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bluetooth posts

Filed under: Utilities, Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Mobile

BitPim: Bluetooth syncing for CDMA phones

BitPim isn't a new app, but I've been using it for quite a while, and I thought I'd share. We write a fair amount about the iPhone here at Download Squad, but some of us are stuck with less-than-smart phones that are over a year old, on CDMA networks. Not that I'm bitter, or anything, but how are you supposed to get data like contacts and ringtones onto (and off of) these things? BitPim!

Bitpim is an an open source app that lets you access your phone's data via Bluetooth. I use it to get custom mp3 ringtones onto my junky Samsung dumbphone, and it works phenomenally well. There's a list of compatible phones on the Bitpim site, but chances are that yours will work. Be aware that Bitpim could potentially mess up your phone, although I haven't any issues with it personally.

Filed under: Fun, Security, Utilities, Macintosh, Productivity, Apple, Freeware

Home Zone - user actions based on Bluetooth or Airport networks

Home ZoneFor Macs only. Home Zone is a new utility that allows you to set actions on your Mac depending on Bluetooth or Airport networks that your computer can connect to. Actions include enabling or disabling the screen saver password, switching network locations, setting the system volume, locking all keychains or opening any file, application or URL.

The obvious use here is to set your computer to not require passwords when you're at home (or even better, when your Bluetooth-enabled phone is in proximity to your computer), but lock it up tight otherwise. Of course if you're using the Bluetooth functionality, be aware that Bluetooth ranges can vary widely, and sometimes randomly. If you're relying on Home Zone to lock your computer in the office when you walk away from it, you may be surprised by just how far you have to get away from it before it actually locks. Although it seems to take some time for a Bluetooth connection to register network scanning time is configurable in the application preferences, which is a nice touch.

However you look at it this is some seriously cool functionality. Home Zone is a free Mac download.

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