Clippz.com: Mobile Video Sideloaded
     

What is sideloading?

Sideloading is a generic term used to describe the file transfer from a PC or Mac to a mobile device. If you have a PDA you might consider this to be "syncing" your device, but in the cellphone world its mostly file transfer rather than a synchronization, so the term sideloading has been adopted.

What is the best way of sideloading videos to my mobile device?

It depends what your device supports. If you have an iPod, other portable media player, or PDA, the the best way is via USB from your PC or Mac. If you are sideloading to a cell phone the options are more numerous. Our sideload guide can walk you through the process.

If you have a memory card reader/writer and your device supports removable storage it is often easiest to write directly to the card and insert it into the device. This is especially true if you want to sideload several files at once.

Bluetooth is also a convenient and fast way of sideloading files. Bluetooth transfer speeds are usually good but vary by manufacturer. For example Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson cellphones are particularly good, while Motorola phones can be quite slow.

On older phones USB connection can be one of the slowest methods for sideloading to cellphones, though it is usually excellent for newer cell phones, PDAs and Media Players.

What is a Bluetooth Adapter?

A Bluetooth Adapter (or Dongle) is a small device that looks almost identical to a USB Flash Drive. You insert it into a USB port on your PC to add Bluetooth functionality.

Where can I get a Bluetooth Adapter?

Most electronic retailers sell Bluetooth Adapters. However, retail prices are expensive. You can pick them up from dozens of Internet retailers for around $15.

How do I set up Bluetooth for file transfer?

Before you transfer files you need to "pair" your mobile device and your PC. If you are going to use this option check out our sideload guide first.

Will Bluetooth work with my phone?

All of the cellphones we support have Bluetooth file transfer. The exception is for Verizon users where Bluetooth file transfer is usually removed by the manufacturer at Verizon's request.

My phone has Bluetooth but I can't sideload. Why?

Bluetooth consists of a number of profiles which cover a variety of functions. For example there are separate profiles for headset and file transfer use. Although a phone may have Bluetooth, it may only be for headset use. This is usually a very small number of cases. In most cases if Bluetooth is present, so is the file transfer profile.

How fast is Bluetooth file transfer?

It depends on several factors including the Bluetooth hardware used in your PC or Mac and the device itself. In theory the standard can support over 3Mb/s, but on the cellphones we have tested it doesn't often exceed 500kb/s. Some manufacturers implement Bluetooth transfer at slower speeds than others.