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Along with Stereo Bluetooth, one of the other big new features of iPhone OS 3.0 is the ability to use your iPhone as a modem with your Mac, PC or Laptop.
Tethering your iPhone is as easy as using a Mobile Broadband Dongle. You enable Internet Tethering on your iPhone, connect it to your computer using your USB Cable and away you go.
Use your iPhone as a Modem
If you want to avoid having to rummage around in your bag for your USB Cable you can also connect your phone using Bluetooth – most Mac’s have Bluetooth built in as standard but PC’s don’t so you might need to get yourself a Bluetooth Dongle. The process is just as simple using bluetooth and takes no time at all to set up. All you need is the latest version of iTunes.
Connecting with the USB cable is just a case of enabling tethering on your iPhone and plugging it in to your computer. After a few seconds you’ll be connected and see the blue tethering bar across the top of your screen.
Using Bluetooth is slightly different and the exact process will vary slightly depending on the Bluetooth Dongle that you are using, but this is how to tether your iPhone 3G to Windows using Bluetooth:
- Turn on Bluetooth & Tethering on your iPhone
- Search for Bluetooth Devices on your PC
- Find your iPhone and enter a Passkey of your choice
- Enter the same Passkey on your iPhone
- If asked to select services for device, select PAN or Network Access
- Device will install and connect to your iPhone
- Blue Band will show at top of iPhone home screen when PC is connected to your phone
The whole process is amazingly simple and I have to admit, this was about the easiest phone I’ve ever set up for use as a modem. There are no drivers to install and no complicated network settings to enter, you just connect using Bluetooth and it works.
Not Got Bluetooth?
If you don’t have a Bluetooth enabled computer then don’t panic, it’s extremely easy to add Bluetooth to any PC. All you need is a USB Bluetooth Dongle.
Nano USB Bluetooth Dongle
Adding a Bluetooth Dongle to your PC won’t just help with tethering your iPhone, it will allow friends and family to send files and photo’s to your computer quickly and easily and you will be able to use a Bluetooth headset for making calls over Skype and listening to music.
Installing a dongle is quick and easy and you don’t need any knowledge of PC’s, just plug it in to a spare USB port and wait for Windows to set it up – Easy!
If you do have any problems setting it up, I’ve put a guide together on Installing your Bluetooth Dongle that will talk you through it step by step.
Don’t forget though, in order to use tethering, you will need to have the service activated by O2 and there is an extra monthly fee for the service.
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