We've all had the experience of not being able to get help (or not being able to get help) when something breaks, but YouTube clips don't cover specific issues. That's what iFixit's repair experts hope to solve with FixBot, an AI-enabled app that explains what repairs are being performed. Chatbots can help diagnose problems and provide step-by-step fixes. Plus, it's voice-enabled, so you don't have to get your phone dirty while you're working elbow-deep in water. After all, iFixit's guides don't just cover electronics repairs, they cover everything you might want to do yourself, from appliances to cars and trucks.
Unlike traditional AI, FixBot is trained on iFixit's library of 125,000 guides, its forums, and database of repair manuals. The company says there's less risk of hallucinations because it pulls out and displays the schematics it's referencing to avoid ordering the wrong equipment. Users can also upload images from their phones, so the app can show which bits are which. The company is open about its limitations. Since it is AI, it is not fully functional and its knowledge is limited to its own libraries. You can also look elsewhere for manufacturer data and other repair forums, but be warned about the information you pull from them.
Additionally, FixBot monitors the health of your phone's battery in real time and lets you know when it's time to replace it. The tool is currently in beta, thanks to the murky ways some companies track battery health, but iFixit promises more information than is currently available. Plus, when it's time to replace your battery, you can order parts and kits all within the app.
FixBot is free on both the App Store and Google Play, but it won't stay that way forever. At some point, free users will be switched to a version with limited access and asked to upgrade to a paid tier for $4.99 per month or $50 per year.
