Sending SMS via Address book
I recently discovered a rather under publicised feature of OS X ‘Address Book’, the ability to send and receive SMS messages via the ‘Address Book’ interface. The process could not really be any easier, all you need is a compatible mobile phone and a bluetooth enabled Mac.Firstly the bad news is that not all phones are compatible and Apple have been slow to add new phones the system supports by default. Having said that there are a number of 3rd party developers who are offering plugins to add additional phone support to both isync and address book. One such example is Mobile Feisar (www.mobile.feisar.com) who offer support for Sony Ericsson mobiles in both isync and address book for under £3.
Step 1
Activate bluetooth on your mobile phone and Mac.
Step 2
On the task bar click on the bluetooth icon and select “set up bluetooth device”
Step 3
Select Mobile Phone from the list.
Step 4
OSX should find your phone. Select your handset from the list found.
Step 5
Pair the devices. OSX will display a code on screen and at around the same time your mobile will ask if you want to pair with your mac and then ask you for the code. Simply enter this code in to your phone.
Step 6
A list of communications options available on your phone will be listed. Simply select the options you wish to use.
Step 7
Load ‘Address book’ along the top you will spot a bluetooth symbol. Click this to start communcations between your address book and phone.
Step 8
Click on a contact and right click on their mobile number. Select “Send SMS” and the rest is easy :When an SMS is received OS will display the message on screen giving the option to reply and even log the message against the contact in notes.As well as being able to send and receive sms messages and manage calls you can also use isync to sync your address book and calendar with your phone.
Once set up and paired your phone adds a whole new communication system to OS X, sending SMS messages has never been easier.
Nokia Users : Nokia have posted a plugin for some of the phone not already supported by iSync. We don’t know if this will allow address book SMS management but it is a step in the right direction : see here.
UPDATE : Apple have removed the SMS option from Leopard. This tutorial is only relevant to Tiger!
