FileScout, a file management application for BlackBerry, has been updated to version 1.5.0.0 with a bunch of new features as well as some bug fixes.

What’s new?

• Display of thumbnails in search result (if thumbnail display is enabled and images are in the ‘FileScout Image Cache’)
• Thumbnail-Options: New Button to generate all all thumbnails for all images on your device (incl. the SDCard) – this operation can take a while till it’s completed – please be patient!
• When resizing images to device resolution size you can now select to keep the aspect ratio of the original image. If this option is selected, then FileScout will cut (left & right or top & bottom) of the image so that it will fit to your device screen resolution.
• UserDefined resolution (image resizing) can be now be max 9999 pixel [but it's recommended not use more then 1200px]
• Support for DesktopManager Backup & Restore (FileScout settings)
• A ” in the Screen Title indicating that the background threads (required for Search and other extended features) are still running (after FileScout is started) – once the threads are completed the ” will disappear.
• Integration in the RIMs FileExplorer Application: a ‘Explore with FileScout’ MenuItem is added

What’s fixed?

• Search files in the current Directory only function fixed to be usable multiple times
• Potential OutOfMemeory Error during start of FileScout (when the thumbnail store is getting too large)
• Accessing OS5 System Folder for Bold, Bold2, Storm and Storm2

To download FileScout OTA click here or visit the emacberry.com page for more info and a desktop download. This software is available as donationware and without limitations so if you find it useful consider sending a donation to the developer, Matthias.

Today’s deal of the day is for RDM+ Remote Desktop for Mobiles by SHAPE Services. RDM+ allows you to remotely access your desktop or laptop computer right from your BlackBerry allowing you to send and receive emails, surf web, edit documents in word processor, copy, cut, paste files or folders and much more.

Features:

• All connection types are supported: BES, BIS, TCP/IP, Wi-Fi and HTTP connection are supported.
• Blackberry joystick and keyboard navigation.
• New Feature for Storm! Enlarging Glass:Touch and enlarge any fragment of the Desktop.
• User interface is available in two languages: English and German.
• Quick commands.You can use quick commands for starting/stopping system services and processes, viewing the list of desktop windows, checking system performance, displaying system information and rebooting or shutting down your computer.
• One-time fee. All further updates are free.
• All data, screen images, mouse movement and keys are encrypted for security reasons.
• You can create a password when starting up application. Without this password no one can access your client address book.
• Executing any console commands (like ping, netstat, ipconfig) is available.
• History feature allows to find and re-send stored commands.
• Full-screen view and zooming. In full-screen mode you can see the remote screen on the entire screen of your device. Zoomed mode lets you see enlarged fragment of the desktop in more detail. In zoomed mode you can also scroll the desktop up/down, right/left.
• Switch between different modes using the predefined and your own hotkeys and create device-specific keys for mouse click and open desktop menu.
• Navigational mini-map of your desktop which appears in the right upper corner while you scroll. Wi-Fi detection on your device.

RDM+ is normally $39.95 but until 12AM CST tonight you can get it at 50% off for $19.97. This app is compatible with all BlackBerry devices running OS 4.2 or higher and comes with a 7-day free trial, but if you want to get it at 50% off make sure you do so before 12AM CST tonight!

Matthias let me know that he has updated his popular and extremely useful FileScout application for BlackBerry to v1.4.1.0.

As a reminder, FileScout is a donationware file system browser that allows you to create directories, copy, move, rename, or delete files, open media files, zip or unzip files and much more.

To download FileScout OTA click here or visit the emacberry.com page for more info and a desktop download link. To see what’s new or what was fixed up to v1.4.1.0 check out the changelog after the jump.

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Morrison (aka @moestepp) let me know that he has put together a video guide with instructions on how to install hybrid or beta OS versions using BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac.

I’ve transcribed the steps (below) for those that prefer text, but the video is better since it offers visual aide. The BlackBerry used for this tutorial is a Curve 8310 on AT&T. Do this at your own risk and only if you are comfortable with using beta/leaked software.

Morrison has also provided links to beta OS files in DMG format for use with a Mac computer. This method is mainly used for a hybrid OS upgrade. If you are using a beta “you would typically include the radio file in the same folder” (according to Morrison).

• 8330 5.0.0.230 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=G4VGQBM9
  
• 8900 5.0.0.238 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=V0IQRULX
  
• 9000 5.0.0.238 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=S3CMOBM2
  
• 9530 5.0.0.230 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PL31VO1W
  
• 9630 5.0.0.230 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=G1PURKUJ

Here are the steps for use with a hybrid:

1. Plug your BlackBerry into your MacBook with BlackBerry Desktop Manager running
2. Install the carrier recommended OS (in this case AT&T OS 4.5.0.110)
3. Reload the OS that the carrier recommended for the phone. This will download all the appropriate files that are required.
4. Have the hybrid OS handy (in this case 8330 OS 5.0.0.238)
5. Go to Hard Drive > Username > Library > Application Support > BlackBerry Desktop Manager > Device Applications > Folder with numbers and letters
6. Open the Java file containing the hybrid OS files
7. Select all the files in the hybrid OS folder
8. Drag and drop these files into the folder with numbers and letters found in step 5
9. When prompted to replace files, click on apply to all and then replace
10. Go to BlackBerry Desktop Manager (should be running in background) and click on Applications and click Check for Updates
11. It will say there are no new updates in the next screen. Click on Show Other Versions in this screen.
12. You will now find the carrier recommended OS that was installed in steps 2 and 3. Click on the radio button to the left so it is “selected” and then click on Select.
13. Click on Reload
14. You’re done!

The Desktop Manager for Mac will think it’s just reloading the current OS to the BlackBerry but since you copied over the files from the hybrid OS it will actually be loading a different OS. As always please make backups before attempting to install or upgrade anything.

If you decide to try this out let me know how it works for you in the comments!

Fuze Box has just released a cool new app called Fuze Meeting, currently available for the BlackBerry Curve 8900, Bold and Storm.

Fuze Meeting for BlackBerry smartphones enables users to launch or participate in a web meeting from their mobile device – a must-have for salespeople, business owners, service providers and all mobile professionals. Fuze Meeting leverages the unique capabilities of the latest generation of BlackBerry smartphones, including 3G, Wi-Fi®, faster processors and elegant displays to allow users to view video content, images and documents. Fuze Meeting also lets users chat securely with co-workers and friends, send meeting invites, and even “fetch” participants from their BlackBerry contacts directly into a conference.

Features:

• Full-featured conference call management – start meetings, invite participants, fetch them into the session, mute and un-mute lines – all from a single interface.
• View meeting participants’ desktops, files and presentations on-the-go, in real-time, while synced with the meeting presenter.
• Watch and listen to high-quality video and audio – start, stop and pause as if you were in the room with the presenter.
• Consolidate multiple IM platforms into one application – login simultaneously to Yahoo, AOL, MSN, Jabber, Google Talk and others

Fuze Meeting is free with usage by up to 3 web users and/or 7 audio users. Just to clarify that, if 3 web users are in the meeting they also count as 3 audio users, leaving 4 audio spaces open, or just 7 audio users but the host has to be logged in through the web. For larger meetings you can check out Fuze Meeting’s pricing options, which include pay-as-you-go, monthly and annual plans.

I can see how this app would be useful with group projects and having small meetings. Even though the Fuze Meetings are limited to a certain number of attendees for the free version, the available features are great.

You can find this app in the BlackBerry App World or get it directly from FuzeMeeting.com. More info in the full press release after the jump.

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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!

Matthias from emacberry.com let me know that he has updated FileScout, a donationware file manager application for BlackBerry.

Formerly known as BBFileScout, FileScout is an application that allows you to do more with your files than the default BlackBerry file explorer. You can do things like resize and rotate images, see hidden files, create/copy/edit/move files and directories, delete pre-installed content, zip and unzip files and lots more. Version 1.3 brings with it some great features including the ability to email multiple files and whole directories (up to carrier limit). The full changelog viewed here, or see what’s new in version 1.3 after the jump.

To download FileScout OTA click here or visit the emacberry.com page for more info and a desktop download link.

Note: If you have BBFileScout installed [before the Application name change Version 1.2.0.0] you have to uninstall it first in order to use FileScout v1.3.0.0.

CONTINUE READING »

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.

After an early Alpha version of Skyfire for BlackBerry was leaked a few weeks back, Skyfire decided to suspend testing. Today BGR let us know that Skyfire has re-opened their Alpha testing and it is now version 3.5. Check out the release notes below…

What got removed in Alpha 3.5 (vs. Alpha 3.1)?

• Stream Mode: We are actively working on an alternate method to provide streaming for Blackberry that will provide better performance and reduces the number of errors during streaming. This work has not been concluded yet. In the meantime we removed the existing stream mode. Stay tuned!

What’s new in Alpha 3.5

• Inline Text Entry: You can now edit/enter form elements directly within the page, without being interrupted by a dialog box. Makes it more direct, convenient and retains the context.
• Click-to Call: The Blackberry client now will utilize tags in websites that trigger a phone call, when clicked (e.g. callto: and tel: links). You have to confirm before the call is initiated.
• Set as Default Browser: when set, links will open Skyfire
• Downloading of Files: you can now invoke the download of files to your device.
• Improved Scrolling: Further tweaking since the last Alpha.
• Reduced Checkerboard occurrences
• Alpha limit: We implemented a simple mechanism to limit the number of new users in our system. Once reached you see a message. If you encounter this and are part of this Alpha group then please contact us.

Known bugs in this Alpha

• Clear cookies: When you clear cookies in advanced settings it will not work. Will be addressed in the next release.
• Inline Text: We are seeing several issues.
• Sometimes old text is visible (Issue 331 & 409), when re-entering text box, the cursor is positioned at the beginning of the text field (Issue 333).
• Download: timeout when downloading large files (Issue 435)”

It’s taking a while for Skyfire to officially release a BlackBerry client, but so far it looks like the wait will be well worth it.

via BGR

* UPDATE Matthias has updated BBFileScout to version 1.1.0.1

Since I received user feedback that there is additionally the need for a user defined resolution setting in the new “Image Resize” function, I just have integrated this feature into BBFileScout. In the new ‘Image Option’ section you have an additional entry in the ‘target resolution’ called ‘user defined’.

If you downloaded version 1.1 please redownload BBFileScout below. *

Matthias let me know that he has updated his BBFileScout BlackBerry application from version 1.0 to version 1.1.

New functions include the ability to resize images to a user selected resolution ranging from 1200px, 1024px, 800px, 640px and the device’s resolution. There is also an option to show favorites at startup and URLs in the BBFileScout “About” screen will now bring you to the site.

BBFileScout is offered “free” as Donationware, which means the version available for download is fully functional with no limitations but the developer is asking for donations to help upkeep the development of the application. BBFileScout is available for all BlackBerrys on OS 4.3 and higher.

• Download OTA: BBFileScout
• Info: BBFileScout Homepage (ZIP available for desktop installation)
  
• How To:
  • Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data
  • Install Applications and Themes via Desktop Manager

View the detailed changelog after the jump.

CONTINUE READING »