USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality allows Android devices to act as a USB host, enabling them to connect and interact with other USB peripherals. This functionality is generally managed within the system settings of the Android operating system. A common example is using it to connect a USB drive to a phone or tablet, allowing direct access to the files on the external storage.
The integration of this functionality is crucial for expanding the capabilities of mobile devices. Benefits include increased storage capacity, improved productivity through connecting input devices such as keyboards and mice, and the ability to interface with specialized hardware like cameras or audio interfaces. The technology emerged as a solution to the limitations of fixed storage and the need for data transfer between mobile devices and other peripherals without requiring a computer as an intermediary.