RIMGeeks has released a new version of their handy BlackBerry Swiss Army Knife (BBSAK) Windows desktop application.

New in BBSAK v1.6:

• Brand New Tabbed Layout for better organization
• Animated app expansion
• Multiple COD install now available through the “Install COD(s)” button
• Multiple COD removal now available through the “Remove COD(s)” button (Read system required to remove cods)
• Install JAD files (ALL CODs referenced in JAD file must be in the SAME FOLDER as JAD)
• JAD Maker now included! (Box is drag and drop for windows xp and vista users only)
• New BB Screenshot Preview! – Preview your screenshot before you save it!
• RESTORE APPS BUTTON IS BACK!!! (NOTE** will install all files under “BBSAK BACKUP” in the applications section of your blackberry removing this app will remove ALL apps in the backup!!!!! THE ALX IS STILL CREATED!!! feel free to install that via loader.exe or blackberry desktop manager)

This desktop app has helped me out a few times where I bricked my BlackBerry (not on purpose of course). Luckily I had made a backup of my 3rd party apps with BBSAK so it was easy to install all of them at once instead of one-by-one. Backing up 3rd party apps is not all BBSAK can do and RIMGeeks is continuously working to improve it with new features and fixes.

For more info and to download BBSAK v1.6 visit the RIMGeeks project page.

Lyricidal (aka @theiexplorers) has just released a cool, free desktop app called Create-A-JAD that allows you to create your own OTA (.jad) or desktop (.alx) installer files for BlackBerry apps. In order to make these OTA or desktop installer files you need to have the COD files of the chosen app handy.

Here’s how it works:

• Instructions
  • 1) Enter information requested (All are required except for description)
  • 2) Drag and drop all the files needed for your app install into the white box under Files.
  • 3) If you haven’t already, enter the filename (no extension) and choose what type of install you need: .JAD is for OTA, .ALX is for Desktop Install, and Both does both of them.
  • 4) Click Create It!
  • 5) Enjoy your new OTA/Desktop Install!
• Get Your OTA Up and Running
  • 1) Upload all .cods required, the .jad, and the .htaccess file created to your webspace
  • 2) Go to the link to your .jad file from your phone
  • 3) Install away!
• To Use In Desktop Install
  • 1) Copy and paste the created .alx file in your OS’s folder (ie. 9530-v4.7.0.167_P4.0.0.205)
  • 2) Copy and paste the .cod files into the Java folder (if you checked that box when creating the .alx) or into the same OS folder as step 1 (if you left the checkbox unchecked)
  • 3) Install using AppLoader (Loader.exe) or Desktop Manager

You can download Create-A-JAD directly to your PC by clicking here. Make sure you backup your BlackBerry data before installing apps made by Create-A-JAD just in case something goes wrong. If you try this app be sure to leave some feedback in the comments!

RIMGeeks has released an update to their popular BlackBerry Swiss Army Knife (BBSAK) application for desktop computers.

New in BBSAK version 1.5:

• Kill Processes Button added (if your having trouble connecting click kill processes to close (BBdevmgr.exe and RimDevManager.exe both started by desktop manager)
• Full System Dump (Save ALL Cods on device) (Dump CODs)
• Save button added to Read System (saves all the file names to a SystemRead.txt)
• Save button added to Read Event Log (saves Event Log to EventLog.txt)
• ACCURATE Progress Bar added to 3rd Party Backup
• ACCURATE Progress Bar added to Full System Dump
• Files now displayed as they are being saved
• Can now Save Multiple CODs at one time
• Error handling added when Read and Save COD button is pushed with nothing selected

Overview of main features:

• Wipe Blackberry leaving a 507 error
• Reset Blackberry to factory state removing any IT Policy
• Take Screenshots of your Blackberry (Screenshots stored in My Pictures\BBScreenies now)
• Auto-Detects if phone is plugged in first.
• Displays PIN so you know your connected.
• Will not let you do any actions until phone detected.
• Load OS will auto delete Vendor.xml and start Loader.exe. (BBDM is needed for this)
• Backup 3rd Party Apps
  • Save to Program Files\BBSAK\Backup (only 1 backup at a time) Will prompt to make rename if backup already exits (click ok to see folder for name change)
• Restore 3rd Party Apps
  • Restore within Loader.exe

This is a great utility to have, especially since it allows you to easily backup your 3rd party apps. This application would have saved me a big headache the last time my BlackBerry died on me (risks of betas) and I had to re-download EVERY application one-by-one.

You can find more info and download links at the BBSAK RIMGeeks page.

Here’s a great theme for all the BlackBerry Pearl owning Call of Duty 4 gamers!

Call of Duty 4 Zen is available free with custom icons and a real nice volume meter. I know all the Call of Duty 4 gamers will appreciate this one.

• Download
  • OTA: Call of Duty 4 Zen for the Pearl 8100 series
  • ZIP: Call of Duty 4 Zen for the Pearl 8100 series
• Info: Call of Duty 4 Zen theme page
• How To:
  • Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data
  • Install Applications and Themes via Desktop Manager