Bluetooth File Transfer

One of the complaints that I've had for a long time is the lack of accessibility for transferring files. I used to have some other phones that would allow me to do a bluetooth file transfer between my handset and my laptop. It was great for doing a fast transfer of pictures, videos, ring tones etc. Needless to say I was quite distressed when I purchased my iPhone and found out that this was not possible. So it's been an endless search for me to find some way to make this work.

After some pretty intensive search, a lot of trial and error, and probably some dumb luck, I have found a solution! Now while this is not quite the same as a bluetooth file transfer, it is a fantastic fill in. There is some setup for this trick, but it is very useful because this will allow you to open up so many more options on your iPhone that have this ability. What ability you ask? Wifi! Today instead of a bluetooth file transfer I will show you how to set up your own private wifi network from your wifi enabled computer.

Step one is to create your new network. Now this is probably a medium on the complicated scale so I'm going to include pictures for you. I have a mac and snow leopard, but this should work for any mac, and shouldn't be that hard on a PC either. I'll try to borrow someone's PC and post an update for that.

Open the airport utility at the top of your screen and click on "Create Network...":

Step two will pop up a window and you can name your network and add a password (recommended):

Now it's set up on your computer and all you have to do is connect to your new network from your iPhone. Now bear in mind, this will disconnect your computer from the internet, so don't try to access a webpage like your blog because it won't work (guilty) So on your iPhone, go to your wifi page and select your new network:

Then enter the password you set:

And finally, you're all set! Your iPhone is now connected to your computer and no internet connection is required by either! This makes this method attractive to iPod touch users also. The reason that I found this so great is because a bluetooth connection was something you could do without the internet, but WIFI never was, until I figured this out.

Now a great setup like this is only as good as the app you use with it. There are thousands of apps that have a wifi transfer set up with them already, so those can be taken advantage of. For me, however, it is the photo transfer. So I tracked down an app called "File Share" by hurryforward LTD.:

It costs a buck, but is well worth it. You can transfer anything from your camera roll, even video! You can also upload files of any type and use this as a wireless HD (and then bluetooth them to another iPhone or iPod) and you can share contacts. All in all it has all of the great features of a lot of the other file transfer apps have and a few more. The biggest thing for me is the access to your local pics and vids, and that you can transfer anything. Definitely worth the dollar to be able to move whatever you want.

In conclusion, it's possible to transfer files to and from your computer with and without internet connection, just like bluetooth (but quite a bit faster considering that WIFI is so much quicker than bluetooth) Chalk one up for the good guys!

Adam

(you don't have to cheat to pass the test)

Turn by turn GPS

Ok, so the first question I got was about turn by turn GPS. So let's take a look. There are currently about 40 apps in the store that show up when you type in "turn by turn GPS". So the short answer is that there is now an app for that. I do still have two things to say though...

The first is what I think is the best for the money. Hands down it is Motion X Drive. First of all, it's the cheapest at a grand total of $26 ($.99 for the app and $24.99 for the service for a year). Secondly, it's only 10 MB compared to the over 1 GB for the big three (Magellan, Tom Tom, Navigon), so that's a TON of storage space that it saves. The downside of that is that you have to have a signal for it to work so if you have poor reception then you better navigate only when you can muster a signal. However I live in a pretty rural area with spotty reception until I get nearer to a larger town. (oddly enough I live right between two huge 3g areas) Even still, I have no trouble with it getting me where I need to go. Thirdly, it does everything the other big guys do and then some. You can play your iPod and the music pauses when the voice speaks, and then resumes when she's done. It remembers your place after interruptions and starts right back up. Lastly, the maps are constantly updated because they are online. So, you don't have to buy new maps for it as the years go on like you do with the other big guys. (P.S. it's also the highest customer rated [1-2-10] Bonus!)

The second thing I want to talk about is pure speculation, but you can look back and see the history. Every time Apple updates the OS on anything, they always include great new features that make our life a little easier. So my prediction is that with the next iPhone OS update they will include turn by turn in the normal maps program. After all, I don't see Apple letting the competition have this up on them for long. (ref the droid's tbt gps). As such my advice to any of my iPhone brothers and sisters, just be patient. If you've been an Apple user for any length of time then you know they've already got a plan to do something similar or better, and that all we need to do is wait expectantly.

So, yes, there is an above board way to get turn by turn directions on a GPS. You do have to pay for it, but I think that's only a matter of time.

Adam

(you don't have to cheat to pass the test)

The Great Myth - Jail-Breaking your iPhone

Since this is my first blog, I'm going to keep the personal information to a minimum. My name is Adam, and no I'm not an Apple employee in secret. I'm a contractor by trade, and have little to no background in software. I've read a lot about how so many people think that it's impossible to maximize their iPhones without hacking it. So since I've always been one to buck against someone who says it can't be done, I decided to write this blog.

Please know that I have nothing against the developers who make the "forbidden" software, and I hope that maybe they too can learn from my experiences. My intent is only to empower those who (like me) are too nervous to jail-break, and to prove that the un-doable is in fact possible. Currently, "there really is an app for that" with over 100K in the app store. The problem facing us today is that now there are just too many to sift through to make things do what we want.

So, with all of that in mind, I've undertaken this task of assisting my fellow iPhone user to get the most out of their device. If you find yourself wishing for a feature that you just can't seem to nail down, then keep your browser tuned right here. So now I will attempt to put to rest the phrase, "You have to jailbreak it to make it do that."

Adam

(you don't have to cheat to pass the test)