Today's Bluetooth enabled mobile phones allow you to do much more than just talk - it has transformed the common cell phone into a truly multifunctional device. Bluetooth, now a common feature on most new cell phones, has given the user a way to conveniently use all of the powerful features already built in.
However, not all Bluetooth phones are created equal. In order to do any of the cool stuff mentioned here, you're mobile phone has to support OBEX, which stands for Object Exchange. You see, the Bluetooth specifications allow for many different functions, such as connecting to headsets, sharing data, etc. One function – the one we're discussing here, is OBEX, which allows your phone to exchange data wirelessly with other devices. Now, a certain cellular carrier (whom we will simply refer to as V), along with a few other manufacturers, have chosen to cripple the functionality of their phones by deliberately disabling OBEX. They do this for a number of reasons, but the end result is, if your phone doesn't support OBEX, you can't do any of these cool things. So, the next time you shop for a new cell phone, you may want to first check to make sure your Bluetooth is not crippled in any way before making a purchase. (By the way, even if the manufacturer has disabled OBEX, it may still be possible for users to enable it – do a web search to try and find a software fix for your phone. Of course, be aware that you may void your warranty if you screw up, so be careful!)
The top 5 coolest things you didn't know you could do with your Bluetooth cell phone.
1) Use your phone as a wireless modem for your laptop - surf the internet by connecting wirelessly through your cell phone. This is my top pick. Why spend extra for a cellular modem and separate data plan when Bluetooth lets you use your cell phone to connect wirelessly to the web? Most carriers offer an unlimited use data plan - for around 20 bucks extra a month, you can get unlimited data access. So, by installing the right scripts in your laptop, you can configure it to connect to your cell phone with Bluetooth for instant, wireless internet access. The real beauty of this setup is that, since most people already carry their cell phones with them, they can get a secure internet connection wherever they get a signal, and not worry about carrying adapters or having a special modem card. Also, I feel much safer using my own connection anyway, rather than rely on open public hotspots especially when I want to access my bank accounts or other private sites. Every cell phone is different, so if you want to find out how to connect with yours, just google it. Try using the terms "how to use my (phone model) as a Bluetooth modem".
2) Take pictures on your camera phone and download it to your computer - without having to search for a cable or adapter. Some of today's phones pack 3 or more megapixels - enough to shoot some very nice pictures. So, the next time you're on vacation, or out with friends, and you just happened to forget to pack your camera, chances are you probably have your cell phone. Just snap away, and when you're done, use Bluetooth to download those pictures onto your laptop wirelessly.
3) Synchronize your contacts list with your computer - tired of manually entering all your names and numbers into your new cell phone? Just use Bluetooth to automatically synchronize your phone's contacts list with the one stored in your computer. No more having to use your phone's keypad to enter all that tedious information. What's more, your phone probably comes with software to automatically keep your contacts list up to date whenever phone is placed near your computer
4) Use your phone to play music, with stereo Bluetooth headphones - don't have, or don't want an IPod? Tired of carrying yet another gadget when you just want to listen to some music? Why not use your phone instead? The latest models have removable memory cards and built in mp3 playback capability. Just pop a 4 or 6 GB memory card into your phone, and start downloading all those mp3s stored in your computer wirelessly, right to your phone. And, some of the newest phones also support stereo Bluetooth playback, allowing you to listen to your tunes with wireless stereo headphones.
5) Share your favorite pictures, songs, games, and ringtones stored in your phone with your friends by sending them wirelessly to their phone. Have a great ringtone, or some pictures you just took on your cameraphone that you want to share with a friend? Send it to them via Bluetooth, and never have to think about having the right cables to connect. Just make sure your friend's Bluetooth is turned On and Discoverable, and start sending.
So, there you have it. Some of the most useful and fun things you can do with your Bluetooth cell phone. And remember - you can't do any of these things unless your cell phone supports the Bluetooth OBEX, or file transfer, protocol. So, if you're in the market for a new phone, make sure you check first before making your purchase. With all the benefits Bluetooth provides, it's time for smart users to demand that manufacturers stop crippling our phones. Have fun!
Cell Phones With Bluetooth
So, you're in the market for a new cell phone. There are so many to choose from, where do you begin? We've all seen the buying guides helping to assess your needs, the numerous features, and the pros and cons of the various models. But what if you just want the most, whether it's the most expensive, the most popular, or whatever. Well, conversations with retailers, online searches, informal surveys, and even a few formal surveys were conducted to identify five of the cell phones with the most, and here they are:
1.The Most Expensive Cell Phone: Goldvish, a company known to specialize in luxury items generally holds the title for some of the most expensive cell phones. Typically starting around $28,000 they make a statement of affluence without a doubt. However, recent headlines identified a stunning bejeweled device manufactured by JSC Ancort, the Diamond Crypto Smartphone, which comes in at a cool $1.3 million. If you're ready to really impress, this might be the choice for you.
2.The Smallest Cell Phone: For those of you with great dexterity and no space to spare you might want to consider Korean maker KFT's Mini EV-k130 which weighs in at about 2.5 ounces and is said to be the size of lipstick. It offers a 1.3 megapixel camera, 165 MB on-board memory, and MP3 player capability. Another option will reportedly be available soon in the form of NECs N908 which is credit card sized but packs features such as a 1.3 megapixel camera, MP3 Player, and Bluetooth capabilities.
3.The Most Popular Cell Phone: Sometimes you figure the majority is right. It doesn't mean you are a follower, afraid of sticking out, it means that if others have done the research, this must be the right choice. How can you go wrong with the Motorola RAZR V3? It offers Bluetooth Wireless Technology, a VGA Camera and self timer, the ability to record video clips and send them to your friends. The current king of popularity just sold its 50 millionth unit!
4.The Most Satisfying Cell Phone: Perhaps you just want to cut to the chase. You don't care to impress, you don't care what is "in", you just want to know if people actually liked the phone after it was purchased. JD Power & Associates can help answer this question. As a long time industry leader in studying consumer satisfaction with products in a variety industries, they publish many of the results on their website. Drum roll please, the winner in the 2006 report for wireless mobile devices was Sanyo.
5.The Most Inexpensive Cell Phone: If you're a minimalist or you don't want to be bothered with all those nasty incoming calls maybe you should opt for the emergency only phones. Yep, they are out there and they are cheap. You can buy a used, de-activated phone for $8-15, forgo any monthly charges, and yet be able to call 911 in an emergency. Of course, if you are in the market to commit to a cellular plan, there are hundreds of options for free phones and phones that offer rebates for cash back.
So there you have it, the current cell phone stand outs. Although not the ultimate buying guide, it's food for thought in an industry with seemingly endless features and a market that changes every few months.
Both James Wong & Christine Peppler are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
James Wong has sinced written about articles on various topics from Microsoft Outlook Mail, Mobile Phone Reviews and Customer Service. ZipZone Media is a leader in Bluetooth Marketing - send branded multimedia content to the Bluetooth enabled cell phones of customers in your proximity. Please visit:
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