Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) facilitates the transfer of files between a computer and an Android device. Functioning as a host, the Android system manages this connection, allowing the device to appear as a media player to the computer. This enables the transfer of music, photos, videos, and other media files. An example is connecting an Android phone to a Windows computer via USB, where the phone is recognized as a portable media player.
This capability is crucial for managing and syncing multimedia content. It offers a standardized method for file transfer, avoiding the complexities of direct file system access. Its historical context lies in the need for a secure and efficient way to manage media files across various devices and operating systems, replacing older protocols that posed compatibility or security risks.