Android

It is probably a theme, and most themes reqiure root to work. Those that do not are usually pretty lacking, and are basically a new wallpaper pack that auto applies itself.

For a the clear notification bar, you would have to be rooted as far as I know, although the Verizon Droid Eris (Verizon's version of the Hero) might have something else figured out, since they are not able to root that device.