The present disclosure relates to a portable storage device that can communicate with different types of host devices. In some embodiments, the portable storage device receives digital media content via a multi-mode device port and exports a derivative of the digital media content (for example, a media stream) via the same multi-mode device port. In some embodiments, the device port has at least one selectively active pin which is active when receiving digital media content and is dormant when exporting a derivative of the digital media content. Alternatively or additionally, the device port includes at least one selectively active pin which is dormant when receiving digital media content and is active when exporting a derivative of the digital media content. In some embodiments, the portable storage device selects a device mode and/or communications protocol in accordance with at least one detected feature of a complementary port and/or a host. Methods for operating the presently disclosed portable external storage device are disclosed herein.