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Testing the Hootoo USB key for iPhone and iPad: good ideas but…

We started
in recent months the testing of several memory extensions for iPhone and iPad.
We were thus able to see quite different solutions proposed by Lexar
with a USB/Lightning key hereThen
a charging cable which also serves as a memory extension there.

Today, it is a solution from another brand which has passed between our
hands that we will discover together. This is the Hootoo key in its
32 GB version, an accessory certified “Made For iPhone” (MFi) by Apple.

So let's see its use and just as important, the software component
which accompanies it:

Premier contact

Delivered in a small designer cardboard box, the key appears quite thin and
elegant.

Each of the two sockets is protected by a plastic cover, this is
itself covered with a plastic film to be removed.

Once the key is in hand, it appears very light. For good reason, even if
the appearance is reminiscent of aluminum, it is in fact plastic. It's a shame to
aluminum or a slightly heavier plastic would have given a feeling of more
great robustness. But it remains an impression, no breakage or problem has occurred.
was to be deplored during his test.

The use is obvious, just remove the cap from the side of the
socket you want to use: USB for the computer, lightning for
connection to iPhone or iPad.

We then note a very positive point: the caps remain united
of the key thanks to a flexible attachment. It doesn't seem like much, but
this will undoubtedly save many users from an inevitable loss and
fast ! Conversely, the fixings are cut with a millimeter and can
get in the way of plugging it in.

Utilisation

On a computer, the key can be used like any USB key. She is
recognized and seen as a classic volume.

To be able to use the key on iPhone or iPad, as with all
devices of this type without exception, install an application on the
machine. This is also suggested during the first connection. By the
following, inserting the key offers to launch this same
application.

Before looking at this, there is an important point to note. The catch
lightning of the key is very close to the plastic, itself relatively
wide: this means that some wrap-around cases do not allow
its insertion. It's unfortunately a classic with these accessories.


The app is called iPlugMate and is available for free here on the App
store

For these accessories, it is the quality and options offered by this
companion application on which the comfort of use really depends and which can be
make a difference.

The application offers an interface in French even if some small
spelling errors remaining present. It allows you to explore freely
the iPhone (photos, videos, local folders to the app) or the contents of the key. Of the
PDF files are also present there, these are the instructions
of use.

The app allows you to back up your contacts, but also photos and videos,
it allows you to create folders, copy and paste files from and
towards the key. Other options such as reading PDF files, but also
resuming a video where we left off. The video files that we were able to
tested all worked, while it is possible to use the readers
third party like VLC for playback if you prefer (either streaming or
transfer). The options for sharing and calling extensions are also
available for photos for example.

As with the other keys tested so far, we measured the speed
(same computer, same file) and this gives a speed much lower than the
previous iPhone/iPad key models.

So for transferring a 1.48 GB file

  • from Macbook Air to Key: 1 min 32 s (55 seconds with cable
    Lexar, 58 seconds with the Lexar key)
  • from the key to the iPhone 6: 1 min 42 s (compared to 50 seconds for
    other keys tested)

We therefore see a transfer speed half that of the competition,
It’s not nothing!

And while we talk about the other solutions, a little photo
comparative :

Conclusion

In the end, a rather well thought out key, simple in design, but which does not
cannot be used with all protections. If the associated application
turns out to be rather complete, we regret a lower flow compared to others
solutions sold at a comparable or even lower price.

The +

  • the caps cannot be misplaced thanks to a fixation

THE -

  • Transfer/write speed far from being up to par with others
    solutions
  • the price

The Hootoo USB key for iPhone and
iPadreceives the grade of3,5stars out of 5
par iPhon.fr


To read:the latest tests
iPhone accessoriesdont :

i-nfo.fr - Official iPhon.fr app

By : Keleops AG

founder of the site. Computer engineer and Internet specialist where he has held various positions of responsibility, Laurent has been passionate about mobility since the arrival of "PDAs" in the 90s. Journalist for 4 years for the magazine Team Palmtops (Posse Presse) and author of several books on the iPad published by Pearson.

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