Transferring files via Wifi between PC and Android using Windows Explorer

[lapa321]

I actually made this as a demonstration for someone. May as well spread it around. The thing to note is that i'm not into rooting nor jailbreaking, but am continiously updating files on my devices so i keep looking for ways to do things easier and simpler.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flOB5rk_5yY

This is how i transfer files between my Computer and Android. I would still recommend using the data cable for transferring really large files (ex: Movies), but for small things like MP3's, CBR's, PDF's, ebooks, assorted project files from work, etc. I find this method more convenient. Especially since moving files to the Transformer involves me reaching behind the desk to unplug it, plugging it into the PC, and then crawling under the desk again to re-attach the cable to the adapter.

This will work on any PC. No need to install any program. Just access it from Windows Explorer, manage the files from there (delete old files, add new ones, etc.).


BTW, i'm still looking for a way to do this on my iPod. The apps i found that lets me upload to the iPod keeps it isolated from other programs so even tho i can upload an MP3, i can't actually add it to the iPods playlist. Nor can i access the iPods media files to replace them. If anybody knows an App that can do this, please let me know. And no, iTunes means i will spend half an hour installing it on a friends computer just to copy a few files (Not to mention i don't have iTunes on any of my PC's to begin with), so anything that will require an install is a no-no.

[costi]

Nothing new, really, any decent file manager will allow you to do that (I use ES File Explorer myself).
AirDroid is also good for transferring files, though it works on a slightly different principle (app in browser window).

[FlyinPenguin]

Yeah, ES File manager and File Expert both work just fine and are a lot less effort than messing with FTP. As long as your PC is properly configured to share files over your network then you just do everything right from Android.

[lapa321]

The thing about ftp tho is that you can change the files from your desktop. Managing files from a touch interface is a major pain, it's much easier doing it remotely especially if you need to update your tablet all the time. Dragging files into the the tablet from the desktop is much easier than navigating the directory tree from the tablet.

It's an old trick, but the friends that saw the video were still updating their phones via cable. Figured thee are others our there that could use the tip.

The video was originally made when I was looking for an app that let's you access the ipod files from your desktop. Unfortunately, it seems no such app exists based on the replies i got.. So much for the phrase "there's an app for that".

Yeah, ES File manager and File Expert both work just fine and are a lot less effort than messing with FTP. As long as your PC is properly configured to share files over your network then you just do everything right from Android.

I do use EStrong to access shared folders remotely, and i'll have to disagree that ES is less hassle than FTP. I do use the tablet a lot, like anyone from BakaBT, i go through a lot of media files and they go through my PC like a production line. The same applies to my tablet and phone. Manga, anime episodes and ebooks constantly cycling through my tablet (It's not just for browsing, i really am using it for media consumption... a lot!) and navigating through the network on ES each time is a big hassle. Especially if you're moving  a lot of files through multiple folder trees.

Between tablet browsing (Network browsers like ES Filebrowser), http hosting (I don't have AirDroid but i did the http method a LOT on my iPod), and FTP. FTP is just the most practical. To illustrate, this is on my Computer.



Nothing easier than simply drag and dropping on another computer.

[costi]

Isn't ES capable of setting up a Samba share?

Anyway, IMHO for moving a lot of stuff this way and back nothing beats a cable

[lapa321]

Isn't ES capable of setting up a Samba share?

Anyway, IMHO for moving a lot of stuff this way and back nothing beats a cable

Except in the case of the tablets, the USB cable is usually connected to the wall outlet behind the desk. For really big transfer, i'd take the cable. But it's not really worth the trouble of crawling under the desk repeatedly every time you wanted to transfer manga or some MP3's.

One thing i just noticed tho, a clanmate of mine tried it and apparently it takes him a long time to copy anything on his phone. On mine, a 250MB anime episode only take a little over a minute and a half to transfer (Manga takes a lot less obviously). His transfers take a lot longer

I guess this isn't practical if your Wifi is on the slow side.


PS: I wasn't aware ES supported SMB hosting. I'll look into that again. Last i checked it was only an SMB client.

[costi]

Isn't ES capable of setting up a Samba share?

Anyway, IMHO for moving a lot of stuff this way and back nothing beats a cable

Except in the case of the tablets, the USB cable is usually connected to the wall outlet behind the desk. For really big transfer, i'd take the cable. But it's not really worth the trouble of crawling under the desk repeatedly every time you wanted to transfer manga or some MP3's.

Dunno about you, but I simply use two cables.

PS: I wasn't aware ES supported SMB hosting. I'll look into that again. Last i checked it was only an SMB client.

I'm not sure of that myself. However, if it's a client, you can access you PC share phone-side.

[FlyinPenguin]

Now I understand why the OP used that particular method. He has a specific procedure for transferring files.The files go through multiple stages before ending up on his tablet.

I personally transfer everything to it's final destination on my server before my tablet comes into play so ES File Manager is the perfect solution. I also have Bluetooth as an option.I usually put everything in its final destination before I even watch/view it. If I end up disliking it, then I can easily delete it fro my tablet.

[lapa321]

Now I understand why the OP used that particular method. He has a specific procedure for transferring files.The files go through multiple stages before ending up on his tablet.

I personally transfer everything to it's final destination on my server before my tablet comes into play so ES File Manager is the perfect solution. I also have Bluetooth as an option.I usually put everything in its final destination before I even watch/view it. If I end up disliking it, then I can easily delete it fro my tablet.

Technically, yours is a device specific procedure (pre-copying files, giving its own harddrive space, etc.), mine's just throwing whatever into it

In my previous tablet (Archos 101), i actually had a mirror folder on my harddrive as well, and it worked for the most part. Except the FTP method eventually edged out. Being able to access all the files (i.e. music folders, camera folders, browsers, etc.) rather than mirroring specific folders leaned me towards the FTP.

[AnimeJanai]

Anyone use one of those "cloud" type external hard drives that plugs into your wireless router and is thus a drive that is available to all your wifi devices?  The 2TB iOmega one was on sale at Fry's for several weeks in a row at $159.
http://www.netaffilia.com/images/2012/04/06/15271139.jpg

[lapa321]

Anyone use one of those "cloud" type external hard drives that plugs into your wireless router and is thus a drive that is available to all your wifi devices?  The 2TB iOmega one was on sale at Fry's for several weeks in a row at $159.
http://www.netaffilia.com/images/2012/04/06/15271139.jpg

'Cloud' refers to offsite storage. The picture you posted is an NAS and meant for local network storage. Whether or not you can access it from outside the network is at the discretion of the router.

They usually support SAMBA/SMB which is the same one windows folder sharing function uses, so they're listed on your network folder as another PC.

I don't know what model that pic you posted is. But some things to consider
- Can you connect a PC directly to it? (Either USB or firewire)
- The file system they use (If it only uses linux filesystems... ouch)
- The network type (10/100 or Gigabit?)
- The data transfer speed (All NAS are fast enough for video streaming, but you don't want to spend hours uploading videos into it right?)

[FlyinPenguin]

Anyone use one of those "cloud" type external hard drives that plugs into your wireless router and is thus a drive that is available to all your wifi devices?  The 2TB iOmega one was on sale at Fry's for several weeks in a row at $159.
http://www.netaffilia.com/images/2012/04/06/15271139.jpg

'Cloud' refers to offsite storage. The picture you posted is an NAS and meant for local network storage. Whether or not you can access it from outside the network is at the discretion of the router.

They usually support SAMBA/SMB which is the same one windows folder sharing function uses, so they're listed on your network folder as another PC.

I don't know what model that pic you posted is. But some things to consider
- Can you connect a PC directly to it? (Either USB or firewire)
- The file system they use (If it only uses linux filesystems... ouch)
- The network type (10/100 or Gigabit?)
- The data transfer speed (All NAS are fast enough for video streaming, but you don't want to spend hours uploading videos into it right?)

Yeah, that isn't "cloud" storage. That is NAS storage. I suppose for other users you authorized to have access to your drive through internet, they could consider it cloud storage. Really though, that is just marketing nonsense. Any NAS or even your own server set up with outside internet accessibility could be considered "cloud" storage.

[AnimeJanai]

Regardless of the terminology, the "cloud" label seems to be staying as a way of differentiating different types of NAS devices on the retail boxes.  I can glance at the daunting 40 feet of multi-row hard drive offerings at one local Fry's store and and "cloud" sticks out right away without the need to pick up each box to read the fine print.  At the store, there's the usual old NAS method that required PCs and a LAN and that is clearly marked on the box.  Then there's the new crop of NAS for "cloud" storage that is also marked on the box.  There's even a Hitachi external standalone drive right now being advertised as a "cloud" type device that can be used by all your wireless devices once it is simply plugged into your wireless router.  Hitachi seems to be going all out for the external storage market and is even pushing a premium "G" type line of their drives in heavy metal boxes.  The external boxes have been priced so low (beneath raw drive prices in some cases) now that they are driving the raw drive prices downwards at the local retail stores.  The Hitachi Deskstar 2TB 7200RPM 64MB cache drives are now $112 USD.