The Nokia Blog » bluetooth

Nokia N8 Surprises Yet Again With Bluetooth Mice Compatibility

Mark Guim — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:26:07 +0000

A new discovery for the Nokia N8 opens up some cool possibilities. FoneArena published a video showing a bluetooth mouse controlling the N8. I think this could be really useful in the living room while the device is connected to a big-screen TV for movies or at the office for giving presentations. Take a look.

Bluetooth mice support for the Nokia N8 was not pointed out on press releases or official videos. Vaibhav Sharma from the Symbian Blog feels this is a game changing feature that should have been highlighted. Did Nokia’s marketing team forget to mention it, or are they afraid users will think it’s a stupid feature for a smartphone?

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How to Tether Nokia N900 To Mac OS X Snow Leopard Via Bluetooth

Mark Guim — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:46:20 +0000

Thanks to Philip Langdale, we can now tether our Nokia N900 with other devices over bluetooth. He has released the Bluetooth Dial-Up-Networking (DUN) package that many people have been waiting for. Since I use a Mac, I’ll share my guide on using the Nokia N900’s internet connection with Mac OS X Snow Leopard.

First, install Bluetooth Dial-Up Networking. This is available in Application manager under the Extras repository or simply install it from this page. Reboot the N900 after installation.

Open Network Preferences on the Mac and click on the ‘plus’ sign to add a service. Select Bluetooth DUN as the interface, name it whatever you like and click the create button.

Select the service you just added and click Advanced..

Under the Modem tab, select Nokia as vendor, and GPRS as the Model. Type in your provider’s access point network and hit OK then Apply. I use T-mobile in the USA so my APN is internet2.voicestream.com. The Nokia N900 does not show your APN so you might have to call your provider or insert the SIM card into another phone that tells you the APN (S60 phones show it in connection settings).

Make sure Bluetooth is ON with the Nokia N900 first. Click on “Set up Bluetooth Device” and follow the directions to pair the Mac with the Nokia N900.

Mac will ask you to confirm if the number displayed is also showing up on the Nokia N900. Click Pair on the Nokia N900 and Continue on the Mac.

If the pairing is successful, you will see this screen. I didn’t have to fill out username or password. Just click Continue.

That’s it! To use the internet connection from your Nokia N900 on the Mac, just click on the phone icon on the top right corner and then Connect.

I hope this guide helps you out. Let me know if you have any questions setting it up.

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Nokia BH-703 Review

Al Pavangkanan — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 20:01:35 +0000

I opened up my Nokia BH-703 today and was instantly blown away with it. The sound quality is really top notch and the design is really elegant.

The BH-703 comes with three earplugs, an ear hook, a neck strap and AC-6U charger. My favorite thing about the BH-703 is that it charges over micro-USB, just like my Nokia N97. The AC-6U charges at a rate of 550maH and takes about an hour to fill up the BH-703 battery. The BH-703 is rated for 6 hours of talk and 160 hours of standby.

Most interestingly, the BH-703 is compatible with the same earplugs I used with my old Sony popular EX-71 headset. I ordered a bag full of compatible ear plugs since I lose them easily. When used with the BH-703, the fit is very good and seals out a lot of noise.

Most striking was the volume quality. I had to turn down the volume on my Nokia N97 to 30% to protect my hearing. Turning it up a notch or two should be perfectly acceptable for driving.

The BH-703 is made of plastic that reminds me of my N82. It has only one button which has multiple functions. It acts as an on/off switch, answers calls and activates voice commands. The face of the BH-703 is touch sensitive. If you swipe towards the mic, the volume goes down. Swipe the other way to raise the volume. Tap it twice and it mutes.

Pairing with the BH-703 is pretty effortless. With most modern Nokia phones, you don’t even need to enter the pairing code. Once paired, it will auto-connect once turned on. Signal quality seems to be fine with my N97 in my right front pocket and the BH-703 in my left ear.

Finishing words

The Nokia BH-703 is a great companion to my Nokia N97. I just wish it came in white.

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Design Your Dream Headset

Mark Guim — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 23:33:39 +0000

I gave the Nokia BH-604 an F for failure on design, but Nokia just opened up the Music Almighty Headset Competition that let’s you create your dream headset. They might be even crazy enough to build it if other people like your design. Take a look at mine and start creating your own!

The competition ends 31st of Dec 2008. 10 designs that receive the most stars will be forwarded to the judging panel where they’ll pick 5 winners. The winning designs will be produced into fully functional headsets and showcased at flagship stores all over the world. It will be returned to the winners for them to keep.

I can’t wait to see some outrageous designs go up and then be able to actully see them in person at the Flagship stores.

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Nokia BH-604 Used As Wireless Headphones With Computer

Mark Guim — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:18:01 +0000

You’ll never catch me wearing the bulky and ugly Nokia BH-604 bluetooth headset outside, but I’m pretty happy using it indoors as a wireless headphone. It was sent to me as a prize for the S60 Smarts Contest.

Let me give you an example how useful it is. Sheila was really sleepy, but I was wide awake. I wanted to finish watching a Smallville episode but didn’t want to disturb her. Solution? Use the Nokia BH-604 as a wireless headphone connected to the Apple iMac via bluetooth. Setting it up is too easy. Here’s how I did it with a Mac:

Put the BH-604 in pairing mode by holding the call button. A blue LED flashes. Under the bluetooth icon on the Mac, click ’set up Bluetooth Device.’

I chose to use it as a headphone for this computer because that’s really all I need it to be.

When asked for a pairing code, the default is ‘0000.’ That’s it!

So even though I won’t be wearing it outside, I’m fine using the Nokia BH-604 as a wireless headphone when watching movies on our 24 inch iMac. Audio quality is fine, but I don’t have anything to compare it to. Would I recommend the BH-604? No… I like the form factor of the Nokia BH-603 better.

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Vlog: Using Jawbone Bluetooth As Wireless Mic For Qik Video Streaming With Nokia N95 8GB

Mark Guim — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:24:01 +0000

In my latest video, I show that you can use bluetooth headsets with Nokia phones for videos. I used a Jawbone with the Noise Assassin paired to a Nokia N95 8GB running Qik for video streaming. I think this is a great mobile setup for press or bloggers without an assistants who intend to do interviews.

Note: Video below might not be visible in some RSS readers.

My purpose was to show that bluetooth headsets can work as wireless microphones for our video powerhouse Nokia phones like the Nokia N95 8GB or the upcoming Nokia N85 or Nokia N96. This demo is a little extreme since you want your subject closer the camera for interviews… not two rooms away like I showed in the video.

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Nokia Free Hands Challenge Not Over – Win Nokia N82 + Bluetooth BH-902

Mark Guim — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:06:32 +0000

I tried winning a Nokia N82 and bluetooth headset BH-902 by uploading a stickfighting performance video, but it’s not doing too well. The challenge ends on Sept. 8th, so try your luck. Just for entering, I received an unusual package from Nokia that made my girlfriend smile.

My origami creation thanks to Nokia

Nokia sent me an origami guidebook with colored papers to try out. It’s not as good as winning a phone and bluetooth headset, but cool nonetheless. Take a look at the photos below.

I followed the instructions on making a tulip and gave it to Sheila. She loved how creative I was! Of course I told her I did it all by myself.

Finds out which bluetooth headset is perfect for you

The challenge is supposed to give attention to Nokia’s bluetooth headsets offering. Go visit nokia.com/freehands to find out which bluetooth is right for you. The widget told me the Nokia BH-803 was my perfect match.

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Nokia Ships Bluetooth Headsets To Limited Edition Nokia N96 Buyers

Mark Guim — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 06:54:57 +0000

Our readers, Dario and Pedro are going to be the first few to own a limited edition Nokia N96, and they’ll also get a bluetooth headset to compensate for the wait. Some buyers felt that the Face The Task website was misleading making customers wait longer than advertised. Nokia soothes the pain by delivering free Nokia BH-503 bluetooth headset for their patience.

Nokia BH-503 headsets for Nokia N96 limited edition buyers

Here’s the email from Nokia:

Dear customer,

We sincerely apologise for the fact that we cannot at this moment state the exact delivery date for your limited edition Nokia N96. As soon as we have shipped your Nokia N96 you will receive an email through which you can track your parcel and the date of its delivery.

In the meantime, in appreciation of your continued patience, we’ll be arranging a delivery of a free Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Headset BH-503 in silver colour which you’ll be able to use with your Nokia N96 multimedia computer.

Our customer care is the best contact point for you to help with any questions you have. You can find your local customer care contact details at http://www.nokia.com/support.

Once again, we hope you accept our apologies. We assure you that we are doing everything we can to have your device shipped to you as soon as possible.

Respectfully,
Nokia

Update: Here’s an unboxing of the BH-503 from John, one of the limited edition Nokia N96 buyers.

I wonder if all the 96 buyers are getting the headset or if it’s just Pedro and Dario who notified us about the email. Are you one of the limited edition Nokia N96 buyers? Did you get an email about receiving a headset?

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Nokia 6220 Classic Bluetooth Transfer Speed Faster Than Nokia N95 8GB

Mark Guim — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:14:51 +0000

I tested the speed of the Nokia 6220 Classic transferring photos to my computer via bluetooth compared to the Nokia N95 8GB. I noticed the 6220 Classic is slightly faster than the N95 8GB. The Nokia 6220 Classic capped at 135 KB/s while the Nokia N95 8GB capped at 100 KB/s.

Transferring photos and videos between my computer and phone is important to me because I need copies stored on the computer. Using bluetooth to transfer files is much more convenient without the hassle of looking for and connecting cables.

Nokia N95 8GB bluetooth transfer maxed at 100 KB/s

Nokia 6220 Classic bluetooth transfer maxed at 135 KB/s

I think the faster speed is due to the newer S60 version 3.2 running on the 6220 Classic compared to version 3.1 on the N95 8GB. If that is the case, I’m glad bluetooth transfers will be faster on the newer phones coming soon from Nokia and S60.