With the rampant release of cutting-edge devices, even the most technologically challenged amongst us might find it necessary to learn how things function to get the most out of our gadgets. One of these now important pieces of knowledge is regarding MTP.
MTP stands for Media Transfer Protocol and is based on PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol). It is a crucial point in using and transferring data to and from modern-day devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. If your PC does not have the Media Transfer Protocol, it will only recognize your device as a camera as opposed to a data carrier, and will not allow you to change, add, or remove any content.
Windows Vista and Windows 7, both have built-in MTP support, so connecting a device to them will be no problem – just plug the cable, or turn on the Bluetooth, and voila! Connection and recognition established. However, if your operating system is an earlier version, it will present a couple of problems as it won’t already have the Media Transfer Protocol in place.
If you have Windows XP SP2 or SP3, you will need a version of Windows Media Player 10 or higher (it doesn’t work on earlier versions), which, if you don’t already have installed on your computer, is available for download at Microsoft’s website. What you will then have to do is download the Media Transfer Protocol manually and install it as well. Only after that will you be able to fully enjoy your device and all its features.
If you are still using Windows 2000, Windows 98, or Windows Me, you will need to acquire the MTP Porting Kit, which is also available online for free download at various websites. Again, when you install it, the connection to the device will be established properly.
Linux and Apple Macintosh systems have software packages that carry the MTP to any of their operating systems that don’t have already built-in support for it.
All of the latest versions of Android, Linux, Mac OS, Symbian OS, AmigaOS, AROS, and MorphOS support MTP, which means that you will need to make sure your PC also supports it to connect and synchronize your various devices.
If you want to be able to upload and download music tracks, input song information, upload and download data files, delete audio or data files, add, remove, or change playlists, synchronize your calendar events or contacts, you will need the MTP.
It all comes down to updating the operating systems on all your devices regularly. Whether you are buying a new PC, a new phone, or anything else, always make sure it has all the latest software and features. We cannot afford to stick to previous versions just because we are used to them if we want to fully experience and enjoy today’s most cutting-edge discoveries and innovations.
