Edit 2010-02-04
Unicast now supports improvements to delivery to BlackBerry devices as of version 2.0.9.0 onwards.
See this article on Bluetooth delivery to BlackBerry phones for more details.
Intro
This article explains why normal Bluetooth delivery to BlackBerry devices is not possible and provides a workaround if delivery to a particular device is specifically required.
Problem Description
BlackBerry devices are manufactured by Rim. It seems that Rim decided to intentionally leave the OBEX service out when creating the operating system on BlackBerry devices. OBEX is the standard protocol used for sending files between Bluetooth devices; generally BlackBerry devices are limited services which allow pairing to hands free head sets, car kits and sharing their 3G/GPRS internet connection with PCs.
Cause
I have not found any statements or technical documentation from Rim explaining why they are leaving OBEX out of BlackBerry devices but one can speculate as to the reasons, perhaps this is because of security reasons and fear surrounding rumours of Bluetooth hacking. If Rim's main customers for BlackBerry devices are governments and large companies concerned about security then perhaps Rim left these features out to pacify any possible concerns.
OBEX is an integral part of the Bluetooth standard and was originally developed as part of the infra red communication standard developed by the Infrared Data Association (IrDA). This was adopted by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group do develop the Bluetooth standard.
Some people are of the opinion that it should be up to the user to decide if they enable or disable the OBEX service on their Bluetooth device. One could compare it to a PC and email access, one would never build an operating system that specifically excluded support for email because some people have security issues with viruses and spyware from email attachments. Shipping an operating system that allowed users to optionally change the active status email of email and defaulted to deactivated on install would make more sense.
Workaround
If you need to send a file to a BlackBerry from a PC there is a manual workaround which you can use to send a single file at a time.
- Turn on Bluetooth discovery (make the device visible) on both the PC and the BlackBerry. (See Appendix A)
- Use the BlackBerry to scan for and pair with the PC. You may have to choose a PIN code on the BlackBerry in order to do this.
- PC user has to accept the pairing request, if asked for a PIN code make sure that you enter the same code chosen in the previous step.
- Check the devices on the PC and if the BlackBerry does not show up scan for it and pair with it. (See Appendix B)
- BlackBerry user has to go to the media player application. Hit the blackberry button and select "Receive via Bluetooth".
- PC can now OBEX Object Push a single file to the BlackBerry in the usual way. If the BlackBerry user did not choose to make the connection trusted when setting up the paring they may be asked to enter a PIN code at this stage. (Unicast Lite campaigns have a default PIN code of 0000, it is not recommended that you change this when creating campaigns.)
Unicast Lite and BlackBerry devices
Before version 2.0.4.0
All Unicast Lite versions up to 2.0.4.0 attempt to send to any devices manufactured by Rim (aka BlackBerry devices) that are found within the scan range. Unicast Lite will attempt a delivery and in all but the rarest of cases (ie the workaround above is in place) the delivery will fail and be reattempted on the next scan cycle. The devices are counted in footfall statistics and campaign delivery attempts. There is a possibility that the BlackBerry user will be asked to enter the PIN code to pair with the Unicast Lite machine during every scan cycle this is because the BlackBerry device does not offer connection in the usual way Unicast Lite can not detect if the user has rejected its connection attempt.
Version 2.0.5.0 to to 2.0.8.x
All Unicast Lite versions from 2.0.5.0 to 2.0.8.x ignore any Rim manufactured devices (aka BlackBerry devices) found during the scan cycle that are not already authenticated on the Unicast Lite machine. Unicast Lite will only attempt a delivery if the device is paired as per the workaround above. The devices are always counted in footfall statistics. The devices are only counted in campaign delivery attempts if delivery was attempted ie the device is already authenticated.
Version 2.0.9.0 and upwards (edit 2010-02-04)
Unicast now supports improvements to delivery to BlackBerry devices as of version 2.0.9.0 onwards. See this article on Bluetooth delivery to BlackBerry phones for more details.
Final word
If you spot any inaccuracies in this article, can provide any fresh information related to this topic or have a request for a new Bluetooth related article please feel free to email us at support@bluead.co.uk.
Appendices
Appendix A - How to make your device discoverable in Windows XP
- Windows XP, in the Bluetooth Devices control panel (See Appendix C) go to the Options tab and tick the check box "Turn discovery on".
Appendix B - How to pair with another device in Windows XP
- Windows XP, in the Bluetooth Devices control panel (See Appendix C) go to the Devices tab and click the [Add...] button. Follow the wizard steps to add your device. NB your device must be in range and set to discoverable (visible).
Appendix C - How to open the Bluetooth control panel in Windows XP
- Start > Control Panel > Bluetooth Devices