How to View Video Email Attachments (WMV, AVI, etc) Without a Jailbreak!!

[macatron]

Ever since I went from using a WM phone to my iPhone I really missed being able to just watch whatever videos got forwarded on to me in email. The iPhone, unfortunately, only allows for supported video formats to be viewed in an email (i.e. QuickTime, M4R). Well, thanks to an interesting work around, I am now able to actually enjoy viewing videos that I receive in my email once again! Here is what you need:

AirVideo
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/air-v...306550020?mt=8

ReaddleDocs
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/readd...285053111?mt=8

Dropbox account
https://www.dropbox.com/

What I did was create a folder called "iPhone Videos" in my synced Dropbox folder, and then added that folder to my AirVideo shared folder via "Add Disk Folder" (you will need the desktop software for this):

http://www.inmethod.com/air-video/index.html

I then made a folder in ReaddleDocs just called "Video Files." You will also have to sync your Dropbox and email account to ReaddleDocs in order to do this next step. Once they have both been added, you can now open and save your video email attachments in ReaddleDocs to your "iPhone Videos" folder, and then transfer them over to your Dropbox folder from within ReaddleDocs. Being Dropbox syncs over the air, this file will then show up on your server PC (which you set up with the AirVideo software). After the file is transferred over to you Dropbox folder, simply open up the AirVideo app and navigate to your video file to play it! Now I totally agree that this is a lot of steps to do something rather simple, but I’ve tested it and it works. If you set up the PC software to “Enable Access from the Internet” (in the Remote settings tab) you will also be able to view your server videos over 3G as well! I’ve tested this too, and it works surprisingly well. Truthfully, having the ability to do all of this via 3G was the only reason I thought of doing this work around in the first place because, if I was in front of my laptop, I’d just view the attachment there. So, there you have it. If you have any other questions about this please feel free to post up, and I’ll do my best to help out. ENJOY!!

[shigzeo]

I've not used this method to view video, but AirSharing has gotten a goodly view time for playing HD video content on the 3GS. Cheers for the information.

[macatron]

I've not used this method to view video, but AirSharing has gotten a goodly view time for playing HD video content on the 3GS. Cheers for the information.

You're very welcome! Yeah, it's actually fairly new for me as well. I just found out about AirVideo the other day, and then it got my mind working and I ended up with my work around. Eitherway, the line to being able to do just about ANYTHING on an iPhone continues to get blurred, and I can't wait to see what else is in store for the future (bring on OS 4.0!). :-)

As for AirSharing, I'll have to check that out as well. I'm always up for another way to interact with my idevice! Thanks!

[shigzeo]

I don't know which is better since I am largely out of WiFi range, but like you, I am impressed by offerings now. If only wireless contracts could be handled with less $$$ per GB of bandwidth.

[louis]

Thanks for the tip Macatron! This should come in handy for those who receive those occasional videos via email attachments.

I'm already a ReaddleDocs user (very solid file management app), so I think I'll give this a shot in a little while. Thanks again mate!

[macatron]

Thanks for the tip Macatron! This should come in handy for those who receive those occasional videos via email attachments.

I'm already a ReaddleDocs user (very solid file management app), so I think I'll give this a shot in a little while. Thanks again mate!

Hey no problem!! That's why I love forums...everyone can share what they know to help each other out. :-) I know I'll be using this work around a lot because my friends always tend to send me WMV files all the time! :-P

[Zachariah11]

Thanks for sharing this information.This will help people to view videos received through email. Now sending videos through email as an attachment and receiving it has become easy with many kind of options available online.

[macatron]

Thanks for sharing this information.This will help people to view videos received through email. Now sending videos through email as an attachment and receiving it has become easy with many kind of options available online.

You're very welcome! I'm glad that you found my workaround to be useful. :-)

[kaki4125]

In the previous versions of iOS though you could save pictures you were missing the “video” saving ability but in iOS 5 you are able to save any videos from a text or email message you received on your iPod, iPad or the iPhone. Now, just like with pictures, all you have to do to save a video is.
1. Open the email, messages, etc. that you received the movie in
2. Tap on the icon or preview and hold on it
3. When the Save Video button pops up, Tap it!
That’s it. The video will now be saved to your Camera Roll for you to use as you so wish.
quote from ifunia