Free Mobile Phone Video Downloads via Bluetooth

Free Mobile Phone Video Downloads via Bluetooth

Most people assume that Bluetooth technology is only good for connecting your handset to a hands-free cell phone headset, but this simply is not the case. In many ways, you could say that Bluetooth is similar to a Wi-Fi connection in your home, because it gives you the ability to "pair" two devices together, sharing information without wires.

Following this line of thought, it is possible for you to enjoy free mobile phone video downloads via Bluetooth. Remember, this is distinctly different than Mobile TV, because you are not getting a live streaming video. Instead, these are clips that must be downloaded onto your phone. For this reason, you will probably need to invest in a memory card, unless you own something like the iPhone that already comes with a fair bit of internal storage.

What do I Need?

In order to enjoy free video programming on cell phones, the mobile phone must first be compatible with watching videos in the first place. Many contemporary phones will come with a media player application, but not all of them. Check with your user manual or navigate your way through the main menu to see if your phone has this application.

Next, you want to make sure that the media player is compatible with video. Many phones will only be able to play MP3 music and not video files. Again, this can be confirmed by checking your user manual or simply trying to play a video file. Depending on the model of phone, you may need to convert videos to a certain format. Common mobile phone video formats include 3GP and MP4. This will vary from phone to phone.

Finally, you will want to make sure that your phone is fully Bluetooth compatible. Many handsets from Telus Mobility and Verizon Wireless have so-called "crippled" Bluetooth capabilities. They may be limited to pairing with headsets only. Ask your local representative whether your phone has the OBEX (object exchange) profile available. This is the profile used for exchanging computer files (like videos).

Videos from Another Phone

If your friend has a great video clip on his cell phone and you want it, it may be possible for him to share it with you over a Bluetooth connection. The exact steps will vary depending on the exact model of phone, but the general process goes as thus:

1. Turn on the Bluetooth connection on both phones
2. Make the sending phone "discoverable" through the Bluetooth menu
3. Get the receiving phone to "find" the sending phone
4. Pair the two phones; a passcode may be required
5. The sending phone can now "push" the video file to the receiving phone
6. Accept the file on the receiving phone
7. Ensure the two phones stay within range during the transfer process
8. Wait until the transfer is complete (may take several minutes)
9. See the confirmation message on the receiving phone
10. Unpair the phones by turning off Bluetooth on both

Somewhere along the way, the receiving phone may have to indicate where the video file should be saved. This is much the same as if you were to receive an attachment in an email on your computer or receive a file through an instant messenging program. Your cell phone works in a similar way to your computer.

YouTube, Google Video and More

Did you see a video on YouTube or Google Video that you would like to save on your cell phone? Double check with the copyright issues surrounding the video first, but it is possible to "rip" the video from YouTube onto your computer using Flvix.com. Just follow the instructions on that page.

After the video file has been saved on your computer, you can send it to your phone over Bluetooth as well. The process is similar to the phone-to-phone connection described above, except you replace the sending phone with your computer. Naturally, your computer will need Bluetooth capabilities, either internally or through a USB dongle as pictured above. Assuming that, it is perfectly possible to move free mobile phone video downloads via Bluetooth from your computer to your phone.