The blog & portfolio of Matthew J. Rogers

FAQ & Help

Need help or have questions about the design, installation, use, or features of the bPhone for BlackBerry theme? You’ve come to the right place. Please read through everything carefully, and if you still don’t see what you’re looking for then feel free to post a comment down at the bottom of the page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bPhone compatible with my BlackBerry?
Take a look at the compatibility list on the download page. All 8100 series (Pearls), 8300 series (Curves), and 8800 series are supported. By “series” I mean any BlackBerry that starts with the first two digits, so yes, the 8130 is part of the 8100 series. The older 8700 series will work if you have the most up-to-date operating system — if you don’t, there’s a bug in the OS that allows the theme to be loaded even though it’s not compatible and it completely corrupts your 8700.

I didn’t see your warning about the old OS on the 8700 series, and now my BlackBerry is endlessly rebooting. What do I do?
Don’t worry, it’s fixable. One possible solution is detailed here.

When will bPhone be available for the Storm or Bold?
I’m currently working on bPhone for Bold and hope to have it out as soon as possible. At some point I will also investigate producing a version for the Storm.

Why aren’t my fonts reflecting my own settings?
This is a limitation (or bug) in the way RIM implements third-party themes. Certain aspects of the theme get locked to the original theme font and cannot be changed by you, the user.

What’s the difference between the three versions (Zen, Icon, and Today)?
These are three variations in how the icons lay out. I don’t have any screenshots (yet), but most BlackBerries come preloaded with the same variants for one of their default themes, so you can see the different behaviors on those.

Some icons don’t match. Can you make bPhone-style icons for [insert application here]?
No. I have customized just about every single thing that the theme software will allow me to change. I can’t apply any more icons.

Can you make a version with a black background, instead of the fish?
You can change your own background anytime you want. An easy way to get an all-black background is to take a picture with your BlackBerry’s camera while holding your finger over the lens. Save that image and set it as your wallpaper.


Can you make the L-style theme, or the Zen style with the icons at the bottom instead of on the side?
No. The theme software only allows for Icon, Today, and left-side Zen templates.

When’s the next version coming out? Can you make a version for the new BlackBerry model?
I’ll only be able to make significant changes to the theme once an overhauled version of the theme creation software comes out. That tends to lag a bit behind new hardware releases, but I’ll do my best to stay current.

If you have any other questions, feel free to comment here or contact me.

Updated on January 4, 2012

1,320 comments

  • Dave September 20th, 2007 at 12:07 pm

    @Matthew, I understand completely about the 3rd party stuff. In case you need it, here is a reference of the native icons that are not “iphone’d” on my 8830 (verizon):

    voice dialing (you mentioned this one)
    brickbreaker
    password keeper
    e-mail settings
    setup wizard
    profiles (you mentioned this one too)

    I am not sure if the default load on other carriers (sprint…) is different for the 8830, so I can only speak for Verizon.

    @everyone (with an 8703e)

    …after my luck of installing on the 8830, I tried it out on the 8703 (using the 8300 OTA install) and ended up killing the device into an endless reboot cycle. No biggie, using this great guide, I recovered it, but save yourself the trouble and don’t try.
    http://blackberryfaq.com/index.php/What_to_do_next_if_Jl_Cmder_will_not_connect_and_wipe

    Dave

  • Matthew September 20th, 2007 at 12:16 pm

    ^ You cannot move icons between screens. That’s a limitation of the current version of the BlackBerry OS it seems.

  • Michael September 20th, 2007 at 2:15 pm

    Ok, so i just put on the icon version on my Pearl- and it works great, except today is Thursday September 20th, and on my blackberry under the time it says Thu, Sept 2 but i checked my blackberry and the date/time is correct. Any ideas?

  • Matthew September 20th, 2007 at 3:08 pm

    Michael:

    It sounds like it’s cutting off the end of the date display, but I have no idea what that’s only happening on your device. Mine is showing the full date, and I haven’t heard a report about this from anyone else. If anyone else is experiencing this problem, please let me know.

  • Jim September 20th, 2007 at 3:52 pm

    Sounds like you’ve increased the font size of your display. Lower it a little and you should see it.

  • Tobias September 20th, 2007 at 4:46 pm

    Hi from Switzerland

    Just a small question: Bought my first blackberry today…so thats why that question… Do I have to install a plazmic theme reader on the bb before i can install the bphone theme??
    Thanks for the help
    tobias

  • clay September 20th, 2007 at 5:12 pm

    Hi I downloaded the OTA for the pearl Icon, and it says i download completed, but I cannot find it anywhere. Is it under Options, themes? i cant find it.

  • Matthew September 20th, 2007 at 5:21 pm

    Tobias: If you have OS 4.2 or later, you shouldn’t need the Plazmic Reader patch.

    Clay: Did you reboot your phone?

  • Tobias September 20th, 2007 at 5:31 pm

    Hi Matthew
    Yes, I did reboot. I have the same problem as #57. Downloading it, but it doen’t apear anywhere… strange..
    what should I do?
    Thanks…

  • Matthew September 20th, 2007 at 5:38 pm

    I don’t know, most people don’t have any problem. OS 4.2 or later makes it really easy…no additional software required. Just install the theme, pull your battery, reinsert the battery, and it should be there. If it’s not, then post your phone model and exact OS version and we’ll see what we can figure out.

  • Tobias September 20th, 2007 at 5:40 pm

    HI Mathew

    Thanks for helping me. My phone Model: BB 8100 v. 4.2.0.64 (Platform 2.2.0.37) What do you need more?

  • Tobias September 20th, 2007 at 5:43 pm

    and it is in german.. could that be a problem?

  • Alex September 20th, 2007 at 5:48 pm

    It would be amazing if you release the version for the 8800!

  • Nasim September 20th, 2007 at 6:10 pm

    Let me know when you get the 8800 version done…it looks great on the other models. Well Done!!!

  • Sean September 20th, 2007 at 8:09 pm

    Can’t wait for the 8830 versions of the theme, especially the Today version. Keep up the good work!

  • Chuck Angel September 20th, 2007 at 8:10 pm

    One suggestion – if you could set it up so that any icons for other installed software that you haven’t created icons for (example: telenav) showed up with some generic “square with rounded edges” background so that they had the same look/feel of other iPhone style icons, that would be the icing on the cake. As it is, you see the majority of the icons in iPhone style and then the others tend to stand out like a sore thumb.

  • Matthew September 20th, 2007 at 8:26 pm

    Tobias…unfortunately I’m not sure what the problem is with yours.

    Chuck…believe me, I know the other icons stand out. As I already said, I *cannot* set icons other than the ones the theme builder allows me to. To compensate, I usually just move the ugly icon apps to the bottom.

  • bPhone:ブラックベリー上のiPhone at E-space September 20th, 2007 at 8:53 pm

    [...] ブラックベリーにも模擬iPhoneの応用bPhoneが出ました。今の段階ではCurve Icon、Pearl [...]

  • Mikey September 20th, 2007 at 10:51 pm

    Wonder what I’m doing wrong. Downloading OTA and I powered off and removed my battery. Turned the phone back on NADA.. same old ATT themes. My phone is a 8800.

  • Matthew September 20th, 2007 at 11:05 pm

    Mikey: what’s your OS version?

  • Mikey September 20th, 2007 at 11:08 pm

    Matthew: 4.2.1.79

  • Mikey September 20th, 2007 at 11:09 pm

    oops.. nevermind. I should read the requirements.

  • Clay September 20th, 2007 at 11:11 pm

    Are you planning on making the bPhone theme work on the 8700 series? Also, what is the difference between the Icon, Zen and Today versions? Thanks, and it looks like a great theme.

  • Matthew September 20th, 2007 at 11:11 pm

    Mikey: I just realized that the 8800 can’t be upgraded to 4.2.2 yet (or so it appears). Standby while I get another version prepared for 4.2.1.

  • Mikey September 20th, 2007 at 11:14 pm

    Downloading BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.2.1.139 (Multilanguage)… Seems to be the latest version I can update too by the website? Strange. More like a downgrade.

  • Matthew September 20th, 2007 at 11:23 pm

    OK you should be all good to go. There are now separate 8800 and 8830 versions.

  • Mikey September 20th, 2007 at 11:34 pm

    sweet! looks good and pretty!

  • Paulo Oliva September 21st, 2007 at 1:12 am

    I`ve downloaded bPhone using “over the air” installation method, after downloading I pulled back the battery of my Pearl, but the theme doesn’t appear on the theme list. I’ve reseted my Pearl twice and nothing…
    In the applications list appears “com_plazmic_theme_bPhone_Today” version 2007.09.20.2126

    What`s wrong?

  • Tobias September 21st, 2007 at 6:41 am

    F****… (sorry..) I made a hard reset, and tried it again. I download the theme, install it on my blackberry (without the theme reader). I take the bat out and restart the blackberry. And i go to options –> themes.. There are just the 3 original thems there…. it doesnt work. Is it the software? the branding? Does anyone now this problem?
    Tobias

  • Matthew September 21st, 2007 at 8:03 am

    Paulo, Tobias: I’m sorry, I don’t know why the theme wouldn’t be showing up. I recommend posting in the thread about this theme over on BlackBerryForums, since there are lots of people there who have experience with that sort of thing: http://www.blackberryforums.com/media-center/94605-bphone-new-free-iphone-theme-blackberry.html

  • Tobias September 21st, 2007 at 8:23 am

    Thanks.. i made it. Just downloaded new firmware to my device (4.2.1.108).. now it works… thanks you guys!!!!

  • Matthew September 21st, 2007 at 8:33 am

    Tobias: Awesome, I guess there is a minimum OS required for the Pearl. The simulator worked with 4.2.0, I believe, but there’s a lot of different versions out there. Thanks for letting me know!

  • Shaown September 21st, 2007 at 9:46 am

    Awesome work, any chance of getting today for 8800/8830?
    Thanks,
    -Shaown

  • Phil September 21st, 2007 at 9:51 am

    Thank you for providing these resources. I have a BB 8800 and I downloaded both of your files thorugh my desktop. I did a hard reboot as you have stated, however, they do not show up in my themes. I can find them in my applications listing, but not in my themes.

    I have a BB 8800; OS 4.2.1.74

    Thankyou for your help in this regard and I did drop a little something in your account.

  • chrisc September 21st, 2007 at 10:24 am

    Just loaded the bPhon icon theme for 8800 and it looks fabulous. Please, PLEASE, let us know when you have the Today theme completed for the 8800. AWESOME work!

  • Nick September 21st, 2007 at 10:42 am

    This guy is good. Thnx

  • Endo September 21st, 2007 at 11:59 am

    Toss in another vote for someone with an 8700r that wants this! 8800 theme shows up but I can’t enable it :(

  • Soctech September 21st, 2007 at 12:39 pm

    Very nice themes, tested them out on my curve, but really waiting for the today version. Thanks for your work on these and look forward to the today version!!

  • Matthew September 21st, 2007 at 12:46 pm

    Phil: That may mean you need an update to your OS. Check and see if a newer version is available and upgrade when you have some time to do so. If that works, please post back here so I have more information about exactly which OS versions work and which ones don’t. Thanks!

  • Chuck Angel September 21st, 2007 at 1:29 pm

    Matthew, ref comment 67 above. I created a generic background (black with gray at the bottom where the current selected app name is displayed). Then, I put rounded edge boxes of various colors in roughly the same location that the icons you use are located (4 across/3 down). That allows any icons that don’t have the bPhone icons to now show up in the colored boxes on my background – the bPhone icons show up on top of those backgrounds. Although crude, it actually accomplishes the “feel” of bPhone icons for the apps that don’t have specifically created icons. My first attempt isn’t aligned exactly right and not perfect, but I’d be happy to send you the background for you to take a look at if you’re interested.

  • Jason September 21st, 2007 at 2:02 pm

    Dude! way better than the one I paid $5 for over at bPlay.com…
    Will surely send some $$ when I can! Love the site as well…

  • Nick September 21st, 2007 at 4:50 pm

    Hey there,

    I’ve been trying your theme for half a day now and I must say it is the best one out there. I personally like the icon theme but when you develop today theme, I will certainly try it out.

    Well, I was trying to put those “un-iphoned” icons in a folder so that I will only see those “iphoned” icons on the main screen. – but when I try to access the folder I created, it doesn’t show those items I droped in. Is this the way it’s supposed to be???

    Also, I don’t think the profile icon issue isn’t such a big deal.. as long as you hide it and just use the short cut button to access it. (F)

  • Nick September 21st, 2007 at 4:50 pm

    Hey there,

    I’ve been trying your theme for half a day now and I must say it is the best one out there. I personally like the icon theme but when you develop today theme, I will certainly try it out.

    Well, I was trying to put those “un-iphoned” icons in a folder so that I will only see those “iphoned” icons on the main screen. – but when I try to access the folder I created, it doesn’t show those items I droped in. Is this the way it’s supposed to be???

    Also, I don’t think the profile icon issue isn’t such a big deal.. as long as you hide it and just use the short cut button to access it. (F)

    Thanks alot…

  • Nick September 21st, 2007 at 4:51 pm

    sorry for the double post!

  • Ryan September 21st, 2007 at 7:01 pm

    I downloaded the theme and i am getting the same problem that Tobias and Paulo experienced. Can you tell me how to use my theme?

  • owen September 22nd, 2007 at 12:27 pm

    Hey there, I’ve just wired you $10 because these themes are absolutely phenomenal. I only got my Pearl a couple of days ago and although it sounds sad, the availability of your themes was what tipped me right over the edge into going for it (well, apart from the good deal I got with O2 of course!).

    Anyway, stunning work. I don’t have many 3rd Party apps, but the one I do have, OperaMini, takes up what looks like the entire space that a rounded Apple square icon background would.

    I just wondered – is it theoretically possible to create custom icons for 3rd Party Apps and somehow set them to work from our end? You would do a ROARING trade if you could make that work somehow… :D

  • Matthew September 22nd, 2007 at 1:15 pm

    Nick,

    A few people have reported that problem. I think it’s a bug between the theme creation software and the current OS. Unfortunately there’s not really anything I can do about it right now.

    Owen,

    Thank you for your donation, and thanks to everyone who has put a little something in! I really appreciate it!

    Sadly, I can’t create or control the icons for third-party apps. You’re stuck with what the software creator gives you. On that note…

    Chuck,

    That’s a very interesting idea. I might try that out and see if it works, although it seems a little hackish ;)

  • Yasmin September 22nd, 2007 at 3:00 pm

    Hi there,

    is it possible to change the font?
    I don’t mean the one for messages (through Options – Screen) but the fonts used in the messenger for example?