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)