Verizon's lame excuse for crippling the Bluetooth on the Motorola V710

So Verizon's excuse for not making it possible to use the built-in Bluetooth on their new Motorola V710 cameraphone to transfer files over to or sync with a PC? That it's a "fraud prevention" tactic to keep hackers from Bluejacking your phone. We're sure they're telling the truth and that it has nothing to do with making money off of subscribers by charging them extra to email photos rather than just copy them directly to a PC.

[Pedro @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

its a god thing to bad mouth these cell phone providers who are taking away functionality from us that we are already paying for. Bluetooth is a great sell point as well... think about all the money they are losing not selling bluetooth goodies like headsets. it really makes you wonder sometimes.

[James Kendrick @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

While it's true it sucks that Verizon (or Motorola) has crippled the Bluetooth on the v710 it's NOT true that you can't use it as a data modem. I'm using it right now, matter of fact and this data functionality is the only reason I got the phone.

[TheZodiac @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

CDMA carried always pork their customers and the consumer. GSM all the way. And TMOBILE is the BEST.

[Lizzy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

What it means is that suckers who buy the v710 can't transmit pictures they take from phone to laptop or to another phone but rather have to pay money to transmit it over the Verizon network. Same with ring tones or MP3s. There's also no sending business contacts from phone to phone over Bluetooth.

In other words, Verizon is trying to get as much money out of you as possible -- and now they're trying to blame it on Bluetooth! I agree, that's LAME!

[Matt @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

... because of this very reason. I'm a mac user, I expect everything to work properly. When I couldn't even get my contacts on the phone (sending vcards via bluetooth) I was not about to retype them in on a stupid keypad.

There are so many better/cheaper phones... that just aren't on the Verizon network. Once GSM becomes big in the states (and actually works properly) I will drop verizon because they are too expensive, don't have quality phones and in general suck my a$$ hole.

[Daz @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Fraud prevention? By lying to you and making you pay more than you should.. hmm...

[StaticBeats @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I have the phone and love it so far. Bluetooth headset is terrific. Called Verizon to find the cost of sending pictures - $.50 per msg to send, same to receive. They have package rates available as well. Seems like a hefty price considering the already astronomical cost of the phone - which is so expensive namely because it takes pictures and has bluetooth.

[StaticBeats @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Interesting note from Phonescoop forum - You can use the transflash card to transfer files from you phone to the PC. Not sure what sort of file management system there is (as I don't have the card) but it's worth noting...

[roger @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

this is such an eye-opener for me. i thought consumers in the american market always had more freedom and choices. over here in the philippines, people have been bluetoothing everything they could on their cellphones! well it just MIGHT be a matter of time before the local networks get the idea from the americans, but i seriously pray they don't go that way. i think restricting advanced features on the phones just so that the network earns more money is so backward. it's in the same order as restricting WAP access to the network's own portal or selected sites that have tied-up with the network (which sadly we here ARE victims of). on the other hand, i wish phone manufacturers like motorola would say NO to these idiotic strategies by the networks. after all, they have the political will to do so.

[Alan Estes @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I was going to go down to my local Verizon office today and pick up a V710, until I read this.

So I called my local Verizon office, and spoke with a sales lackey....he informed me that the Bluetooth functionality is indeed not crippled. He even put me on hold to verify my claim.

?????????????????

[Marc @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Your local verizon office lackey is stupid. The Bluetooth IS crippled. you can only use the bluetooth for dial up networking and voice tools. To transfer phone numbers you need the data cable. You CAN transfer MP3s and pictures through the Transflash card.

[Cirple Verizon by getting of their network soon @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Sue them! Criple them by taking them to small claims court for fraudulent advertising and demanding your money back.

[Guy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I have the V710 and bought a 128mb TransFlash card with the SD adapter. I use a Mac G4 Powerbook running the latest OSX. When I pop the TranFlash card in the SD card reader, the card icon appears, and there are jpg files on the card-but nothing will open the jpg files. Preview, photo viewing programs and even Graphic Converter state that the file is corrupted or of an unknown format. Then, when I put the TransFlash card back in the phone, the phone won't read it and won't same picture files to it! The TransFlash card has to be reformated by the phone and all the pictures are lost. Has anyone else had this experience? I have tried it several times and the same thing happens every time.

[mike lynch @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

"I have the V710 and bought a 128mb TransFlash card with the SD adapter. I use a Mac G4 Powerbook running the latest OSX. When I pop the TranFlash card in the SD card reader, the card icon appears, and there are jpg files on the card-but nothing will open the jpg files."

YES i have had the exact same problem. I also tried it on the pc, and windows claims the files are "corrupt" I also had ot reformat the card.

I am so upset right now, and there is little I can do about it. Of course i am going to cancel the phone, and get my money back (15 day return policy). I might go back to t-mobile, or i might just get a different phone from verizion. i dont know. I hate that there are so few options. This is just a shame, shame on verizon for treating us so poorly.

verizion dsl, was such a great product. (hahahah!!) i should have know that they would be unable to deliver on this phone. They ought to go out of business.

Mike

[Michael Mathews @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I may be considering looking at another provider. I want all of the bells and whistles I can get!!!!! I have a T720 right now, but I do not want to by a new phone that is deliberately compromised... That is kind of like buying an intel Celeron processor... You just don't do it.

[W @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Anybody have this set-up? I'm looking to buy an Acura which has Bluetooth technology and wanted to see if the V710 (offered by Verizon) works based on the postings here?

[Matt W @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I just ordered the v710 before reading all of the negative reviews. I haven't decided if i will return my phone or not, but I have already sent a donation to the hacker's fund which i suggest everyone do if you are unable to return your phone. the address is: http://www.nuclearelephant.com/papers/v710hackers.html As for the expensive TransFlash card, is it worth buying if you can't use it to transfer files? Good luck to us all.

[Roger @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Has anyone been able to find out how to transfer pics from the TransFlash card to a PC or Palm?

[Roger @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Has anyone been able to find out how to transfer pics from the
TransFlash card to a PC or Palm?

[Curt @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I too am unhappy with Verizon disabling BlueTooth functions. I suggest that everyone posting here file a complaint with their state for false advertising and failing to disclose the disabled features. If the state fails to invervene, then file a lawsuit.

Also, I read on another site that Verizon disabled the file transfer between the phone and the TransFlash card. Again, you have to use Verizon to transfer files - for a small fee of course.

[pacosdog @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

verizon i guess for got about the memory card that i have seen on ebay for $25 and at radio shack for $70 you transfer your file to the card and then to your comp its not fast but it saved me $15 a month and i get my mp3s on the phone as well

[pacosdog @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

verizon i guess for got about the memory card that i have seen on ebay for $25 and at radio shack for $70 you transfer your file to the card and then to your comp its not fast but it saved me $15 a month and i get my mp3s on the phone as well

[Eric Martin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Bluetooth in the V710 by Verizon is crippled at VZW's request--- according to Motorola and VZW.

I investigated the matter again today and was first told that OBEX and OPP were now enabled (wrong) by VZW. Later, a VZW tech rep said BT is crippled (you can find the info under FAQs related to data products on the VZW site). By email, VZW first said no problem, but after escalation gave the same old excuse-- network security-- in saying BT is crippled. In the meanwhile, a Moto rep was complaining about how VZW had screwed up a great phone. After another round of escalation, a rep finally said that, due to customer complaints, VZW is reviewing its decision and may offer a patch to REENABLE OBEX AND OPP.

Now's our chance... Let VZW know how you feel right away and we may be able to correct their fraudulent, consumer-unfriendly ways.

Let VZW know how you feel!

[Dave Nelson @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Good luck changing Verizon's mind. I actually ordered a v710 (and THEN read up on it... STUPID!) and contacted them today to tell them if the phone doesn't work as it should, I'm sending it right back. They basically told me, go ahead and return it. Here's their response, verbatim, cut from their email:

"We appreciate your interest in the incorporation of Bluetooth Technology with Verizon Wireless services. This is correct we have crippled some of the Bluetooth functions to insure the security of America's best, most reliable wireless network so this network is not destroyed or crippled by a internet virus that can be transferred via Bluetooth. There is a 15 day no questions asked return period if you wish to switch phones or return to old phone."

So like I say, good luck.......
--Dave

[John Cooper @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Damn,
Why didn't I see this site before I got the Verizon V710 today I am reading about the bluetooth problem, my real problem is the TransFlash card does this phone still have this problem ? I would like to know "before I buy the card" if I can't use the card to transfer pic & video what the hell this phone isn't worth nothing to me ! I got 14 days to mail it back, seems to be a lot of people who know whats going on w/this phone, I really like it and want to keep it but if it doesn't tranfer pic it's gone and I have been a verizon customer since 1993 ! anybody have some fresh data on this problem ?

Ps: I found this site trying to find a usb driver for this phone I have the cable and phonebook program (winxp) but can't get the program to see the V710 any ideas on drivers ?

Thanks for any help.... John

[Harris Davis @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

i also bought the v710 the day the thing came out. i was all psyched to not have to manually input my calendar and my entire list of contacts from .mac. well, whadd'ya know. Verizon, you never cease to amaze me. what a rip. i've had the phone for a few months now so i think i'm stuck with it, but i heard there's some kind of cable you can buy for like 20 bucks to transfer all that information. anyone know what it's called?

[Henry Rathkamp @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Verizon has fixed the V710 so that it will not work with "Dock n Talk" home phone system. It willwork with other bluetooth phones, but not Verizon. I have had mine for more than 30 days and they told me I could return the phone and pay the two year contract. So screwed I am without a home phone system. SUE the Bastards with my blessing.

[John Nepper @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I bought a LEXUS 430 automobile which has a
Bluetooth operated "hands free Celllpho system".
I can't use ATT or Sprint or TMobile because they
have lousey coverage in my areas. So I quickly
bought the VERIZON v710 only to find that there
is NO WAY to enter my phone numbers into the car
phone. After the return period had elapsed, I
found out that the Bluetooth was crippled.
Each party (Motorola,Verizon,or LEXUS) blames
the other. DOES ANYONE HAVE A SOLUTION TO MAKE
THIS $68,000 AUTO WORK CORRECTLY ? ?
Moral: Don't buy a LEXUS, a MOTOROLA,or VERIZON!

[kristopher @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

All I have to say is that I'm an ex tmobile customer service rep, verizon dealer (back when the t720 was out) along with being a sprint dealer. I had problems with the t720 battery going dead within 30min to an hour of just putting contacts on my phone. From that moment I knew not to trust motorola because of there "fearless" quality of jumping into new technology. The way I see it is that motorola is a nerd who does there homework and verizon is that stupid jock who thinks they have it all and steals the nerd's homework but has to dumb it up just because its to good to be true.

[DWC @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

It was Verizon's selfish decision that led me to abandon the company and switch to Cingular. I have an Acura TL with the built-in bluetooth handsfree system and I was itching to get a compatible phone. I also have hundreds of contacts in my Palm and PC that I wanted to put in the phone. Bottom line, Verizon lost a long-time customer by 1) failing to offer bluetooth for such a long period of time and then 2) crippling the functionality as to make it virtually useless.

In addition, ths V710 is just far too big and heavy. And for what? I just picked up a Nokia 6230 (free after rebate from Amazon with a 1 year service agreement with Cingular) and this phone has 1) bluetooth, 2) camera, 3) fm radio, 4) flash card memory 5) MP3 and AAC player, 6) a stunning screen, 7) 12 days of battery life, 8) fully functional bluetooth and it weighs only 3.3 ounces and is far smaller than the V710. Why in the world is the V710 such a brick of a phone? Sorry Verizon...this one stinks!

[Marci Blaze @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

My story is almost identical to entry #28...only it was a 2005 Lexus LX470. First I went to my local (not friendly) Verizon store and was offered the V710. When I asked if it would work in my Lexus, the answer was -- with a smirk -- "you can try...and if it doesn't work, just return it." After a few minutes of that stuff, I walked across the street to Celluar Fantasy and found a parking lot filled with Lexus vehicles. Apparently the V710 will allow you to sync your phone book in a Mercedes or BMW, but not a Lexus. What gives?

[Scott Adams @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

My A310 Verizon phone was giving me problems, I contacted Verizon about a replacement since my contract is almost up. I asked about BLuetooth and they said the only one they offer is the V710. I'm glad I saw this site.
I will start looking at other providers.

[David Livingston @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

You can use the TransFlash card in a V710 to transfer pictures and mp3 files to and from your Win-XP PC (I do it all the time). I also create my own custom ring tones on my PC and transfer them to the V710.

You do not have to transfer pictures to the TransFlash card from internal phone memory if you tell the phone to use the TransFlash card as the default storage for any pictures it takes!

One problem I had was my TransFlash card sometimes did not make a good connection to the phone. It would be in the phone but not work. I put a small piece of tape on the face of the card and it was just enough to push the contacts together. No problems with it since then (I have had the phone for 4 or 5 months).


Cheers

[Jonathan Weston @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Please do not email me with questions about your phone

[ v710 Info Page | Seem Hacking | SMIL GW ]

[This is a copy of my article published in Pen Computing Magazine : Original Copy ]

Manufacture an amazing piece of technology and then cripple all of the good features so you can profit. This is how many v710 users describe their new Bluetooth-enabled phone from Verizon. The v710 appeared to be a truly amazing product from the manufacturer's initial feature list - Bluetooth support, Megapixel Camera, POP3 email, and Instant Messenger. That is, before Verizon decided to disable several of its features for what many believe (and what Verizon doesn't deny) was an effort to drive up revenue. If all you plan on doing is talking on the phone, you won't have any problems - the phone functions with all Verizon-approved hands-free devices. Then again, who would pay the hefty $519 list price for a phone if they just wanted to talk on it?

After buying the new v710, many consumers quickly discovered they were unable to perform several basic functions which other similarly equipped phones, from other carriers, were capable of doing. Simple functions, such as sending a phone book record to another phone or a picture to a laptop computer, exist only in some locked area of the v710 noone can access. This is because some critical Bluetooth profiles have been deactivated on the handset; primarily OBEX (Object Exchange) , OPP (Object Push Profile), and SPP (Serial Port Profile). These services are responsible for transferring photos and phone numbers or performing synchronization with a PC wirelessly. Lack of these feature has also caused many vehicles with Bluetooth support (such as the Prius, Acura TL, and BMW) to malfunction. The only sure-fire way to transfer anything to or from the phone, in fact, is to shell out $60 for a TransFlash memory card - and new versions of Verizon firmware are being leaked out showing this feature has already been crippled in future releases. Looking around for the POP3 email client or instant messenger? It was advertised as a capability by the manufacturer, but you won't find it either, because Verizon had those features switched off as well. The irony is that Motorola, who doesn't sell these handsets directly to the public, has done a significant amount of advertising on their own for a handset that, thanks to the carrier, will never exist in its advertised state.

I decided to call up Verizon and get to the bottom of the matter, and engaged in a discussion with Verizon's Corporate Handset, Product Distribution, and Marketing honcho, Brenda Raney, asking targetted questions about many of these features and why they were not on the phone as expected. Apart from the usual "we never advertised these features" spiel, I was very shocked to see that Verizon was so up-front and open about their hostile attitude regarding consumers.

Q. Many people feel that Verizon has specifically disabled these features to force them to use your Get-it-Now and PIX Place service.

A. And your point is?

Q. Well, these features are available in phones from many other carriers, and people feel cheated.

A. Verizon does business unlike any other carrier, and we make no apologies for that. ... [Those features] don't work with our business model. Every customer is certainly entitled to their own feelings.

Q. Do you foresee that OBEX/OPP will be enabled anytime in the near future?

A. No.

Q. The average joe can go out and fork over $60 for a TransFlash card, which will allow them to transfer pictures, MP3s, whatever...and at no profit to Verizon...so why not just enable these features on the phone and give the customers a break?

A. That's where the security issue comes in.

What Security Issue? I had heard this story from Verizon, which was that they were investigating security issues with the phone, but this appeared only to be an afterthought in comparison with Verizon's profitability needs. The story didn't appear to hold water, and I got the feeling she understood that. Bluetooth has some basic front-line security designed to prevent someone from arbitrarily transferring files to/from the phone without performing a "bonding" ritual. On top of this, the v710 sports a "stealth mode" where it will remain invisible from discovery unless the owner specifically makes it visible (at 60-second intervals) so there's little chance a stranger will even know it's there let alone have the MAC address. If you're still concerned about Bluejacking, the Bluetooth radio can be shut off entirely with a couple of button presses, which is what most users do anyway to conserve power. If you want Fort Knox, you got it...and even if someone did Bluejack you, they'd have to be within smacking distance. The real security issue appears to be what Verizon allegedly considers a "revenue leak" in providing handsets with such features.

Lately, however, Raney has been telling a slightly different story - that mysterious contracts require Verizon to protect BREW games and applications, but this smells funny too. For one, every BREW application is digitally signed on the handset's electronic serial number, making it impossible to run one BREW app on another phone even if you did copy it. In fact, one consistent gripe from Verizon customers is that they have to purchase the same game over and over again whenever they swap out a damaged handset or upgrade. Even more awkward about this, however, is that enabling Bluetooth features such as OBEX and OPP don't normally require providing access to every file on the phone - in fact, uncrippled handsets sold by other carriers (as well as nearly any other piece of Bluetooth-enabled equipment) only allow access to a very small subset of directories on the handset for performing specific tasks (such as transferring photos, ringtones, and music). Even laptops configured to share files via Bluetooth don't allow the client to access the entire filesystem (unless the laptop's owner specifically sets it up that way). BREW applications are hidden deep within the filesystem structure and would risk no additional exposure by enabling the crippled Bluetooth profiles. Ironically enough, BREW games can already be copied using a $20 USB cable - a capability Verizon seems to take very little interest in. As I said, however, you can't do anything with them once they're copied leaving any attempt at piracy pointless, just like Ms. Raney's poor excuse.

Q. So what would you say to the consumer who paid for this phone and expected to receive [these features]?

A. [When a customer buys a phone] there's a level of risk. ... We never advertised these features.... We have a fifteen day satisfaction guarantee.

True, this handset (like all Verizon handsets) do in fact have a 15-day return period - no questions asked. So why don't people just take it back? The problem seems to go back to suspicious misinformation provided to customers and Motorola's seemingly suspicious relationship with Verizion. Many consumers quickly phoned Verizon's customer service department upon realizing the phone lacked some basic functionality. Verizon, rather than telling their customers that the features were crippled, quickly steered them to Motorola for answers. Motorola, in turn, has been informing customers from day 1 that the features were on the way - just hang onto the handset until November 2004. November quickly turned into "December", which has now turned into "at some point in the future". In my discussion with some top people at Motorola (including a lead PR person and a software engineer), I made this known, and was informed that this was a miscommunication in their tech support department that needed to be fixed. I would have believed them if, three months after the fact, they weren't still propagating this misinformation. So like good little customers, most took Motorola at their word and hung onto their handsets beyond the two

[J Halsey @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Apparently Verizon is now offering a firmware upgrade to open up the Bluetooth functions on the V710. I haven't done it yet, but my sister who works for them mentioned this to me. Whoever checks it out post your comments.

[Patrick Zbasnik @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Has the password for the hidden menu been discovered yet? Also, I just purchased my v710 a few days ago, what are my options as far as being able to transfer mp3s and pictures to and from my phone to my computer? Will using the transflash cards in conjunction with a card reader work to avoid the cripled phone features or is that still not enough...what are my options?

[oliver @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Well I was having issues with my v710's camera not working. I took it in and they gave me a new phone. The t-fash card will not transfer files anymore on the newer phones. I can listen to mp3's from the card but cannot transfer them to the phone. I can't wait till these genious hackers find a way to crack this phone open. Verizon can kiss my ass.

[doug Lynch @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

At http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=128761 it is written:

Verizon, V710 syncing success!!!!!
For those of you with Verizon and bluetooth you know that Verizon did not include the OBEX profile to allow transfers of mp3's as ringers and photo's as wallpaper to force you to buy it from them. By doing this it messed with iSync and you couldn't sync your contacts and calander. You could do so to an extent using the usb cable but I believe it was either iCal or your address book but not both. Well someone figured out how to do it so those of you with V710's rejoice. Not sure if this will work on treo's or if they even have the same issue. All your basically doing is telling the computer to use the bluetooth driver instead and changing a hex number which probably has something to do with memory.

1. Remove any attempted V710 connection from iSync and in the Bluetooth Preferences
2. right click (control click) on the iSync icon and choose show contents
3. Work your way to the Contents: PlugIns: ApplePhoneConduit.syncdevice: Contents: PlugIns: PhoneModelsSync.phoneplugin: Contents: Resources: folder and double click MetaClasses.plist
4. Open the file with text edit and search for V710
5. look for the line of code with a hex number and a reference to a usb driver and replace it with this: "com.motorola.usb-bt.0x22B8/0x4902" with no quotes.
6. Save the file
7. Now setup a new device in the bluetooth preferences.
8. Then attempt to connect to the V710 with iSync and that's it!!!!!
We now have iCal appointments and Address Book syncing!

Is this accurate?

[Chris Leedle @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Don't know if I am missing something obvious, or if Verizon has done more to cripple the V710. I got the phone a few weeks ago and immediatly purchased a transflash card to transfer pictures and audio files. I can copy pictures just fine, but do not have the copy function available under the sounds menu when looking at files on the transflash card. It is available for the sound files residing on the phone. This is really starting to make me mad.

[Terry @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Before everyone hits Verizon they first need to read this PC world article on the security issues with bluetooth. This article has no bias for trying to sell any services it is pretty clear and honest. Leave Verizon alone and hit Cingular -poor customer service, un usable network and still screwing people everyday. At least Verizon works for making calls and is truly reliable. They are also quick to help you with any issues you have. link to article-http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,117203,00.asp

[Shawn @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

There are security issues with blue tooth. However the phone allows us to turn it off and on. It should be the customer's choice to be able to turn it on in their home or office and sync it up with their system for file transfers and then turn it back off. The risk would be minimal and acceptable to most. Terry really comes across sounding like a Verizon employee. As far as making calls reliable that is good, but do not sell muti-featured phones if that is your only concern.

[Grimface @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

would appreciate if anyone could tell me how to unblock tranferring 15sec mp3 clips from my t-card to my phone for ringtones!!! i found one loophole to transfer midi files.... but those only sound so good. Had to return first v710 because it stopped vibrating. Got new one(no charge,factory warranty) no longer able to just "copy to phone" Here's the loophole if it helps anyone without a usb,like me. Get yourself a cool midi audio file. Save it from computer to t-card. Put card in phone. Open music files on card. Now follow close... Go to your midi track. Make sure it plays. Press menu. Then send in message. Doesnt matter where you send it. I send it to myself. Now,push the end button. Now open your message outbox. Read the last message you sent. Phone should play the midi track. While its playing press the menu button again. Scroll down to "save items". Phone should say "save what?" Save files. The media player should open and start playin the midi file and you have the option to save on your right soft key! You press save then it asks "to t-card" or "to phone" Choose phone. Once it says "saved to phone",press end and check out your ring styles,details... Kinda long and tedious,but i bought this phone because i could make my own ringtones. They took that away from me! I browsed ALL their "REAL"tones... They stink! Dont have what i want,and they sound like absolute CRAP!Again if anyone can help me unlock that feature, i'd be forever in your debt! I'll show ya how to put any video, and i mean ANY video on your phone!!![e-mail]

[Max @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

First the price of the phone, then the service which is unbeatible, but now Verizon has done it. they toke it too far forget the bluetooth problem we ( people owning the v710) face. Now verizon released a new firmware upgrade that disables the T-flash card. No more Mp3 ringtones on the v710. What ever u do. Don't let verizon get a hold of your v710, cause they will fuck it up completly

[Carl Curry @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

This sounds like the same situation as my E815 with Verizon. Solution is to buy Mobile Phone Tools, perform a seem edit to enable Bluetooth OBEX, etc..
As I've seen pointed out in other forums - it's YOUR phone. Not Verizon's. Moving data from your phone to your PC is completely independent of their network. It's none of their busines.
The full process is readily available for many phones. Start by Googling -your phone- seem edit. It takes some reading and fussing, but it's very doable.

[jeff @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Here's something interesting on Verizon's website... see http://dts.vzw.com/faqs/Bluetooth/faq.html?grp=2&faq=2 and click on th chart link. That will show you this http://dts.vzw.com/images/faqs/bluetooth_chart.jpg

Interesting thing is that it state that the v710 HAS MODEM FUNCTIONALITY THROUGH BLUETOOTH (1xRTT) and I quote "Allows Bluetooth device to be used as a data modem by another devices, such as a laptop or PDA, over the VZW NationalAccess system providing typical downlink speeds of 60-80Kbps." But then again, we all know that is a crock of bull!

[RH @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I found a work-around to transferring a phone book from my Verizon XV6600 to my Lexus. Maybe it'll work for other Verizon phones too:

Save the phone numbers you want to transfer as "Radio Tel" -- this is a selection in Outlook, and this is the one Lexus seems to accept.

Lexus will not accept parentheses -- and Outlook/XV6600 inserts parens for area code by default, even if you don't type it. For each individual entry, you must go to tools, options, and clear area code and country. If it's set for US, it will automatically add parentheses. Set it for Estonia (no joke).

Then bluetooth transfer each of these Radio Tel entries separately -- and make sure you "add," not "overwrite." It won't take multiple entries at one time. But at least I got them in there!

[Uri @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

That's the letter I got from Verizon after my complaint that I cannot transfer phone book from my V710 Motorola phone to Lexus RX 330 Bluetooth car kit:

Thank you for contacting our Verizon Wireless website. We are sorry to learn
that you are having difficulty with Bluetooth. We are happy to assist you with
your question.

Verizon Wireless currently supports the following Bluetooth functions on the
Motorola V710:

- Wireless headsets
- Wireless car kits (voice calls only, no syncing contacts)
- Dial-Up networking

Contact syncing, file sharing and any other Bluetooth functions outside of the
ones listed above are not currently available on the v710. File transfer
abilities have not been enabled, as we are still testing the security of these
connections to ensure that your data and our network are safe. We have not yet
reached a decision regarding whether or not we will enable file sharing
functionality. We understand that this is frustrating, and we apologize for any
inconvenience.

If you would like to receive e-mail updates regarding new products and services,
please click on "E-mail Updates" from the "Support" tab located at the top of
our www.verizonwireless.com homepage.

If you are having problems with any of the supported Bluetooth functions, please
contact Motorola as they provide support for all Bluetooth functionality. They
can be reached at 800-331-6456.

If you have further questions or concerns, please write to us again through
www.VerizonWireless.com. We appreciate your business and thank you for choosing
Verizon Wireless.

Sincerely,

Daphne
Verizon Wireless
Data Technical Support

"We never stop working for you!"

I don't feel they are working for me, my impression is that Verizon is not going to enable file transfer ever...

[Uri @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

That's the letter I got from Verizon after my complaint that I cannot transfer phone book from my V710 Motorola phone to Lexus RX 330 Bluetooth car kit:

Thank you for contacting our Verizon Wireless website. We are sorry to learn
that you are having difficulty with Bluetooth. We are happy to assist you with
your question.

Verizon Wireless currently supports the following Bluetooth functions on the
Motorola V710:

- Wireless headsets
- Wireless car kits (voice calls only, no syncing contacts)
- Dial-Up networking

Contact syncing, file sharing and any other Bluetooth functions outside of the
ones listed above are not currently available on the v710. File transfer
abilities have not been enabled, as we are still testing the security of these
connections to ensure that your data and our network are safe. We have not yet
reached a decision regarding whether or not we will enable file sharing
functionality. We understand that this is frustrating, and we apologize for any
inconvenience.

If you would like to receive e-mail updates regarding new products and services,
please click on "E-mail Updates" from the "Support" tab located at the top of
our www.verizonwireless.com homepage.

If you are having problems with any of the supported Bluetooth functions, please
contact Motorola as they provide support for all Bluetooth functionality. They
can be reached at 800-331-6456.

If you have further questions or concerns, please write to us again through
www.VerizonWireless.com. We appreciate your business and thank you for choosing
Verizon Wireless.

Sincerely,

Daphne
Verizon Wireless
Data Technical Support

"We never stop working for you!"

I don't feel they are working for me, my impression is that Verizon is not going to enable file transfer ever...

[Uri @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

That's the letter I got from Verizon after my complaint that I cannot transfer phone book from my V710 Motorola phone to Lexus RX 330 Bluetooth car kit:

Thank you for contacting our Verizon Wireless website. We are sorry to learn
that you are having difficulty with Bluetooth. We are happy to assist you with
your question.

Verizon Wireless currently supports the following Bluetooth functions on the
Motorola V710:

- Wireless headsets
- Wireless car kits (voice calls only, no syncing contacts)
- Dial-Up networking

Contact syncing, file sharing and any other Bluetooth functions outside of the
ones listed above are not currently available on the v710. File transfer
abilities have not been enabled, as we are still testing the security of these
connections to ensure that your data and our network are safe. We have not yet
reached a decision regarding whether or not we will enable file sharing
functionality. We understand that this is frustrating, and we apologize for any
inconvenience.

If you would like to receive e-mail updates regarding new products and services,
please click on "E-mail Updates" from the "Support" tab located at the top of
our www.verizonwireless.com homepage.

If you are having problems with any of the supported Bluetooth functions, please
contact Motorola as they provide support for all Bluetooth functionality. They
can be reached at 800-331-6456.

If you have further questions or concerns, please write to us again through
www.VerizonWireless.com. We appreciate your business and thank you for choosing
Verizon Wireless.

Sincerely,

Daphne
Verizon Wireless
Data Technical Support

"We never stop working for you!"

I don't feel they are working for me, my impression is that Verizon is not going to enable file transfer ever...

[Uri @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Sorry for posting letter 3 times - confimation e-mail works too good...