Thread: How to identify themes?

I started developing themes about six months ago, at which time I only built for 85xx. Since then I've added a number of devices (95xx, 9670 & 9800 were added in the last two weeks) to my lineup, but am starting to wonder if I am listing them correctly as I find a lot of people are confused as to which themes work on which devices

As of right now I list them as follows (label - compatibility)...

85xx OS5 series - compatible with 8330*, 8350i*, 8520, 8530, 9300 & 9330
93xx OS6 series - compatible with 9300 & 9330
95xx OS5 series - compatible with 9500, 9520, 9530 & 9550
96xx OS5 series - compatible with 8900, 8910, 8930, 8980, 9630, 9650 & 9700
96xx OS6 series - compatible with 9650, 9700, 9780 & 9788**
9670 OS6 - compatible with 9100*, 9105* & 9670
9800 OS6

* I am told are supported, but I have not had the ability to beta test my themes on them.
** I am told is only available in China.

Am I labeling my themes correctly as far as 'series' or is there a better way so that people won't be confused as to which themes work on which devices?

Also, do I have compatibility listed correctly? And have I missed any devices that should be listed?

Thanks in advance to those who reply!

Looks good, but you need to think about what will be easier for the buyer/user. I would make a 83xx category and also would not put any 93xx devices in with the 85xx category. Try to keep them as separate as you can. Most users don't know the theme compatibility leniencies.

As for the 8350i you need to be careful on this one as the 8350i is the only 83xx series device that can run OS 5. So it may be better to just keep that device on it's own.

I would also separate the 9100 from the 9670 categories for the sake of clarity as well.

So you would have...

9800 - OS 6
97xx - OS 5, OS 6
9670 - OS 6
96xx - OS 4.7, OS 5
95xx - OS 4.7, OS 5
93xx - OS 6
91xx - OS 6
9000 - OS 4.6, OS 5
89xx - OS 4.6.1, OS 5
88xx - OS 4.5
87xx - OS 4.5
85xx - OS 5
8350i - OS 4.5, OS 5
83xx - OS 4.5
82xx - OS 4.5
81xx - OS 4.5

I left out a few older OS versions in some of the older devices as hardly anyone uses them anymore.

If you see something I missed or any mistakes, let me know.

Originally Posted by Joe Jerde

Looks good, but you need to think about what will be easier for the buyer/user. I would make a 83xx category and also would not put any 93xx devices in with the 85xx category. Try to keep them as separate as you can. Most users don't know the theme compatibility leniencies.

As for the 8350i you need to be careful on this one as the 8350i is the only 83xx series device that can run OS 5. So it may be better to just keep that device on it's own.

I get what you mean, and I want it to be easier for the buyer as well as myself. But nobody seems to have a clear answer as every forum, person etc. I ask has a different answer

As for the 83xx device... according to Mobihand as well as a couple other theme developers I have spoke to, both the 8330 & 8350i will support OS5 and a 85xx theme. As for how true I personally know this to be, I don't as I've been unable to find anyone with either device to test for me. BUT the one developer did say he has had his themes tested on those devices and they work fine. So I don't know :-s

Originally Posted by Joe Jerde

I would also separate the 9100 from the 9670 categories for the sake of clarity as well.

So you would have...

9800 - OS 6
97xx - OS 5, OS 6
9670 - OS 6
96xx - OS 4.7, OS 5
95xx - OS 4.7, OS 5
93xx - OS 6
91xx - OS 6
9000 - OS 4.6, OS 5
89xx - OS 4.6.1, OS 5
88xx - OS 4.5
87xx - OS 4.5
85xx - OS 5
8350i - OS 4.5, OS 5
83xx - OS 4.5
82xx - OS 4.5
81xx - OS 4.5

I left out a few older OS versions in some of the older devices as hardly anyone uses them anymore.

If you see something I missed or any mistakes, let me know.

I will write down this list and try to follow it as closely as possible. I only make for OS5 & OS6 so that will make it a little easier as far as that is concerned, but in some situations this has been a royal pain in my rear.

For instance, when uploading my theme files to Mobihand, App World etc. Using 85xx as an example, should I uploaded the same files three times labeled as 83xx, 85xx, and 93xx OS5?

Thanks for the reply btw! I really appreciate it

Originally Posted by JavaBratt

I get what you mean, and I want it to be easier for the buyer as well as myself. But nobody seems to have a clear answer as every forum, person etc. I ask has a different answer

As for the 83xx device... according to Mobihand as well as a couple other theme developers I have spoke to, both the 8330 & 8350i will support OS5 and a 85xx theme. As for how true I personally know this to be, I don't as I've been unable to find anyone with either device to test for me. BUT the one developer did say he has had his themes tested on those devices and they work fine. So I don't know :-s

I wouldn't pay attention so much to what others are doing. I have seen all the alternatives and have found that specifying more categories even though it may be a bit redundant is best for clarity to the consumer.

You could always couple the 8330 & 8350i into one category.

For instance, when uploading my theme files to Mobihand, App World etc. Using 85xx as an example, should I uploaded the same files three times labeled as 83xx, 85xx, and 93xx OS5?

Thanks for the reply btw! I really appreciate it

Yes, if the exported format can work for more than one device that can make it easier so you don't have to export for every device and will save you time.

Originally Posted by Joe Jerde

I wouldn't pay attention so much to what others are doing. I have seen all the alternatives and have found that specifying more categories even though it may be a bit redundant is best for clarity to the consumer.

You could always couple the 8330 & 8350i into one category.

I did find on the BlackBerry website that both the devices mentioned (8330 & 8350i) do support OS5, so I'm going to start including that as a category

Originally Posted by Joe Jerde

Yes, if the exported format can work for more than one device that can make it easier so you don't have to export for every device and will save you time.

This is what I'm currently doing, but am now trying to get into the habit of naming them so people don't get confused when they download a 83xx theme and see the file says 85xx LOL!

Thanks for the replies though! I have written down the list you provided, omitting the devices I don't build for, and I keep it as a quick reference on my desk because that's far too much for my little brain to remember haha

Thanks again!

Yea, I know with so many devices it can be crazy to remember everything.