So, you’ve gotten yourself a brand new BlackBerry Storm. You’ve updated to the latest leaked OS and have figured out how to type on the touch screen that you actually have to click an not just touch. You like your BlackBerry Storm and plan on sticking with it. The one thing bugging you about your BlackBerry Storm, however, is why the virtual keyboard on some BlackBerry applications is permanent.
Often times when you are running an older BlackBerry application on your BlackBerry Storm you may notice a blue border around the main application window and the SureType virtual keyboard won’t go away no matter what you do. This is because your application is running with compatability mode enabled. The blue boarder and the keyboard significantly decrease the size of the application window and it makes navigating and selecting fields or buttons very difficult.
Fortunately, you can disable compatibility mode by going to options >> advanced options >> highlight the application that you want to disable compatibility mode on >> hit the menu button (the one with logo) >> select disable compatibility mode. Once you disable compatibility mode, restart your application. the blue border and the persistent virtual SureType keyboard should be gone. You may be able to use the application in landscape mode as well.
Why RIM choose not to have compatibilty mode disabled as the default is beyond me. I have yet to see an application react adversely when compatibility mode is turned off. Developers can, using the latest development tools, chose to have this feature turned off automatically when their applications install, but, that does nothing for all the apps that have already been developed.
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Sad to say, but I decided to disable my ‘Storm’. I’ll sit back and wait for the updates to get it right before I hop back on the device.
Most programs do run better with compatibility disabled, I have seen a few programs that haven’t reacted well. Handmark Blackjack is one I can think of offhand.
Robb,
All I can say is thank you. I had Google’s Gmail and Maps working fine in landscape mode and then when I updated the Firmware everything went bad. Landscape mode stopped working. I asked everyone and no one knew what to do or why it wasn’t working. I just so happened to do a Google search for BB Storm approved applications and your blog came up and I just so happened to read through it. You solved my problem. Thank you. I’m posting a link to this solution on a BB Forum I subscribe to. Thanks again.
It’s such a shame that RIM didn’t get the software right from the start.
The key is to give the user a smooth and responsive and enjoyable experience. In many ways the Storm software almost frustrates many users.
Apple understood this when it released the iPhone. It appears even Palm understands this with their new device, and this is natural since Palm is now basically run by a group of former Apple execs who understand the importance of software.
People have always remarked that one thing they like about a BB, esp. compared to Windows Mobile, is that it just works. But the Storm approaches in so many ways the level of frustration that Windows Mobile can evoke.
With these touchscreen devices, software is esp. importance, since software totally drives the user experience. And it’s not as important that the device do everything, but that what it does it does well. RIM always understood that but with the Storm they have a ways to go.
Thanks for this advice. Now I can see why my WeatherEye app was annoying the heck out of me. I’ll be sure to pass this along.
What is the flow? I go to Advanced Options but there is no list of applications. I went to APPLICATIONS and saw my list but when I click on the MENU key I don’t see a DISABLE COMPATIBILITY. Can anyone map this out for me?
i was thinking about getting the BB Storm, is it a good phone or am i gunna end up getting mad at it and breaking it? lol
To enable or disable compatibility mode (some apps run better each way) select and click Options (wrench icon) , select and click Advanced Options, select and click Applications, select but DO NOT CLICK the option you want to change, and click the BlackBerry options key (the bunch of berries icon). ON the resulting list you will fine Enable/Disable Compatibility Mode.
Thanks Banjo! Got it – my problem was that I was trying to do this for FACEBOOK and this option is not there for this application. I did see it, for example, with Google Maps! Great Tip!
I’ve run into the same problems with the inability to get the suretap keyboard to disappear and my storm wont go into landscape mode both of these situations ONLY while in the skyscape applications drug guide and 5 minute clinical consult. Any suggestions? I tried the disable compatibility mode and restarted the phone without success.
I have also noticed that there are some applications that apparently lock-out either portrait or landscape mode. I am not aware how that is done and have not found a way to overcome that feature. I continue to research that issue and if I find something helpful I will post it here.
I ran into this page while google searching for apps great tip
I did as suggested with a medical program Epocrates®; I disabled the compatibility mode, but nothing changed. Any suggestions?
I took my apps off and started over, fixed the problem
THANK YOU! I replaced my Windows Mobile Smartphone that I was constantly reading ebooks on and I get the Storm today excited that I would have a bigger screen to read books on. I was going crazy with the stupid keyboard! Turned off compability mode just like you said, but I did have to take out the battery and do a reboot for it to work. Works just fine now!
I had my blackberry OS updated, but now Gmail notifier which last week would not landscape now does but will not scroll. i have reinstalled the program but nothing will change it. HELP