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.

I first posted about the BBSAK desktop application back in early June, at which time it was pretty basic like JL_Cmdr. This update brings some great new features that I’m sure many of you will appreciate!

New to v1.3:

• New way to detect device implemented MUCH MORE efficient and accurate
• Radio is now temporarily disabled while backing up devices (turns back on when backup completed)
• Backup now creates .alx file (allows you to install from loader.exe/desktop manager) and wont give you trouble when using desktop manager
• Restore 3rd Party apps removed – with alx install in 1 step with loader.exe
• Ability to Read all Apps on the Blackberry (3rd party and stock)
• Ability to Save individual COD files (C:\Program Files\BBSAK\CODs\(App name)\cod file)
• Ability to Remove individual COD files (THEY WILL BE LOST FOR GOOD!)
• Ability to Load individual COD files (some require phone restarting others do not depends if app is running in background)
• Donate button! please donate if you appreciate our hard work!

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*
• Restore 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 within Loader.exe

This is a desktop computer application, not an on-device BlackBerry application. You can find more info and download links at the BBSAK RIMGeeks page.

Let me know what you think about BBSAK in the comments!

Felix from ZonaBlackBerry let me know about a new application developed by them called ZonaSnap.

ZonaSnap is a free application that comes in both English and Spanish which allows you to capture the screen of your BlackBerry, and then gives you a range of options such as save, send as email and send to Photobucket.

Features:

• Zonasnap added as an menu item.
• Send snap of your screen without saving straight from the screen as email, to Photobucketor or simply save to SD card under your pictures folder.
• Can be added as a convenience key.
• Really small in file size about 88kb.
• When used from the menu it gives you a preview of your screen shot.
• OS 4.3+ required.
• Files saved as jpg format.
• After the capture issent to Photobucket, you will receive a notification in a window reporting that the image code has been received and it has been inserted into Memopad.
• LED notification and a short vibration to let you know the snap has been taken.
• Very easy to use.
• Notes:
  • Must enable all permissions requested by the application.
  • Storm users should disable the compatibility mode.

You can grab a copy of either the English version or the Spanish version of ZonaSnap free in the store, or get it right from the on-device BlackBerry Rocks! App Store.

Came across a relatively new forum called RIMGeeks where they have developed a nice looking alterative to JL_Cmdr called BBSAK, or BlackBerry Swiss Army Knife, which is currently in its Beta stages.

Needed

• .NET Framework 2.0

Main Features

• Wipe Blackberry leaving a 507 error
• Reset Blackberry to factory state removing any IT Policy
• Take Screenshots of your Blackberry.
• Install COD Files

If you find some bugs or want to suggest a feature you can do so at the BBSAK Bugs & Suggestions Thread. Since this application is in Beta I would suggest making a backup before using it, just in case.

You can download the BBSAK Installer for your desktop or visit the application page for more info and to follow  its updates. Don’t forget to leave some feedback comments!