Overview:
This is the long-awaited Vodafone and Today themes for 8700 devices.

Important Note:
These themes are supported on the versions of the 8700 OS versions 4.1.0.371/4.1.0.309 (package/application version; currently only available from Telstra and StarHub) and above. These are NOT supported on versions prior to that.

Please see this thread for updated versions of the OS.

Instructions:
* Note: If you already have the Telstra OS loaded and used my BlackBerry.alx file available in Step 2, then you can skip on to Step 4.

1 - Be sure that you have the Telstra 4.1.0.371 OS or above installed on your PC and your handheld.
2 - Download BlackBerry.alx file for Telstra 4.1 (version .371) or above: Click Here
3 - Extract BlackBerry.alx to installation path:
Installation Path: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Shared\Loader Files\8700-v4.1.0.309_P2.0.0.133
4 - Download the Today themes ZIP file from: Click Here
5 - Extract net_rim_theme_bb_dimension_today_320x240.cod and net_rim_theme_120_today_320x240.cod from the ZIP file to the Java directory under the installation path:
Java Path: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Shared\Loader Files\8700-v4.1.0.309_P2.0.0.133\Java
6 - Open Desktop Manager and it should now prompt you to update the Core Applications.

Alternate Instructions (Java Loader):
1 - Download the Today themes ZIP file to your Desktop: Click Here
2 - Extract net_rim_theme_bb_dimension_today_320x240.cod and net_rim_theme_120_today_320x240.cod to your Desktop.
3 - Download and unzip JavaLoader.exe to your Desktop from the attached JavaLoader.zip
4 - Click on Start then Run and type CMD and click OK
5 - This should bring up a command-prompt at C:\Documents and Settings\yourname\
6 - Type the following:

cd Desktop <enter> (don't type <enter> - just push it)
JavaLoader.exe -u load net_rim_theme_bb_dimension_today_320x240.cod <enter>
JavaLoader.exe -u load net_rim_theme_120_today_320x240.cod <enter>

* Note: Here is an example of the DOS/command-prompt:

C:\Documents and Settings\username>cd desktop

C:\Documents and Settings\username\Desktop>

C:\Documents and Settings\username\Desktop>JavaLoader.exe -u load net_rim_theme_bb_dimension_today_320x240.cod

C:\Documents and Settings\username\Desktop>JavaLoader.exe -u load net_rim_theme_120_today_320x240.cod

Over-The-Air:
BB Dimension-Today: Click Here
Vodafone Today: Click Here

Note: These link have not been tested by myself (although they have been verified as working by other users here).

Since the Vodafone Today theme is linked to the Vodafone theme itself, I will also include that particular download. This may have been the root to some of the bugs I found present in the earlier versions of the theme that I had.

Instructions:
1 - After completing the above steps, go to the installation directory and rename net_rim_theme_120_320x240.cod to net_rim_theme_120_320x240.old:
Installation Path: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Shared\Loader Files\8700-v4.1.0.309_P2.0.0.133
2 - Download the Vodafone theme file from: Click Here
3 - Extract net_rim_theme_120_320x240.cod from the ZIP file to the Java directory under the installation path:
Java Path: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Shared\Loader Files\8700-v4.1.0.309_P2.0.0.133\Java
4 - Open Desktop Manager and it should now prompt you to update the Core Applications.

Alternate Instructions (Java Loader):
1 - Download the Vodafone theme file to your Desktop: Click Here
2 - Extract net_rim_theme_120_320x240.cod to your Desktop.
3 - Download and unzip JavaLoader.exe to your Desktop from the attached JavaLoader.zip
4 - Click on Start then Run and type CMD and click OK
5 - This should bring up a command-prompt at C:\Documents and Settings\yourname\
6 - Type the following:

cd Desktop <enter> (don't type <enter> - just push it)
JavaLoader.exe -u load net_rim_theme_120_320x240.cod <enter>

* Note: Here is an example of the DOS/command-prompt:

C:\Documents and Settings\username>cd desktop

C:\Documents and Settings\username\Desktop>

C:\Documents and Settings\username\Desktop>JavaLoader.exe -u load net_rim_theme_120_320x240.cod

Over-The-Air:
Vodafone: Click Here

Note: You will need to install a NEW version of the OS - the Telstra OS is the only one currently available to the public that supports these themes, although they are not bundled with it.

Vodafone Today Shortcuts:
Saved Messages
Search
Calculator
Compose
MemoPad
Tasks
Contacts
Alarm
Profiles
Settings
Keyboard Lock
Enterprise Messenger (Q)

Other Vodafone Today shortcuts (not listed on applications list):
WAP Browser
Phone
Calendar
Browser (default Browser)
BlackBerry Messenger

Looks like C is a shortcut key for both Compose and Contacts. If both are enabled, then the first one that was selected will be the shortcut key (e.g - Contacts was shown and Compose was hidden, so if I enable Compose, then Contacts will still be the shortcut key; however, if I hide Contacts, then Compose will be the active C shortcut key).

Also, the Vodafone Today theme does not allow you to set your background image, which is okay, as it is obviously apparent that they spent a LOT of time making this theme VERY sleek and neat in design. Kudos to them.

Dimension Today Shortcuts:
Messages
Address Book
Keyboard Lock
Options
Calendar
Alarm
Enterprise Messenger (Q)
Profiles
Tasks
Calculator
Search
BlackBerry Messenger

For both Today themes, you are unable to change the sections on the home screen or rearrange the order of what is present. This will be viewed as a downside of the themes for most who are used to Zen or one of the icon-based themes. There are no stocks, RSS feeds, etc., so those of you who are used to the commercial 'Today' screens will likely be unimpressed with RIM's efforts on these - but atleast they are keeping companies such as Cross River Systems pacified in knowing that their stock offering is not going to compete with a commercial product in terms of robust functionality.

is it possible to use the 8707 complete update , or do you need to stay on telstra?

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8700/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

I will update the screenshots in a minute with the new 4.1.0.394/4.1.0.316 Today themes. They have updated the order of the sections since the version I had.

thanks voda today is great. colors look awesome on 8700g

one question: you say you can't rearrange the order but on your screen shot Calendar is third on the list but mine shows:
Voicemail
Call Log
Email
SMS/MMS
Calendar

I like yours better

fuggedaboutit... you posted the explanation as I was typing

sorry to ask again while you are very busy getting the today theme ready for everyone.. but i was wondering if its possible to upgrade to the 8707 os 4.1.0.394/4.1.0.316.. or does one need to stay on Telstra and just change the alx and install the new theme files?

Jibi your the man!!!!

Since I'm biding my time waiting for the OTA install, I'll give you the quick reply. The Vodafone 8707 software would make a serious mess of your 8700. It's 3G - you are Edge. Telstra is the only option. Note also that these instructions assume that you have already worked with Telstra and know to delete the Vendor.xml file during the installation process. More complete instructions for that here.

you have answer'd my question.. i didnt know it was 3g and not edge.. thanks

Actually it won't even load on the 8700s. You can try all you want, but it won't load.

It's like why you can't load 7130 software onto a 7100t. There are safeguards built in to prevent it from loading.

Follow Jibi's instructions

OTA downloads added. Can someone please test them out? Thanks.

jibi - are there any differences with this one, since you mentioned they re-arranged some sections, are there any other additions/changes? Like the arrangement of Messages, SMS, MMS, etc.? I guess it's too early to determine battery consumption compared to previous OS load... How about removing the labels next to home screen icons?

jibi, you're the JIBIEST!

just one question...

Are the three methods of loading mutually exclusive and exhaustive? If I do either of the three [the 1) desktop manager, or 2) the Java loader, or 3) the OTA download] will I end up in the same place? It seems like it, but I just wanted to check.

cheers,
- JD

in all honesty, if you have the Telstra 4.1.0.371 handheld software already loaded and using my BlackBerry.alx file, then i think the first installation option is the easiest (i prefer this method for a number of a reasons).

the removal of the labels is dependant on the OS not the theme, from what i've gathered. i suppose i could load up the new version of Zen and see, though. it appears that it was the only other theme that had a larger file size on this version (398KB vs 402KB).

as for other differences, i haven't really noticed anything new. the bug that i mentioned in the previous thread about ghost SMS messages is still present *sigh*

I'm testing the OTA now. I will report back.

Thanks. I actually have another question regarding the Voda theme that you provide a separate link to at the bottom of the instructions... What are the circumstances under which one would need to download this theme separately? If we already have Telstra, would we need to do this?

thanks again

Installing Vodafone OTA over the original worked. (I switched to Zen first for the download.)
The new Vodafone is much greener...
Moving on to the Today themes...

The OTA links are all good. Thanks Jibi.

I think that they wrecked both the Vodafone and Vodafone Today themes with the switch from gray to green. (EDIT: I'm getting used to the green.) However, and especially since the SMS bug has not been solved, when I get home tonight I'm going to check what happens when you combine the new Vodafone Today theme with the old Vodafone theme. Is it possible that this will lose the horrid green cast?

Hey this is cool: they added a tiny Profiles icon to Vodafone Today!
But I don't understand why don't have a Messages hotkey...

Thanks Jibi....worked great!

Okay, I'm going to throw my observations into this placeholder.
As noted: they added a tiny Profiles icon to Vodafone Today. There is no hotkey for Email or SMS. It's all very green...

In Dimensions Today, SMS is no longer separated from Email. It is all one inbox using the M hotkey. However, names of the SMS messages do not appear on the homescreen - only an increase in the number of unread. EDIT: It doesn't appear that SMS activate the red star; only emails do.

In Calendar, for both Today themes, if you have one appointment today and another tomorrow, it will only show today's.

I have already encountered the Vodafone ghost SMS problem that jibi mentioned. However it disappeared on a battery out reboot. This fix has worked twice. Not sure if this (partial) fix is in the new Vodafone theme or new Vodafone Today theme.

yeah, i just noticed that about the calendar earlier on the older version of the theme (busy calendar week). i don't personally like that.

how do you do ota install?

i am on telestra.

please dont flame me i am sure a few others need help

Jibi,

I have installed both today themes using the desktop manager method. Both appear in the Themes list but only the dimension today has the option to activate.

BBscreen-nrosselli-1.jpg BBscreen-nrosselli-2.jpg

Do you think this because I dont have the basic Voda theme installed on 8700g?

I haven't seen this.

Anyway, I downloaded Telstra and followed the first set of instructions (loading through Desktop Mgr) without the additional Voda OTA download referenced at the very bottom of jibi's directions and things appear to have gone swimmingly.

thanks jibi.

I'm sorry...I searched but couldn't find the OTA links. Where are they?

they're in the first post. under the words "Over-The-Air:"

i think its more than likely the fact that you haven't upgraded to the Telstra (or equiv level) OS, to be honest. it takes a certain level for the OS to support these themes.

The Green Lantern likes green.

Actually jibi, I think he's right. He must have the correct OS to run Dimension Today. And as you said earlier, Vodafone Today relies on both Dimension Today and Vodafone. So I think that the lack of the Vodafone theme is his problem.

Thanks Jibi Your Da Man! I tried the standard way then I had to do OTA to get it, OTA was helllla easy!

I am running the telestra version (4.1.0.371). After loading the regular voda theme I can now activate the voda today theme.

I downloaded today theme ove the air. However I have not upgraded to telstra. So it works enough that I can get a feel for the theme.
But if I go into messages then 'back' to go out a BB drop menu gives me choice 'get link' or 'close' if I select 'close' it crashes and reboots. If I use 'back' key it works fine.
Also the vodafone today theme doesn't show up in my themes list. I have a 8700g on tmo using their .284 OS.

For now I'll stick to Zen. When I have time I'll upgrade later.

Very simple. Browse to this page on your 8700 Browser. Click on the OTA link that jibi provided. A download page will open and you will have the option to download the theme.

I am running Telstra but without the .alx file jibi posted. My 8700 works with the Testra OS but when I add the alx file jibi provided my 8700 always goes haywire so I am using Telstra with the zen theme and the old vodafone theme. I tried to download the new today themes via OTA and it worked they both loaded however when I try to use them and close a menu I always get a JVM error and need to reset the handheld.

mucho gracias jibi!!!

Another update. The Calendar in both themes is a bit wierd. It only shows timed appointments - no all day (which is unfortunate). In addition, it might show a timed appointment a few days hence and then if you add another all day appointment in the intervening days, it will suddenly show nothing. In other words, it's a bit buggy
I definitely prefer Dimension Today. You get two emails displayed on the home screen. I also find the lack of a hotkey for emails in Vodafone Today to be an inexplicable and significant loss. Anyway these themes are fun but definitely works in progress.

Thanks Jibi-Everything worked well-This is WAS what I was looking for but in the interim have purchased pocketday. These are kinda cool though-I like the vodaphone green. If I did not have the pocketday I would be using these themes.

I'm just the opposite of cooper I love the Vodaphone version for the simple fact that it seperates email and SMS i CANNOT STAND the two being together!