This app may collect these data types Location, Personal info and 2 others Data is encrypted in transit Data can’t be deleted" That's pretty horrible. For basic functions, it shouldn't need to have access, let alone share with 3rd parties, any of that. It could be for legit reasons, but you are putting a whole lot of trust in the company to handle that data properly - if you already don't like them Louis, just return the whole thing. :P I wouldn't trust it anyways, but without the app you are likely not getting access to the files - the app is needed in this case. But also, it seems the company has other products or is thinking of adding other functionalities like an air quality monitor plus the app seems to monitor the external battery status and internal... and for that, it'd need USB host access, since it's not using OtG. They seem to have an interesting line of products, and I don't really have anything else to recommend as I don't have the need for something similar... fortunately, my phone still has a headphone jack and SD card support. Sad thing is... not gonna be easy to find one that sticks to OtG standard and has a better design for external battery... these companies seem to be all moving towards shady data collection and selling practices, and pre-emptively forcing app installs and higher level of access either already with bad intentions (to collect your data), and/or because they have some intention to increase functionality of products over the years. Seems no one wants to sell easy, simple and standard accessories using existing standards because they can't exploit the concept to force consumers to pay some subscription for it afterwards, plus the fact that they all want to collect data to enter the mass data selling market. I can't remember the last time I saw a new company getting into smartphone and smart devices space coming up without that angle in mind. Might be easier to look around to see if someone didn't come up with a mix of products with a 3D printable DIY design to combine into one thing. Also janky looking, but at least it delivers exactly what you want... xD
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