Dave, I’m very excited. I just bought a brand new Motorola RAZR V3c cellphone and it’s as cool and sexy as can be, but I’m now wondering what I can do with the bluetooth capability. How do I use this thing to copy pictures up and down from my Mac to the RAZR?
As it happens, I’ve been experimenting (read “playing”) with a new Motorola RAZR V3c cellphone too, from Verizon. I’m both trying to get it to sync up with my Toyota Prius (which has been pretty darn easy) and with my bluetooth-capable Mac Powerbook (not so easy!)
To get the RAZR and Mac talking to each other, I had to do a bit of hacking too, which you might not be comfortable with. Not tweaking the phone, but the Mac itself. Here are the steps I took. Take a deep breath, it’s kinda complex…
First off, you need to grab the two data files accessible at the file archive site megaupload.com. It forces you to look at some ads for 30 seconds or so, then you’ll see a “click to download” option: do so, and then leave it alone for now.
Next, in the Finder identify the iSync application, then right click on the iSync icon and choose “Show Package Contents”. You’ll see a folder labeled “Contents” and it’s deep within that folder’s subfolder directory that the two new files need to be copied. Here’s where I ended up (I used the command-click option on the directory status in the window title to show the full path here):
For the record, the full path you need to navigate through to is: Contents : PlugIns : ApplePhoneConduit.syncdevice : Contents : PlugIns : PhoneModelsSync.phoneplugin : Contents : Resources. Got it? 🙂
Rename the file MetaClasses.plist to “MetaClasses.plist.old” (as you can see I’ve already done in the screenshot shown) then copy the two files you downloaded into this directory. One is a new version of MetaClasses.plist and the other is the file MOTV3-cdma.tiff.
Now you can close that window up. Your Mac knows what a Motorola RAZR V3c is at this point, at least it knows some of the capabilities…
Open up the Bluetooth System Preference (Apple Menu -> System Preferences -> Bluetooth) and turn Bluetooth on if you need to, then click on the “Devices” option. You’ll see the following:
No big surprise, it’s time to click on “Set Up New Device…” which launches the Bluetooth Setup Assistant. It’s pretty straightforward: choose “mobile phone” when you get to pick what type of device you’re working with, then while it’s searching for mobile phones, flip open your fancy new Motorola RAZR V3c and go to: Menu -> Settings -> Connections -> Bluetooth.
Choose Setup then choose Find Me, which will make your RAZR visible to the Bluetooth world for 60 seconds. A few seconds later your Mac will cheerily show “Motorola Phone” in the Setup Assistant and you can Continue to the next step in the process.
The Mac will pop up a Mobile Phone Setup Pairing code, a security key to ensure that you have control of both the Mac and the RAZR. It’ll look like this:
Before the sixty seconds are up, select Yes when the RAZR asks you “Bond with TiBook?” (TiBook is the name of my laptop, yours will vary). Enter the code and click OK on the phone and you should get a “Congratulations! Your mobile phone is now set up to use your computer’s Bluetooth features.”
The phone and computer can now communicate. Before you leave the Setup area on the RAZR, however, make sure you’ve turned the Power to “On” so you don’t have to fiddle with it any time you want to use it with your Mac in the future.
Now your Bluetooth configuration on the Mac looks splendid:
Go back to the “Settings” area and choose to have the bluetooth icon appear on the menubar and you should be done with the Bluetooth System configuration window.
Just make sure that the “Sharing” settings look like this:
Now, to browse the RAZR file system, grabbing photos, videos and even uploading new images, wallpapers and ringtones, simply choose “Browse Device…” from the Bluetooth menu:
Then select “Motorola Phone” from the list and click Browse. It’s amazing! You’re browsing the cellphone file system via bluetooth from your Mac:
Photographs are found in “picture”, ringtones in “ringtone” and so on. You can download content from the phone to your Mac by clicking on the appropriate folder, then choosing “Get” or “Send”, depending on what you seek.
Curious about what a picture taken with the phone looks like? Here’s a pic I just took of a calendar photo (B&W, not color, don’t panic) that I grabbed off the phone and uploaded to my server:
It’s not the same quality as my $2500 Nikon digital camera, but for a phone, heck, it’s not bad either!
That’s as far as I’ve gotten with my own RAZR V3c, but I’m really hoping to get someone to add information about how to use the RAZR as a bluetooth modem since it is clearly quite capable of that functionality!
One last note: if you want to add wallpapers, make sure they’re in JPEG format and you can shrink them down to a tiny 176×220 and they’ll appear beautiful on the phone itself.
I hope this incredibly detailed article is helpful. Good luck and, um, please remember that I take no responsibility for your trying the mods shown herein.
Jim,
Ask to be transfered to a bluetooth specialist. I got the same runaround and nonsensical repeated responses from the customer service reps and managers. Honestly, they don’t know better.
I am not affiliated with Verizon. I am happy with their service and want to give them the benefit of the doubt. If you push hard enough it will work.
Dave, I followed advise to the T. Got RAZR V3c paired and was able to browse the file structure. Able to transfer photos from Powerbook to RAZR and use them for contacts. NOT able to sync anything! No contacts, no calendars. I keep getting “The connection was lost while talking to the device. Device RAZR V3c synchronizations failed. Sync log looks like this: 7:55:08 Connecting to Razr V3c
7:55:11 Device “Razr V3c” connected
7:55:11 Receiving changes from “Razr V3c”.
7:55:11 “Razr V3c” finished receiving changes
7:55:11 “Razr V3c” Processing changes…
7:55:11 “Razr V3c” engine processing complete
7:55:11 Applying changes to “Razr V3c”
7:55:11 Error The connection was lost while talking to the device.
7:55:11 Error Device “Razr V3c” synchronization failed
I have service from Telus and software version is GATW_06.04.00R
I recently acquired a Razr V3 from Cingular, and then purchased a D-Link DBT-120 so that my G4 power mac would have bluetooth capability. I downloaded the 2 files you suggested, but had the previously mentioned problem of not having a plugins folder in my iSync. I then just attempted to transfer files with the Bluetooth File Transfer app in the utilities folder of my os x 10.3.9. It worked great! the instructions you gave for using the computer to discover the phone worked seamlessly, and i was then able to transfer files and browse my phone with absolutely no problem. just thought i’d share my success story and recommend this d-link adaptor to others who are running into trouble using the hardwired method.
also, i had 2 questions. the first: is there a source from which i can just download games and apps for the razr and then transfer em to my phone? i refuse to pay by the game on this thing. phone companies used to give em for free with the phone….now u gotta buy em? crap!
also, any recommendations for ringtones (length, bit rate, etc)?
I too just purchased the Razor V3c through Verizon. Bluetooth transfer capabililties are disabled. Verizon tells me the OBEX capabilities with the Razor V3c are a Motorola software problem. I have been on hold with Motorola for 2 hours. Anyone have any other updates, patches, hacks or important information to share with all the frustrated Verizon Razor V3c customers? I am ready to take the phone back to Verizon and hurl it at the salesman that sold it to me.
Keith, I bet you already know the answer: The “.3” release of the OS disables the OBEX capabilities so you’re outta luck. Ditto your comment, Dave.
Both of you should call Verizon and give them a piece of your mind about them disabling a core feature of this telephone so they can force you to use their for-pay network services.
I worked my way through your tutorial, and was successful in most steps. However, when I got to the Devices step in the Bluetooth preference panel, I found that my phone (Razr V3c) does not have the OBEX file transfer ability. Any idea how to get this on my phone? I was able to sync my address book, but the file transfer doesn’t work. I am given message that my device is missing the software.
Thanks,
Dave
Dave-
Excellent article. I followed the instructions to a tee, but I didn’t get the “OBEX File Transfer” listed in my Device Services. When I try and browse it says, “Device does not have the necessary services.” iSync is working fine, but file transferring is what I was going for. I believe my RAZR is using fireware 3 (GATW_01.0F.03)? Thoughts?
Hello Dave,
I’m having problem syncing my razor v3c to my mac via usb, the computer reconizes it but it doesn’t find it when I use Isync, can you help pleae
Frustratd!!!
Thanks for the quick reply Dave. I have tried syncing a different calendar that only has 1 event and I get the same problem. Bummer. Wierd that contacts work fine, but calendar events fail.
Alfred said about Verizon…
> call and complain people, they will listen
I did all my research, and choose Verizon and the Razr. I also bought the USB data kit from Motorola. Then the phone arrived with .03 firmware and no ability to copy my photos (unless I pay them $0.25/pic). I called customer support to complain. The first gal claimed they never supported sync’ing (not even contacts) unless you pay for their Internet service. Got the manager, he said the same thing claiming Verison _never_ supported USB.
I told him it’s a feature of the phone, built by Motorola and available from all other carriers. Motorola even sells a kit to support data transfers. He continued to insist Verizon does not support USB (or Bluetooth) for PC connectivity. It’s crazy to think they want to charge us to access our photos.
I tried to talk logically about this, but they insisted it’s not a camera – it’s a phone. And to get your photos you must use their network, and therefore pay them to transfer your photos. I tried asking him how to use the “photo caller ID” feature of the address book. He said I have to take a picture with the phone. I told him that’s crazy and I already have my photos in my contact list.
Alfred, do you work for or have an affiliation with Verizon. So far, my few days of experience is “those idiots suck”. Should I wait, as you suggest, for the next firmware?
I’m tempted to just cancel and switch carriers. Or should I start hacking my phone and re-enable the built-in features? Can I downgrade to .02, copy my data, then upgrade back to .03?
Bart, you might just have too many events in your calendar: many people have said that the RAZR calendar is limited to 60 events, which seems idiotic, but there ya have it.
I have a Verizon Moto V3c running .02 of the Verizon software. I have modified iSync to permit Bluetooth syncing. I am now able to transfer files and sync contacts, however I am unable to sync my calendar. Every time I try to sync the calendar, I get “An unexpected exception occured while synchronizing the device.” Does anyone have any ideas on how to solve this?
Wahn, I checked out the specs on that phone – darn cool looking device – and I think it should work similarly. Be aware, however, that some cellphone carriers, most notably Verizon, tweak the basic phone OS to change or even disable basic functionality.
Alfred,
I send myself an e-mail (seems to only work from webmail) with an MP3 attached. I edit the mp3 to be about 30 seconds long, and encode it at a low bitrate in mono. I also have to rename the file to be a .MID, not a .MP3 file. Naming it to be a midi file does not break playback. If you don’t rename it, the file does not seem to play at full scale volume. I recommend Audacity to edit the files, but I actually use Logic (I am an audio engineer).
I don’t think I left anything out, but if that doesn’t work, I’ll check for replys here.
Dave
I just got a Moto E815. Would I use the same hack for my phone?
Thanks,
Wahn
kevin-ive used vwpix.com for pictures. how did you get it to upload an mp3? did you have to make it a smaller file?
hi Dave,
I really liked your article on pairing the RAZR V3C with your Powerbook (Titled: Motorola RAZR V3c and Mac OS X: Transfer pictures and wallpaper). I now have my RAZR and SLVR paired up but would like to transfer the Mac’s Addressbook to the Prius (oh yeah, I also drive a Prius). I found that with a lot of fiddling I could transfer one phone enry at a time to the Prius, but that is just so 20th century. How do we transfer the entire addresbook (actually just the group that I created for the car) all at once to the Prius?
Thanks,
Bob
Alfred, are you talking about vzwpix.com? I have used this site to put mp3s (renamed tp .mid files) on my phone as ring tones.
So I also have a verizon razr s/w version ending in .03. I followed what you wrote above dave and was able to get my calendar and address book to sync using iSync. Browsing, however, was impossible.
So I called verizon and complained. I found out that cingular has no restrictions on their razr bluetooth and the only reason why verizon restricts it now is because they dont have a support staff in place for bluetooth OBEX.
So I continued to complain and probe for more answers and the nice manager of bluetooth at verizon informed me that this summer verizon is going to offer software updates that will allow OBEX transfers via USB. She said my complaint was a common one and they are moving to fix it.
I did get her to admit that OBEX was disable to funnel customers towards VCast. She also admitted that customers should have a choice.
So call and complain people, they will listen. They are offering me the software and cables for free come summer update.
I also squeezed a possible verizon customer server where customers can upload things to it from their pc and access it from their phone, or vice versa.
Still bummed, but it looks like its in the works…
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PREVIOUSLY POSTED:: I’m unable to download Dave’s software from megaupload. The listing appears (after 45 secs) but there is no “Download” button!
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Yea, this can be a little deceiveing. You’ll notice the timer in the upper right hand corner. Once the timer a “MegaUpload Links” advertisement covers the download link. Just click the “X” to close this and you’ll see the Download option. Definitely tricky.
Another thing. Several of you are having problems with Dave’s instructions. Make you that you cycle the phone’s power Off and then back On again after completing the instructions. Mine did NOT work until I had done so.
Good Luck to you.
Dave,
I have a Razr R3 from T-Mobile. I have been trying to “Pair” it with my Bluetooth capable Thinkpad running on WinXP. No luck so far on getting the correct Passkey. Any tips?
Thanks!
Best Regards,
Om.
I followed your instructions up until you asked for me to go to the Apple Menu, then System Preferences, then Bluetooth. For some reason, I don’t have an Icon for Bluetooth there. However, in my Applications, then Utilities, I have Bluetooth File Exchange, Bluetooth Serial Utility, and Bluetooth Setup Assisant. The problem is it tells me it can’t open unless I have a Bluetooth device connected, and when I plug in my phone and turn on the Bluetooth on it, it still doesn’t detect it. Any suggestions?
Thanks
THANKS DAVE for your work,
but I did everything you said, I was able to get pictures to my phone, but not mp3s…I have version .02, the music downloads(uploads) and it’s under it’s under tunes and tones but when I hit play the active button flashes “Stop” then goes to Play. So it doesn’t play. Any advice would be more then helpful, I’ve been trying to get ringers on my phone since I got it at the end of December.
Hey Dave, I’ve seen all this in bits and pieces on the Howard Forums but its nice to see it all in one concise presentation. Good work. (ps are you k.double?)
I’ve been trying to get this all working on my dad’s razr for him but alas he has .3 unfortunately. I did get his razr to show up in iSync however, though I havn’t tested it yet. I myself have an LG VX8100 and have experienced the same problems with iSync incompatibility. I’m wondering if you or anyone else here has heard of (or thinks there could likely be) a similar iSync hack for the VX8100? Looking at the MetaClasses.plist file, it seems like just a matter of adding an entry in the metadata. Might even be simple enough to do myself perhaps?
I’ve been using OnSynch which I found on Version Tracker. It works great with the Razr V3c software v.3 for synching your Address Book contacts. Well worth the $12 (it should be noted Motorola wants $59 for their synch software which only works on the PC). The OnSynch software also works with my V60 BlueTooth adapter which it shouldn’t as Motorola says it will not support data synch. Hopefully the developer will continue to update for other features or the included source code will be expanded by someone else for pictures, mp3s, etc.
Dave,
Thanks for the info. Do these modifications work with OX 10.3.9?
Thanks.
Tim
I’m unable to download Dave’s software from megaupload. The listing appears (after 45 secs) but there is no “Download” button! Anyone know how I can get the software? I want to be able to browse the phone to copy pix to the Mac. Thanks!
I got a Verizon Razr that came with the newer .03 software and disabled OBEX. I just flashed the .02 software onto the phone, and it now will do OBEX! I just followed the info from this thread:
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=836453&page=3&pp=15
Jim, if you have version “.3” of the Verizon OS you’re out of luck. Otherwise, try connecting via bluetooth and browsing the file system of the phone…
Hi Dave,
I just bought three v3 and found out that you can’t transfer pictures to your computer unless you e-mail them.The catch-they charge you per e-mail unless you buy another package.Is there a way to transfer directly to my pc?I’m using windows xp.Any info appreciated.
It went like butter. Was able to sync contacts and iCal. Thanks Dave…you da man!
Of course, I struggled with it for an hour, posted my question, and immediately figured it out after the post! Now to try the mod…I will let you know how mine goes. Thanks!
Tried to download the files from megaupload.com and there are no download buttons. I tried with both Safari and Firefox on Mac. I wait for the timer to go to zero, but no download buttons appear.
Am I missing something? Are they available elsewhere?
Oh yeah, and I just bought my Razr today. I checked my software version, and it’s the .2 one, so they still haven’t updated all the phones. Good news for anyone who was (like me) worried about whether they’d have changed it by now.
Thanks Dave! This works great for me! I still can’t seem to get it to work with iSync, but that’s really the least important of what I wanted it to do.
Does anyone know how to load custom software on? Is this one of the phones that can just run Java programs?
Joseph, you and Amir have the same problem: the very latest version of the Verizon OS for the RAZR (version “.03”) has most of the services disabled, which is darn frustrating. You might be able to find information on how to flash an earlier version of the OS onto your phone – if you’re willing to try that – over at the terrific howard forums. Go to http://www.howardforums.com/
But don’t also forget to let Verizon know how upset you are with their lame policies regarding the RAZR and bluetooth. If enough of us complain perhaps they’ll change their approach…
AAAHHH! I was so excited to do this, but when I click ‘Browse,’ on the Bluetooth File Exchange menu, it results by saying: ‘Device does not have necessary services.’
PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!
I followed all of your instructions and I am not able to browse my phone. When I go to browse the device under the bluetooth menu, I get a message that reads: “Device does not have necessary services”. My phone currently has version GATW_01.0F.03 of verizons software. I read another posting that said that this works with the previous version. Has anyone had any luck with this software version? Any help would be much appreciated.
So i just got my razr today and as much as i like verizon for having a great network they are such a bunch of money grubbing beaurocrats. I am pretty sure they already had a class action lawsuit against them for crippling the abilities of their bluetooth phones. I just want to be able to have my own ringtones why can’t i do that arrrr.
Class
Scott, Do you get a “Phone Memory Full” error? I can’t synch Outlook either. But Pics, tones, etc do work. Is this a Verizon thingy?
I’m trying to synchronize my Razr V3c and Outlook on WindowsXP using Bluetooth. Has anyone been able to do this yet? I can transfer files with no problem.
Thanks!
Anyone who got this to work with a Verizon V3c Razr may want to avoid updating the firmware in the phone. I also am unable to browse my phone – I get the ‘device does not have the necessary services’ message.
I’m also unable to send phonebook entries to my Lexus. I asked for help from Verizon – see the response below. Apparently they have turned off all bluetooth capability except for a narrow subset needed for handsfree devices.
I urge everyone who is PO’d about this to contact Verizon support for help. When you get an answer like the one below, express your displeasure to them. Sounds like they’re pondering doing something better, so let’s throw some wood on the fire.
Pasta
From Verizon Wireless Support:
“The Motorola Razr is currently not capable of transferring files using Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth capability is a specialized function of this handset, not a feature of our wireless phone service. Verizon Wireless offers limited support of this technology for select devices such as wireless headsets, hands free car kits and dial up networking. We are reviewing the possibility of providing a software update for the Razr that will re-enable the file transfer capability. It is the intent of Verizon Wireless to provide the best equipment and services possible while maintaining reasonable security measures to protect our customers and the security of our wireless network. This issue has been acknowledged by Verizon Wireless as a potential concern and we are working to provide a suitable solution that will ensure the best customer experience possible.”
The Brian Toth plug in now has an installer and works really well for simple things, like syncing via iSync. Once you install it, and pair the V3c with your computer, it helps to power cycle the phone.
I have found links in HowardForums to earlier software versions, including the Verizon .02 version. On the PC, apparently, one is able to flash the V3c back down to the .02 version with OBEX enabled.
Have you seen any OS X ways to flash the phone?
Withouth using any tweaks or hacks, I was able to connect a powerbook g4 and the razr right out of the box via bluetooth. The only difference is that the only folders I see are audio, pictures, and video.
-J
Dave, thank you for such a great article. I just bought a Razr from Verizon and looking forward to implementing your hacks on it. One problem though, I cannot find the two data files you mention from megaupload.com. When I go to the site it counts down to zero, but once it’s finished, there’s no “click here to download”. I am missing something or just retarded? Thanks for you help!
Todd
I just got my new Verizon Razr in the mail, and have spent the past 3 hours trying to hack my way into Syncing with my address book (Mac PowerBook) I do think that Verizon has finally disabled this feature on all new phones. I almost got it to work, but when I went to “browse” was told the “feature is not enabled”
I have been a loyal Verizon customer for more than 5 years, and now feel completely betrayed. I refuse to use the stupid V cast, or to pay for uploading photos that I should be able to do with Bluetooth. This is ridiculous! Loyal Verizon customer NO MORE!!!
Dave, thanks to your instructions, I was able to sync my contacts and calendars to my new (gray) V3c. However, as others have reported, those phones with software version GATW_01.0F.03 are unable to browse. This is irritating, as I would love to get rid of the lame photos that are provided as wallpaper and replace them with my own pictures. If there is a future hack that enables one to customize the phone with pictures and ringtones, please post it on your site. Thanks again for providing these instructions as a public service.
I just got the Razr V3C with Bell Mobility and I haven’t had success transferring my phone book to my phone, AND downloading ringtones and pictures from a third party site to my phone.
Does anyone know how to upload a phonebook from Outlook onto the Razr that is being used with Bell? What are the steps to do it?
And is there a way that we can hack into the phone and disable this OBEX crap? It’s pissing me off, I’m getting so frustrated with it. I don’t want this phone anymore.
Please if you know info, reply back. Thanks
Dave,
I ordered the Verizon version of the Razr and then did some additional reading about how they disabled a lot of the file transfer options that Motorola had included with this phone. I began to wonder if I had made a mistake. When I got the phone, I liked it alot and then I found your website about how to set this phone up with its proper bluetooth capabilities. I can now do everything I was hoping to do including using actual mp3’s for ringtones. Your instructions were thorough and easy to follow. Thank you so much for taking the time do this and then sharing it with the rest of us.