Selection of machines supporting USB

Pirs01 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-08-2011, 04:28 PM

Hello,

I was employed to develop an application for Android that will use some external devices via USB. I am also responsible for choosing a machine that will be shipped with the software on it as ready to go product.

I have no experience with PPC, Smartphones, Palmtops or whatever the right name is for what I'm looking for, nor with Android OS.

My question is: How do I go about compiling a list of machines that support USB devices? Has to be Android 3.1 (API level 12) or Android 2.3.4 (API level 10) with "an add-on library to support a broader range of devices" according to spec: USB Host and Accessory | Android Developers
I don't care if specific machine has to be updated with newer OS version or the add-on Lib, I just need to know that it allows me to do so.

I would imagine that I should filter devices by CPU they are using?
Is it possible that specific PPC supports required Android version and has USB socket but won't allow me to program custom device support via USB?

I don't really care what kind of machine it is as long as it satisfies the requirements and is cheap.

Thanks.

P.S.
I've just noticed there is Android Development root. Admins please do sort this out.

P.P.S.
Just noticed in documentation that 2.3.4 is not sufficient for what I'm trying to do so only 3.1 and higher will do.

**gTen** · #2 (**permalink**) 08-12-2011, 08:31 AM

You mean arduino? or the hardware is already made?

Google announces Android Open Accessory standard, Arduino-based ADK -- Engadget

It support 2.3.4 and 3.1...

**schettj** · #3 (**permalink**) 08-14-2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pirs01

I was employed to develop an application for Android

Quote:

I have no experience with Android OS.

Wow, that's some messed up recruiting right there

Is this a tablet-app, or a handset app? Honeycomb 3.1 is Tablet only, so maybe you're actually targeting Ice cream Sandwich? (who makes these codenames, anyway? are they 12?)

Anywhoo, back to reality, assuming your employer responds to email, verify they meant to target tablets only, and then select any of the millions of identical tergra-2 tablets with 10.1" screens that have USB connectors, and support USB host mode. That's the magic phrase you're looking for. The xoom does, apparently, but may need a special cable (gag) - same with the galaxy tab. Dunno about anything else, but will be willing to google for you at $100/hour.