Step 1: Install & Update Motorola Phone Tools Software
The Motorola Phone Tools software application allows you to interface with your Motorola phone's internal memory and software. This program is required to use the tutorial and you can find it here:
Motorola Phone Tools Software v4.0
Motorola Phone Tools contains the connection drivers you'll need to connect the RIZR Z3 to a Windows PC via USB.
Once you have installed Motorola Phone Tools, the next step is to update the software. This is easily done with the Motorola Live Update tool. A shortcut to this tool has been added to the Start Menu:
You may have to run the Live Update tool and reboot two or three times, but you must update the software completely in order for Motorola Phone Tools to interface with the RIZR Z3. Once the software is installed and updated, you're ready to proceed.
Step 2: Enable Data Connection Mode on the RIZR Z3
In order for the RIZR Z3 to correctly interface with the Motorola Phone Tools software, you'll need to set it to Data Connection mode. To do this, from the main screen navigate to Main Menu > Settings > USB Settings. Change the Default Connection to read Data Connection. Highlight Data Connection and choose Select.
The RIZR is now in Data Connection mode. Return to the main screen.
Step 3: Setting Motorola Phone Tools for the RIZR Z3
After the software has been completely updated and the RIZR has been set to Data Connection mode, run Motorola Phone Tools on your Windows PC. You'll be greeted by the following screen:
This screen allows you to choose the interface method, or how you would like the software to communicate with your RIZR Z3. You can choose Bluetooth if your Windows PC is Bluetooth-enabled, but for the purposes of this tutorial, you should choose "Cable." This option will utilize a fast, stable USB connection for transfer to and from the handset. Choose "Cable" and connect the RIZR to your Windows PC via the USB cable included with the handset. Once the connection is made, click Next.
The Motorola Phone Tools software will scan and identify your phone. If you've updated the software properly, the following interface will appear:
This is the primary interface between the Motorola RIZR and the Motorola Phone Tools software. Once you see this screen, the pairing is complete and you're ready to being transferring files. From this screen you can select actions pertaining to your RIZR Z3 handset.
Motorola Phone Tools Software: Multimedia Studio
There are six options on the main interface screen including Synchronization, Phonebook, Calendar, and Text Message. The primary focus of this tutorial, however, is option five, Multimedia Studio.
Multimedia Studio allows you to browse the contents of the RIZR's memory like you would your computer's hard drive, transfer audio and video files to and from the phone, create custom ringtones, and even copy images to the RIZR for use as wallpaper.
Transfer Studio
Transfer Studio is a file browsing and transfer interface for the RIZR Z3. When in Transfer Studio, you can copy files to and from the phone:
Files are primarily stored in three folders in the RIZR's internal memory. The folders are AUDIO, PICTURE and VIDEO. Images shot with the RIZR's onboard camera are stored in the PICTURE folder, videos taken are stored in the VIDEO folder, and so on. To copy photos you've taken with the RIZR to your Windows PC, (1) select the image file under Mobile Phone, (2) select the destination drive or folder under My Computer and (3) click the Copy to Computer button in the center of the screen:
To copy an image file to the RIZR from your Windows PC, simply reverse the process and use the Copy to Mobile Phone button. The same copy to or from procedure works for video and audio files.
Image Studio
Image Studio allows you to browse image files on your Windows PC and copy them to the RIZR phone. You can crop, resize and rotate the images and send them to the phone for use as wallpaper or to share them with friends:
Melody Studio
With Melody Studio, you can transfer audio files to the RIZR Z3 for use as a ringtone or to just enjoy the music. You can even use the crop feature to select a portion of an audio file you would like to transfer to use as a ringtone. Simply (1) select the source file (2) then use the crop feature to select the portion of the audio file you wish to transfer. Then copy the result to the phone:
Other Motorola Phone Tools Features
Other than Multimedia Studio, you can use Motorola Phone Tools to change contact information (Phonebook), enter tasks and appointments (Calendar), and even use the phone's wireless connection to send an SMS text message from your Windows PC. The Internet Connection option allows the RIZR Z3 to be used to connect your Windows PC to the Internet with T-Mobile's wireless network (data plan required).
If there is interest, we can go into further detail regarding these features and how to use them.
Final Thoughts
While this tutorial deals with the T-Mobile RIZR Z3, the same procedure also works with other Motorola phones. Grab a copy of Motorola Phone Tools (version 4) and see how it works with your Motorola phone.
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