4 shocking methods I exploit my Pixel 8 Professional’s USB port

The USB-C port on my Google Pixel 8 Professional is greater than only a charging slot. It’s miles extra versatile, permitting me to shortly cost small USB equipment, connect with exterior displays, and even switch images and movies off my GoPro and DSLR.

Listed here are some sudden, sensible methods I put it to make use of in on a regular basis life.

4

Rapidly switch video information off my GoPro

From motion digicam to Pixel in seconds

I principally hold all my information within the cloud for simple entry. For images and movies, I exploit Google Photographs to again them up and entry them throughout gadgets.

Because of Wi-Fi entry obtainable virtually in every single place, the images that I click on on my trip are routinely backed as much as the cloud. This ensures that simply in case my cellphone will get stolen, I will not have to fret about shedding all my trip recollections.

Since I do not carry my laptop computer throughout holidays, the Pixel 8 Professional’s versatile USB-C port is useful right here, letting me switch all of the footage from the GoPro with ease. I simply join the motion digicam to the Pixel, and it is immediately detected.

The most effective half? I haven’t got to maneuver the footage manually, because the Google Photographs importer can import all obtainable media in only a few faucets.

Whereas I can use the GoPro Quik app for a similar performance, it connects to the digicam wirelessly. So, transferring massive footage can take some time.

Admittedly, the broader adoption of USB-C in shopper digital gadgets has performed an enormous function in streamlining this.

Because of superfast Wi-Fi in most inns, all my trip images and movies — together with these from the GoPro — are even backed as much as the cloud earlier than I return residence.

And this even provides me the flexibleness to shortly edit some images and share them with my family and friends or publish them on social media whereas nonetheless on trip.

3

Exterior video output

For fast shows and Netflix nights

I did not pay a lot heed to Google including USB-C show output help to the Pixel 8 Professional and newer fashions in 2024. Nevertheless, over time, I spotted the function is rather more helpful than I imagined. All of it relies on your use case.

Not like Samsung’s flagships with DeX, the Pixel cannot remodel right into a laptop-like expertise. When linked to an exterior monitor, it mirrors the cellphone’s show. Nonetheless, there is a shocking lot you are able to do.

On holidays, I join my Pixel 8 Professional to the lodge TV and stream my favourite sitcoms or films. Yep, this requires me to hold a USB-C to HDMI cable, however because it doesn’t take up quite a lot of house, it isn’t that massive of a deal.

Equally, for workplace work that requires instant consideration, my spouse hooks up the Pixel 8 Professional to a TV to view vital paperwork, shows, and case research.

Regardless of its limitations, the Pixel 8 Professional’s video output help provides me the liberty to depart my laptop computer behind on holidays. With Google engaged on a Samsung DeX-like mode for Android 16 QPR2, the Pixel’s USB-C port may quickly change into much more helpful.

2

Charging small USB-C equipment

On the expense of my Pixel’s battery life

The Pixel 8 Professional’s battery life can barely make it via a day of use. However in a pinch, I depend on its USB-C port to shortly cost smaller equipment. On long-haul flights, I desire utilizing my OnePlus Buds 3 Professional as a substitute of over-ear headphones resulting from their portability.

On a current journey, I forgot to cost the earbuds and their battery died with round 70% of the journey remaining.

Since I exploit a MagSafe case on my Pixel 8 Professional, wi-fi energy share does not work reliably. So, I grabbed a small USB-C wire from my bag and used it to cost the OnePlus buds.

Fortunately, with the Pixel being on airplane mode, it survived the complete journey regardless of topping up the earbuds to about 30%.

That is not it. A number of months in the past, on a brief flight, my co-passenger’s iPhone ran out of battery. I had an influence financial institution with me, however it solely featured USB-A output, and none of us had a USB-A to Lightning cable.

Fortunately, the iPhone proprietor had a USB-C to Lightning cable, which I plugged into my Pixel 8 Professional to cost his lifeless battery.

This is not sensible for on a regular basis use, particularly with the Pixel’s mediocre battery life. I needed to scramble for an influence outlet on the airport to high it up.

Nonetheless, in a pinch, it may be a helpful backup, particularly for charging small equipment. I’ve even used the Pixel 8 Professional’s USB-C port to energy up small LED lights and followers for varied use instances.

The Pixel 9 makes massive enhancements in battery life, and the Pixel 10 ought to take issues even additional. So, with newer Pixels, reverse wired charging can really be extra helpful than simply being a spec on paper.

1

Controlling my Canon DSLR

Shoot remotely

Admittedly, I’m not a pro-level photographer, however I do know learn how to use a DSLR.

Each infrequently, I used to depend on Canon’s Digital camera Join app to manage my DSLR for distant capturing. However then, there have been connection points, and it was at all times a problem to pair my buddy’s digicam with the cellphone with Canon’s app.

The Pixel 8 Professional’s versatile USB-C port once more is useful right here, albeit with assist from the wonderful Digital camera Join & Management app.

I merely join my Canon 80D to the cellphone and launch the app. Then, with a stay view on my Pixel, I can management the digicam’s focus, publicity, shutter, and extra to get the specified shot.

Plus, not like Canon’s Digital camera Join app, Digital camera Join makes it a breeze to switch footage off the linked digicam’s reminiscence card. And because the switch occurs over a wired USB-C connection, it’s noticeably quicker and dependable than Wi-Fi.

Given my restricted experience in pictures, I do not use Digital camera Join & Management to its full potential. Nonetheless, the app makes glorious use of the Pixel’s USB-C port, turning it right into a succesful companion for DSLR capturing.

The Pixel’s USB-C port does far more than you suppose

For me, the Pixel’s USB-C port goes far past simply charging. All I want is a USB-C cable, and I can use the cellphone to manage my DSLR, get movies off my GoPro, and cost small equipment.

And that is not it. There’s much more that you are able to do, together with instantly connecting sport controllers, small USB-powered followers, and extra to the gadget.

Whereas not one of the above options are game-changing, this versatility helps in actual life, letting me get much more achieved even after I’m touring mild or haven’t got entry to my laptop computer.