Modifying Graphics on Mobile Phones

The graphics on newer phones can be customized. Generally, the graphics that you can modify include operator logos, caller line icons (CLIs), wallpaper, and screen savers. The amount of customization available varies among cell phone manufacturers and models. In general, phones manufactured after 2002 offer more features. Among the newer phones, GSM phones tend to have more graphic features that users can customize. Keep in mind that even though a phone may have the capability, the carrier may not take advantage of it or enable the service on its network.

You can find directions for modifying graphics in a number of places. First; check your carrier's Web site for instructions. You may also find directions on the Web site of your phone's manufacturer or in the user manual that came with your phone. Lastly, some of the Web sites where you can download graphics provide directions for modifying graphics on many different models of cell phones.

Operator Logos:

An operator logo is the logo of your cellular carrier. When you purchased your phone from your carrier, the phone was preprogrammed to display the carrier's logo when you start it up and whenever it makes a connection to the network.

On some newer phones, you can modify the operator logo and display another graphic in its place. When you replace the operator logo with a custom graphic, your phone will display that graphic whenever it would otherwise display the operator logo.

Caller Line Icons:

Newer phones support a feature called caller line icons (CLIs), essentially a graphical caller-ID feature. Load a graphic on your phone and associate it with a specific number or person in your contact list and your phone will display that graphic whenever that person calls. It's a cool feature; unfortunately, it isn't available on many phones yet, although you will find it on newer models.

On some phones, you can associate CLIs to specific groups of callers, in which case they are referred to as group graphics. You create a group (friends, work, and family), load a representative graphic, and then assign individuals to the group. When one of them calls, the graphic for that group is displayed.

Wallpaper and Screen Savers:

On some new phones with larger color displays, you can load customized wallpaper and even screen savers. Like operator logos and CLIs, this ability is dependent on the phone you have and your service.

Connectivity:

There is a lot of variation in the connectivity features available on cell phones. Some let you download a new graphic from the Web, while others let you connect using an IR port or data cable and download the graphic directly from your computer.

Downloading directly from your computer has its advantages. There are no airtime charges. You can even create cell phone graphics on your computer to your heart's content.