With Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, Google introduced USB Host support in Android. However, the device that Google launched Ice Cream Sandwich with, the Galaxy Nexus, did not support USB O-T-G out of the box. Galaxy Nexus owners, need to root their handset, and install StickMount to get USB OTG feature on their handsets.

The Nexus 7, which launched with Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean on-board, is no different. It supports USB Host but does not feature USB OTG even though the hardware supports it, and users need to root and install StickMount on the tablet to enjoy USB OTG functionality.

Thankfully, an app from developer HomeySoft – Nexus Media Importer – brings partial USB Host functionality to the Nexus 7. Using the app, Nexus 7 owners can import or even stream movies, music videos, photos and other files from a USB HDD or Pen drive via a USB OTG connector. The app works with other Android handsets and tablets that don’t support USB OTG right out of the box, but have the required hardware capabilities and Android OS version (Android 3.2 or higher).

Nexus Media Importer can be purchased from the Play Store for $2.99.