Lack of support for external I/O devices such as a keyboard, mouse and HD monitor is the reason why smartphones haven’t replaced desktops yet. However, Android ICS 4.0 comes with mouse and keyboard native support while the Galaxy Nexus with a ready post to output to HDMI. People over at Extreme Tech tried out how the Galaxy Nexus would do as a desktop replacement. Read the setup and usability after the break!
Things Required
First of all, you need a smartphone with Android 4.0 ICS. So you need a Galaxy Nexus which is the only one with ICS right now. Otherwise, there is no use of reading this guide. Apart from that, a. mini HDMI to HDMI cable is also required. If that is not possible, b.MHL to HDMI post with an extra HDMI cable as with Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy S II would also work. The last two things required are a Bluetooth mouse and a keyboard.
How To Set Up Galaxy Nexus As A Desktop Computer
Step 1: Establish a Device to Monitor Connection. The device and monitor will detect each other after one of the two cables that we mentioned under things required have been connected.
Step 2: Connecting the Galaxy Nexus to using a keyboard/mouse to a monitor isn’t good for the battery.
Instead, plug the power cable into the MHL adapter to power the device. An AC charger will be required if you’re using a miniHDMI cable.
Step 3: There is native support in ICS for the keyboard and external Bluetooth-based mouse. After making sure both are discoverable, go to Settings > Wireless & Networks > Bluetooth settings and press Find nearby device. ICS will then search your discoverable device and then after connecting to it, take input from it. This will connect the keyboard and the mouse.
This is about it. Now you have technically converted your Galaxy Nexus into a desktop computer.
From ExtremeTech:
Starting with Honeycomb on tablets, and continuing with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS), Google has started adding the features to Android for it to be a desktop replacement. With a few cables and some peripherals, you can
run a desktop-like experience from the Android 4.0 phone that rides around in your pocket.
This is the link of the video showing a mobile device being used as a desktop computer.
The quality isn’t good even though the monitor picks up the signal. Image quality will go down as the Galaxy Nexus has a 720p display and we are attempting the output that to a 1080p display. It makes for a rather awkward experience as the ICS for smartphones isn’t meant for displaying on big monitors. You can have more details about Galaxy Nexus as a desktop by checking out Extreme Tech’s official post from this link.
(Via)
Speak Your Mind