iFixit has introduced a new app for iOS and Android that includes a comprehensive array of repair guides, a battery health monitor, and an AI feature named “FixBot.” This app consolidates iFixit’s existing library of repair information and allows users to save their devices for easier access to resources, as well as purchase tools and replacement parts directly through the app.
The FixBot serves as an AI assistant that guides users through repair processes and troubleshooting. According to CEO Kyle Wiens, users can describe their issues, such as battery problems or appliance malfunctions, and the bot will engage in a dialogue to help identify the problem. This feature draws from iFixit’s repair guides, PDF manuals, and community forums. When specific guides are not available, FixBot attempts to utilize manufacturer documentation and external searches to assist users. While currently free, some features may transition to a subscription model with a monthly fee in the future.
Additional app features are designed to leverage smartphone capabilities. The app can automatically detect the model of the device it is installed on, eliminating the need for manual searches. It also provides insights into battery health, predicting future battery performance to help users plan for replacements.
iFixit states its goal is to simplify the understanding of battery maintenance for users, likening it to the regular upkeep of a vehicle. The new app is currently accessible on both major mobile platforms. This is not iFixit’s first application; the company had previously launched an iPhone app in 2011, which was later removed from the App Store for policy violations related to the teardown of an Apple TV development unit.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/840570/ifixit-app-android-ios-fixbot-ai