[k8svet]

I almost want one of these, except I have no use for it nowadays. Ventoy didn't even work the one time I tried it, probably because it couldn't hook nixos's initrd properly.

But also, I'm insanely frustrated that (1) Google doesn't allow USB Gadget mode to do this from stock Android (2) the app that appeared to work for LineageOS/rooted devices is abandonware.

There's no good reason why your phone can't serve up ISOs with gadget mode.

I already travel with my ancient Pixel 3a as a backup (which has come in handy, clumsy me). It would be slick to have that as a portable ISO host, and backup phone. (Ignore the USB2 USB-C port, it's fine.)

[hddherman]

I remember giving that a go many years ago. Not 100% successful, but when it worked, it was fantastic. It would be incredibly handy nowadays, especially for troubleshooting use cases. OS installation, memtest, clonezilla, portable Windows installation, and you'll always have them with you since you're already carrying your phone!

[ryukafalz]

This might not help you that much depending on your use case but Ubuntu Touch can do this: https://open-store.io/app/me.fredl.isodrive

...and runs on the Pixel 3a: https://devices.ubuntu-touch.io/device/sargo/