Re-Review: Fixmo Tools 2.0 for BlackBerry Smartphones

Fixmo Tools is one of the BlackBerry Applications available that I do get excited about. I don’t know if it’s the slew of functionality it possesses or, for some reason, I can’t help but think of the Dark Knights utility belt. If you’re looking for an application to help both enhance existing BlackBerry awesomeness and bring new equipment to the game, Fixmo needs to be on your list. It’s been almost a year since I reviewed Fixmo Tools; it was a young, yet powerful application that has grown up immensely. In the latest update (2.0), they have added even more functionality. So much so, that they should consider calling it Fixmo Toolshop.

Rather than going over what was covered in the past, have a read of the earlier review and come back to read up on what is new in 2.0. Yes we know about undeleting items, yes we know about memory and battery management. We know it, we love it, we want to see what else is being served up. I expect a lot – knowing their track record and the fact they acquired Chocolate Chunk Apps AND brought aboard Fabian Heuwieser. I know I won’t be disappointed.

We can rebuild him. We have the technology...

Rating at the CrackBerry App Store: 3/5

Rating in BlackBerry App World: 3/5

Price: Regular price is $14.99- at the time of this review it’s on sale for $9.99.

As you (hopefully) read in the previous review of FixmoTools, users first enjoyed the likes of the aptly named Flame Retardant (now called Mail Compliance Manager) feature for emails that “should be standard”. They also had Forward/Reply with Edit option that allows you to edit the original message before sending it off and the Undelete, which saves us from many “oops”, and “sh!t”s when we accidently delete much needed information. This new version (2.0.21 to be precise) has a file size of 3.5 MB. It’s available for BlackBerrys running OS 4.6 or higher, and yes it is working with 6.0. They’ve improved upon the original feature set as well.

Since the review, they have added more options. These include SMS Recovery, which helps you retrieve SMS in email format. You can see the message type, time and sender information (if available). One of the coolest features is the multi clipboard, which gives users the ability to copy and paste numerous items. Do I need to explain how amazing this is?! You can store up to 25 different entries. Other options include a speed test (measure speeds for 3G, EDGE and WiFi), and an easy to use MeetMe feature, which acts as an assistant and includes free time (in your calendar) in an email. You can change the number of suggestions, meeting durations and more. I could go on, but I really want to dig deep into the newest additions to the already impressive features.

RemindmeLater

The perfect addition for the super busy BlackBerry user, or the absent minded. The application is able to create reminders from entries found within your messages, call log or contacts. The reminders can then be placed into your calendar or Tasks application. Fixmo provides keywords, such as; Meet, Contact, email, Call or SMS, in order to remind you of what to do. Unfortunately, these Keywords cannot be selected when attempting to create an entry. You can only change them by manually editing the task or calendar entry or by switching the keyword in the Fixmo Tool app. You can, however, set the time for the reminder manually or choose anywhere between 5 minutes and 3 weeks. One problem occurred when I tried to change the date for the reminder. The window is only usab le in landscape mode, not portrait. In portrait, I couldn’t see the date and year; only the day of the week and month could be seen.

Screenshot

There’s nothing like photographic evidence to save your butt; or burn someone else’s. When activated, you can choose to snap a pic of your BlackBerry screen whenever you see “Get a Screenshot” in the menu. This option cannot be assigned to a convenience key. Say Cheese! Your BlackBerry will vibrate once the screenshot has been taken. These images are saved to the device memory, not to the media card.

Memo

Between this and Remind me Later, I definitely feel the presence of Fabian (Laterdude). You can stick virtual yellow memos on either the left or right side of your screen (or both at the same time) on top of your background. You can enter in what you want to be reminded of, or just keep little love notes to yourself- Fixmo doesn’t judge you (to your face). While you can choose between 1 or 2 and left and/or right, their positioning is fixed.

With the Chocolate Chunk acquisition, Fixmo stacked its tool belt with what they had to offer:

WiFi File Transfer

I actually covered WiFi File Transfer way back in June of 2009- check it out. The functionality is essentially the same. Once connected via WiFi, you should see a popup on your BlackBerry screen with an IP address and Port Number. Plug this into your browser on your PC or Mac. Once you are connected, feel free to start transferring to your hearts content. It’s perfect when you want to quickly (and cheaply) transfer files and you don’t have a USB cable.

WiFi Media Backup

As the name suggests (or blatantly points out), you can, via WiFi, upload your media for you. You can set it up so that once you are near the computer of choice, the media is automatically transferred. You can connect through WiFi or BES. The application also includes a file browser, enabling you to quickly search through files just as you see with WiFi File Transfer.

Remote Print

Over WiFi, users will be able to print from their BlackBerry. Like Media Setup, you need to install the proper software on your PC. It doesn’t have to be a personal printer; you could print to a network printer as well. I was able to print to a network printer at work and was also able to try it out using a few different computers. Shhh, don’t tell the IT department. It can handle memos, images, contacts- you name it, I printed it. I don’t recommend trying to sit on your BlackBerry and print a picture of your butt for two reasons. You’ll crack the screen and it’s disgusting (Geez, you hold the thing in your hands and place it up to your face to make a phone call). Besides, we really don’t need to see any CrackBerry crack.

Conclusion

I read through the comments from the earlier review. I honestly think that those who couldn’t fathom paying the price they were asking should look again. The list of features have not only grown in quantity, but also quality. It’s amazing how soon you rely on the features, without really thinking about them. They feel so natural to use. I strongly suggest you give it a chance- So go on, take a crack at it. Fixmo is currently on sale for $9.99 (from $14.99) at the CrackBerry App Store.

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, Fixmo Inc is offeringan additional, exclusive, discount to the CrackBerry Nation. Use coupon code CBLOVE at checkout from our on-device app store; you can walk away paying only $6.99 for Fixmo Tools. The coupon is valid until March 10th, 2011.

Pros

• More features than you can shake a stick at
• Smooth integration of former Chocolate Chunk apps
• UI easy to navigate

Cons

• Still can’t recover attachments
• Remind Me Later not fully compatible in Portrait mode

More information/download Fixmo Tools 2.0 from the CrackBerry App Store