By the middle of this year, the number of official applications in the Google Play store exceeded one million. One of the most functional applications today is Tasker. Despite the fact that this application belongs to the “Games” category, users need quite a bit of time to master it.
Tasker consistently occupies a leading position among paid software on Google Play.
Tasker has many fans. This is not surprising, because this application allows each user to find their own way to use this application. Thus, Tasker is an automation application. This application is based on the following principle: all actions that the user performs on a mobile device can be easily repeated, and they are all associated with certain events. For example, when you are in a hospital or at the theater, you mute your phone. When you get home from work, you turn on Wi-Fi on your tablet. Tasker makes it possible to perform all such actions in automatic mode. Thus, the owner of a mobile device no longer needs to burden his head with minor problems and has more time for important matters.
The Tasker application today is not the only tool for automating processes on devices running on the operating system. Android system. The same opportunities are provided by Locale, on(x) and others. However, applications as functional as Tasker no longer exist today. With certain skills, using Tasker you can set absolutely any automation scenarios that contain many levels. You can even create your own apps with Tasker.
After downloading Tasker for the first time (free trial version available on the official website of the developer company and is available for seven days) you will most likely be disappointed. The application is more like a box with a designer, in which there are many different parts. Not all parts fit together. There are no ready-made scripts in the application. In order to develop even the simplest sequence of actions, the user will first have to understand the terminology of the Tasker application, as well as the principle of its operation.
Basic terms
To organize work with the application, the user needs to know the meaning of several basic terms: actions, tasks, contexts, projects, profiles, variables, scenes. All operations that can be performed using Tasker can be simplified by the following diagram: if event X occurs, action Y must be automatically performed.
An action can be performed automatically under certain conditions. The action can be sending an SMS message, displaying a notification on the screen, or muting the sound of an incoming call. Only about 200 are available to the user various actions. Most of them have settings that can be linked to each other. In the given formula, X represents a context, condition, or some event that, when it occurs, the program automatically begins to operate.
In addition, the program provides several types of contexts: place, time, date, state, event. If an action needs to be performed when the smartphone is outside the city limits, this is a place context. If an action needs to be done at 8:15 every morning, that's a time context. An example of an event context is incoming call from a specific phone number, and an example of a state context is a specific activity that remains active for some time.
Contexts and actions cannot exist on their own. Contexts are managed by profiles, and actions are managed by tasks. One task can contain any number of actions, and one profile can contain up to two tasks and up to four contexts. This means that within one operation the user can specify the execution of a whole set of actions.
Tasks can contain any number of levels and actions. Tasker even has an action that will run the task. You can create a task that includes an action that will run another task. Also, tasks can be launched within one profile. Tasks can also be launched on their own through the use of shortcuts, widgets and third-party applications.
The profile includes various tasks, contexts. If multiple contexts are used in a profile, only one can be an event context. It is impossible to trigger two contexts at once. The profile also has its own settings, with which you can select the priority for launching tasks, enabling quiet operation mode, specifying the maximum number of alarms, and the minimum allowable period of time between alarms.
Tasker also provides the ability to define user interface elements. In the application they are called scenes. A project is a concept that is used to organize all profiles, tasks and scenes in one place. The project can be exported and created from Tasker settings as separate applications.
Beginning of work
The first thing you need to do after launching Tasker is to switch to normal operating mode in the settings. By default, the program will start in beginner mode. On the tabs you can create tasks, profiles, scenes, and also view a list of existing objects. There is an icon shaped like a lightning bolt at the top of the application window. It is used to quickly disable/enable active profiles. The search function can be used to discover tasks, profiles and scenes that have been created previously. This button can also be used to obtain information about the program, however this opportunity available online only.
As an example, let's try to create a simple profile that will automatically enable Skype application when connecting a headset to the device. To do this, on the profile tab, you need to click the button to create a new application element and select the context “Hardware” - “Headphones connected”. On the profiles tab, click on the button to create a new application element and select the state context “Hardware → Headphones connected.” In the "Type" list, select "With microphone" so that the application responds only when a headset is connected.
Now you can return to the list of profiles and add a new task. You can use any arbitrary name for it. For example, “Launch Skype”. Add a new action to the task. To ensure ease of organization, they are divided into groups, of which there are more than 20 in total. Then go to the “Signal” - “Menu” category. Here you need to configure the desired action. To do this, click in the Items field on the button to add a new element. Now you can click on the button labeled “Action”.
After that, select the “Application” category and select “Launch application”. After that in the list installed applications select Skype. That's all new profile ready to use. All new profiles in Tasker are enabled by default immediately after creation. If you do not plan to use the newly created profile yet, use the switch located opposite the profile name. All user-created tasks are saved in the Tasks tab.
Tasks can be edited and reused when creating a new profile. Each time you add tasks to a new profile, a list of available tasks is shown. If in this list If the wrong task was accidentally selected, you can quickly return to the selection window using the Switch Event button. When you add a context, a similar Switch State button appears.
If you want your profile to contain multiple tasks or contexts, you only need to touch and hold the task that is already in it. A menu will appear asking you to select adding a new item. This menu also has the option to delete current items and clone contexts. This is quite convenient when you need to add two contexts of the same type, the settings of which are slightly changed.
Launching tasks using a widget in manual mode
Tasks, as mentioned above, can be launched either automatically within a specific profile or at the user’s request. One of the most convenient ways manual start is to create a widget of the desired task on the screen. In this case, no conditions will need to be met to run the task.
In order to create a widget to launch a task, you need to go to the list of widgets. Tap and hold the item called Tasker until the widget appears on your Start screen. The task selection menu will appear. You can select from existing tasks or create a new one. Tasker will then prompt you to add additional actions to the task by selecting an icon to use for the widget.
After all settings are completed, you will be able to see this icon on the start screen. Tasker has the ability to launch manually, but the main purpose of this application is to perform tasks automatically. Let's look at the main examples that were used to create the most popular profiles.
Activating the power saving mode when the battery level is low
Many smartphone functions are quite convenient, but at the same time they take a significant toll on your time. battery life devices. If you can't charge mobile device, you can use the Tasker app to set certain features to turn off automatically. To do this, you need to use a context and a task that will consist of just a few actions. Add the following context: “Status” - “Charging” - “Battery charge level”.
In the settings, specify the battery charge level at which the task should be triggered. Create a new task, add the action “Screen” - “Display brightness” to it. Reduce brightness to desired level. After that, go back to adding actions and add the following. You can select “Network” - “change Wi-Fi status”. After this, make sure that the “Disable” status is selected in the settings. After saving the settings, Tasker will automatically turn off Wi-Fi when the battery is low.
You can disable auto-sync. To do this, you need to add the action “Network” - “Auto-sync”. In the “Installation” list, you must select the “Disable” option. You can also add other actions that extend the battery life of your smartphone.
Innings sound signal when overheated
Due to overheating, the mobile device may completely fail. It would be a good idea to find out about the possibility of overheating as early as possible in order to have time to adequately respond to it. this situation. To set such a profile, you can use the event context “Charging” - “Battery overheating”. In your profile, you can use the following type of task: “Signal” - “Sound notification”. Setting up the action will be reduced to selecting the sound. You can select any audio file that is stored on the SD card or in the device memory. You can also set a text notification to appear on the screen. You need to enter text in the “Title” field.
Send notifications based on your current location
If the mobile device you are using is equipped with a GPS module, you can use the “Place” context for settings. For forgetful users this is very useful feature. So, for example, if you keep forgetting to go to the bank and get a new card, you can configure Tasker so that if you are near a bank branch, the program will automatically send you a notification. The place context can also function on the basis of Google maps.
To do this, you will need to specify the coordinates of the bank branch, as well as the context trigger radius. In order to set up receiving SMS notifications, you will need to use a task with the “Send SMS” action. Then enter the required text in the “Message” field and insert your phone number in the “Number” column. The work of the place context can also be based on network settings. But at the same time, location determination will be carried out with less accuracy.
Missed calls and automatic reply to SMS messages
To implement certain actions in the Tasker application, objects such as variables can be used. You can’t do without them if you plan to use your smartphone as an answering machine, sending messages to all numbers from which calls have been received or SMS messages have been received. Let's assume that sending messages should only be sent from time to time when you yourself cannot respond, for example, at night or after hours. To implement such a task in a profile, you need to use two contexts. You will need to create difficult condition trigger actions: “If I receive a message while I’m working or sleeping, I need to do the following...”. By the way, you cannot use one profile both for answering calls and for SMS. Receiving messages and incoming calls are two different contexts. They cannot be used in the same method at the same time.
To set time restrictions, add the “Time” context and set the period of time during which the context will be active. After this, create a task “Phone” - “Send SMS”. In the “Message” field you must enter the text that will be automatically sent in SMS messages. After all the action settings are completed, return to the list of profiles and add a second context to the “Event” - “Phone” - “Message Received” profile.
To create a similar profile for answering missed voice calls, you need to clone the profile and then make some settings. To do this, go to the “Received” context settings text message" and change them to "Event" - "Phone" - "Missed call". After this, you can return to the list of profiles and go to the action settings. In the “Number” field you must enter “%CNUM”. The message will be sent to the same number from which the incoming call was made.
“Is there something like Tasker in iOS?” - this question often nullifies any debate about mobile operating systems. Neither in iOS nor in Windows Mobile There is no tool that even remotely resembles this application. For many advanced users, Tasker has long become a must-have tool, capable of replacing dozens of paid applications. Entire websites and forums are dedicated to it, but in our magazine we wrote about Tasker only once.
What is Tasker? This is a smartphone automation tool that allows you to program the device’s reaction to one or another systemic or not-so-systemic event. Tasker, for example, can respond to turning a smartphone face down and mute the sound in response. It can work when the battery level drops to 30% and switch the smartphone to 2G mode. Using Tasker, you can program GPS to turn on in response to app launch Google Maps or turning on airplane mode at night.
Almost any system event related to sensors or device state can be used by Tasker to launch an action, application, display information, or generate dialog boxes with various controls. In terms of capabilities, Tasker has already become a full-fledged visual programming environment, which can be expanded with numerous plugins available in the market.
Do you want to create your own voice commands? No problem, the market has the AutoVoice plugin. Need the ability to automatically remote control another device or PC? There is AutoRemote for this. What about access to low-level Android settings? Secure Settings is at your service.
How does Tasker work?
As I said earlier, the principle of Tasker is based on reacting to certain events and changes in the state of the smartphone. In Tasker terminology, these are called contexts. You can attach a particular task to a context, which consists of one or more actions. An action can be anything from launching an application to changing certain settings. In the event that we are talking about a long-term context (from nine in the morning to five in the evening, location, etc.), and not a single event (launching an application, for example), there may also be an “exit task” that will work after the completion of the context.
Together, the combination of context, task and sequence of actions is called a profile. Immediately after launching, Tasker will offer to create your first profile - press the “plus” at the bottom of the screen and select desired event or context (eg time). Next, he will offer to attach a task to it, give it a name and define necessary actions. Once the actions are defined, the profile will become active. At any time, you can export your profile and post it online so that others can use it.
In addition to profiles, contexts and tasks, Tasker has the concept of “scene”. It's kind of scripted dialog boxes with buttons, sliders and other Android interface elements. A scene can be created using the visual editor located on the third tab of the main Tasker screen, and then associated with contexts and tasks, thus creating an almost complete application. Using Tasker App Factory, it can be packaged into an APK package and posted on Google Play.
The set of actions built into Tasker can be significantly expanded with the help of third-party plugins, which are available in large quantities on Google Play. I have already mentioned some of them above, others we will consider later. Tasker plugins are included with many well-known applications, so you can automate them too. In particular, Tasker is capable of managing applications such as Screen Filter, Rsync Backup, Folder Sync, DashClock.
How does Tasker work?
In his Tasker work uses two key features Android: Messaging and the open nature of the OS. Unlike many other operating systems, Android's components are largely unrelated to each other and rely on a messaging system to communicate. Messages can either be intended for a specific application/class or have a broadcast nature (broadcastIntent), which allows them to be received by any installed application.
Broadcast messages are used in Android for tasks such as notifying applications about system events: low level battery charge, enable/disable GPS, receive SMS and so on. Initially, all this was invented to make the system and third-party applications work more harmoniously, but Tasker uses such messages to implement the idea of "context".
In addition, Android is quite open to third-party applications, allowing them, among other things, to control the brightness of the display, enable certain settings, launch applications independently, and much more. This OS feature allows Tasker to implement the idea of "tasks" and "actions", and together with the concept of "contexts" they form "profiles", that is, sets of actions that are performed in response to a system event.
On iOS and Windows Phone an analogue of Tasker cannot exist due to the low awareness of applications about system events and serious restrictions on managing the system from third-party applications.
Must have profiles
Let's start with the simplest, but often vital profiles. You can create them in a few seconds, and there will be a lot of benefits. Here are the ones that I have used at different times in one way or another.
— In terms of capabilities, Tasker has already turned into a full-fledged visual programming environment
- Using Tasker App Factory, profiles can be packaged into an APK package and posted on Google Play
- There are dozens of variables that allow you to get the most various information, starting from Bluetooth status and ending with the current processor frequency
Swing control
Some proprietary firmware already has a wave control function, which allows you to switch songs or answer a call by shaking your smartphone. Of course, similar functionality can be replicated using Tasker. Here is the setup algorithm:
Context: Event -> Sensor -> Shake -> Axis: Left-Right Task: Screen -> Block
This is a description of a profile that will turn off the screen after shaking the smartphone in your hand left-right (Axis: Left-Right). You can also attach any other actions available in Tasker as a task. For example, “Audio -> Speakerphone"or "Phone -> Start a conversation." You can also configure the application to launch using “Application -> Launch Application”.
Turning on airplane mode at night
There is no point in keeping your smartphone on at night. On the other side, automatic switching on You can’t configure it in the morning either (this function is only available in Chinese smartphones), but you can set it to airplane mode at night. To do this using Tasker, you will have to install the Secure Settigs plugin (starting with Android 4.2, Google blocked the ability to control airplane mode third party applications), and then configure the profile this way:
Context: Time -> from 1:00 to 7:00 Task: Plugin -> Secure Settings -> Root Actions -> Airplane Mode
To select an action in the plugin itself, click on the pencil icon next to “Configuration”. Instead of airplane mode, you can use "Audio -> Silent Mode" to enable silent mode.
Launching the player when headphones are connected
One of the most popular profiles. Configuration:
Context: Status -> Equipment -> Headphones connected Task: Application -> Launch the application -> Select the desired player
You can also add an additional action to the task that regulates the volume (Audio -> Playback Volume).
Brightness control
On certain devices that you don’t often take outside (for example, tablets), it’s more convenient to adjust the brightness manually. And it’s even more convenient using Tasker. On my tablet, for example, there are two profiles:
Context: Time -> from 9:00 to 20:00 Task: Screen -> Display brightness -> 100 Context: Time -> from 20:01 to 8:59 Task: Screen -> Display brightness -> 0
During the daytime, the brightness is set to a third of the maximum (maximum is 255), the rest of the time - to minimum. Naturally, automatic brightness control should be disabled.
Start USB teasing when connected to a PC
An ideal option for those who often spend time outside the home with a laptop over their shoulder. Very simple and useful profile:
Context: Status -> Connected via USB Task: Network -> Internet via USB 
Saves energy when battery reaches 30 percent charge level
To be honest, I am not a fan of such energy saving methods, but many people, as they say, like it. The idea is to force the smartphone to automatically turn off 3G, GPS, Wi-Fi and set the display brightness to minimum when a critical charge level is reached.
Context: Status -> Charge level -> from 0 to 30 Task: Screen -> Display brightness -> 0 Network -> Mobile. data -> Only 2G Network -> Wi-Fi status -> Turn off Plugin -> Secure Settings -> System+ Actions -> GPS -> Off 
Automation based on location
Obviously, depending on your location, your smartphone should act differently. For example, when outside the home, the lock screen pin and GPS must be turned on, while Wi-Fi can be turned off. At home, you don’t need a locking pin, but you do need Wi-Fi and a high ringer volume (so you can hear the smartphone connected to the charger while in the kitchen). At work/school, it is better to turn on the vibration mode, and in some cases, set up an automatic response to SMS.
Tasker has several location detection methods at its disposal. This is information from GPS satellites, information from cell towers, the fact of connecting to a Wi-Fi network with a certain name, or even being near such a Wi-Fi network. The most economical and universal of them is information from towers, however, if the network coverage is not too dense, they can provide inaccurate information with a spread of several kilometers. In this case, it is better to use orientation via Wi-Fi networks. Even when always on, Wi-Fi is much more economical than a GPS module, which will not be able to sleep if Tasker constantly tugs on it.
Context: state -> network -> connected to a Wi-Fi network -> network name Task: Audio -> Ring volume -> 7 Network -> Auto-sync -> Turn off Plugin -> Secure Settings -> System+ Actions -> GPS -> Off Plugin -> Secure Settings -> Root Actions -> Wireless ADB -> On Plugin -> Secure Settings -> Dev Admin Actions -> Password/Pin -> Disabled
What this profile does: sets the maximum ringer volume, disables auto-sync (why get email notifications at home?), disables GPS, enables ADB over Wi-Fi (to control your smartphone from a PC) and disables the PIN code. The following profile is for the street:
Context: state -> network -> connected to a Wi-Fi network -> “if not” Task: Audio -> Ring volume -> 4 Network -> Auto-sync -> Enable Plugin -> Secure Settings -> System+ Actions -> GPS -> On Plugin -> Secure Settings -> Root Actions -> Wireless ADB -> Off Plugin -> Secure Settings -> Dev Admin Actions -> Password/Pin -> Enabled
The profile sets the opposite settings to the “Home” profile. Latest profile “At work/school”:
Context: Status -> Network -> Connected to a Wi-Fi network -> Network name Task: Audio -> Silent mode -> Vibration Network -> Auto-sync -> Enable Plugin -> Secure Settings -> System+ Actions -> GPS -> Off
Here vibration is turned on instead of a call, synchronization remains on, GPS is turned off. In some of these profiles (especially the last one), it will be more convenient to use the orientation by cell towers. To do this, just replace the context with “Place”. A map will open and you can select the exact location and context trigger radius. It is better to turn off the GPS button at the bottom.
Homemade anti-theft
The market has a lot of different applications to protect against smartphone theft. In no case will I insist on removing them and replacing them with Tasker, but will simply show you how to repeat the same functionality with the ability to precisely tailor it to your own needs. This is very easy to do. Here's a simple profile.
Context: Phone -> Text received. message -> Type: SMS, Sender: “+7...”, Content: “locate” Task: Plugin -> Secure Settings -> System+ Actions -> GPS -> On Task -> Wait -> 30 seconds Miscellaneous -> Get coordinates -> Source: any Phone -> Send SMS -> Number: “+7...”, Message: “Date: %DATE %TIME. Battery: %BATT. Location: %LOC"
When receiving an SMS from the number +7... with the message “locate”, the smartphone will turn on GPS, fall asleep for 30 seconds (so that the smartphone can find satellites), receive coordinates and send them to specified number in this format: “Date: date time. Battery: charge percentage. Location: coordinates." To get the exact location on the map, you just need to enter the coordinates into Google Maps.
Please note that we used variables to generate SMS. They are installed and updated by Tasker itself, so the variables can be used in any text field within the application. In addition to those listed here, there are dozens of other variables that allow you to get a variety of information, ranging from Bluetooth status to the current processor frequency (their descriptions can be found).
The profile can be expanded and modified to sending SMS every five minutes (for this you can use the action “task -> for”, which implements a loop), enable the smartphone lock using a pin, as shown in the previous example, force the smartphone to call the desired number (Phone -> Call), take a photo (Media -> Photo) and send it via MMS (Phone -> Create SMS). If desired, you can create a web application and communicate with it using HTTP POST and GET (Network -> HTTP Post)!
Voice control
Google has an excellent voice analyzer, which by default only works in conjunction with Google Now. But we can also use it to create profiles for Tasker, giving us the ability to launch the actions we need using our voice. To do this, you will need the AutoVoice plugin, which costs one dollar, and just a little bit of ingenuity. The simplest example profile using AutoVoice will be like this:
Context: State -> Plugin -> AutoVoice Recognized -> Event Behaviour: On, Command Filter: “Response to main question life" Task: Signal -> Emergency message -> Text: "42"
This profile will work when AutoVoice recognizes the phrase “The answer to life’s biggest question.” To launch the recognition mechanism itself, you can use the AutoVoice widget, which displays standard dialogue“Say...” and based on the recognition results, launches the desired profile. Another way: create a new profile that will work, for example, when the screen is unlocked and launch the action “Plugin -> AutoVoice Recognize”. In this case, the dialog will be displayed automatically.
An even more interesting way to use AutoVoice is its "always-on recognition" mechanism, which works as long as the smartphone screen is on. In this case, commands can be spoken at any time, and if AutoVoice recognizes them, the desired profile will automatically work. To enable “continuous recognition”, you need to enable external application access in Tasker settings (Settings -> Miscellaneous -> Allow external access), and then enable the “Continous -> Toggle Listener” setting in AutoVoice. Disadvantage of the method: constant exchange of data with Google (or the need to switch to an offline speech recognition engine).
INFO
- AutoVoice is application dependent " Google Search"and refuses to work without it.
- AutoVoice can integrate with Google Now. To get it to do this, you need to install the Xposed framework and download the Google Now API through the AutoVoice settings.
- Tasker can be linked to a Minimalistic Text widget to display your own information.
Remote control
AutoRemote is another interesting plugin from the author of AutoVoice. It allows you to control your smartphone remotely with multiple different ways such as a web interface, a browser plugin, a Windows/Linux application, or using another smartphone on Android based or iOS. Using AutoRemote, you can create profiles that will be triggered when a signal is received from the outside or generate such a signal as a result of some system event. Two copies of AutoRemote installed on different devices, will allow them to exchange information automatically, including the ability to send notifications, messages and activate certain functions on one smartphone in response to an event on another.
Let me warn you right away that the cost of the plugin is four dollars, but there are also free version, the only limitation of which is the length of commands up to two characters. In most cases, this will be quite enough to issue commands such as “Disconnect smartphone” or “Get coordinates” (one character is enough for this), but if the possibility of sending notifications, receiving information from a smartphone and organizing something like a chat is implemented you'll have to fork out the cash.
Like the plugin from the previous section, AutoRemote is also a full-fledged application. After launching it, a link and QR code will appear on the screen. The link can be opened in a browser to gain access to the smartphone management web interface, and the QR code can be scanned with another smartphone with AutoRemote installed and the two gadgets connected to the network. Next, you can start using AutoRemote in your profiles.
For example, let's connect a tablet (name in AutoRemote: tablet) and a phone (name: phone) using AutoRemote and create a set of profiles with which the smartphone will notify the tablet that it has received an SMS. On a smartphone we create the following profile:
Context: Event -> Phone -> Text message received Task: Plugin -> AutoRemote Message -> Device: "tablet", Message: "ss"
On tablet:
Context: State -> Plugin -> AutoRemote -> Event Behaviour: On, Message Filter: "ss" Task: Signal -> Notification -> Title: "SMS", Text: "Received SMS"
Now, when an SMS arrives on your smartphone, a notification will appear on your tablet. Having full version AutoRemote profiles can be extended to include sender information and message text (%SMSRF and %SMSRB variables) in the sent message.
conclusions
Tasker makes the smartphone truly smart device. Using it and many plugins, you can program almost any aspect of the device's operation. The examples shown in the article are only a small part of the iceberg that is hidden behind a simple and pleasant user interface.
You often need to perform routine actions on an Android smartphone - turn on Wi-Fi when you get home, open the media player when you connect a headset, or lower the volume at work. Vesti.High-Tech offers an overview of software that will simplify your life by taking on these tasks.
Let us remember that Android, compared to iOS, gives developers and users significantly more freedom; you can do almost anything with it. However, later versions operating system Google (4.0+) impose restrictions on automation tools. For example, to enable GPS functionality on full blast or switch between 2G and 3G networks, you need Android no higher than 2.3 (or CyanogenMod firmware), and Jelly Bean prevents you from adjusting the sound volume. Of course, directly related to system functions The frames can also be bypassed, but to do this you need to gain root access to the device.
In addition, this kind of program is quite complex for the average user - not everyone will understand the intricacies of setting up numerous rules, triggers and other algorithms. And yet, after spending a couple of hours on them, you can almost completely customize your smartphone to suit your needs and save much more time.
For example, one of the users using powerful utility Tasker made it so that, when approaching a dacha, Android would call the required number to open the gate with remote control. In this case, you don’t have to touch the gadget at all. And the user of another application, Llama, uses it like this: “When I come home, the program turns on Wi-Fi and changes the profile to “Normal.” When I leave the house, the program turns off Wi-Fi and turns on the “Loud” profile. At 11:30 p.m. it turns off GSM module(why wind up the battery at night?), at 6:30 it turns on GSM. On weekends, sound alerts are disabled until 11 am." So the capabilities of the "automators" are limited only by your imagination.
Tasker, which we have already mentioned, is the most feature-rich tool. The utility's interface is divided into three parts: Profiles - here is a list of conditions according to which some action must be performed, Tasks - the actual actions themselves that are associated with profiles, and Scenes ") is a visual editor of automation processes (can be useful if you create applications yourself).
There are 6 types of profiles: if the application is launched, a certain day of the week occurs, exact time or some event if the user is approaching a point on the map (you can set the radius and turn off GPS to save battery) or something happens to the smartphone - the orientation changes, the USB cable is connected, charging drops. The actions can be almost anything (search the Internet, send an SMS, make a call, open a file, and much, much more).
Unfortunately, there is no complete documentation for Tasker, and it has not been translated into Russian, so be prepared to master the utility yourself. It sells for almost 100 rubles. Before paying, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the free trial version (up to 7 days), which can be downloaded from the developer’s website.
Developer: Crafty Apps;
Google Play rating: 4.6 (13,284).
"Automator" based on geolocation. You define a zone (home, work, cottage or any other places), specify a profile (silent, loud, quiet, or create your own) and associate events with them in the desired period of time. In general, the principle of operation of Llama is similar to Tasker: it can perform actions (lock the screen, switch to silent mode, “kill” all processes, launch a program, reboot, reduce display brightness, etc.) based on the time of day and day of the week, battery level, calendar events, headset connection, etc.
Compared to Tasker, there are fewer tasks available in Llama, but there are two undeniable advantages: the utility is localized, and there are preset events (for example, “Silent Night” - in the “Home” zone between 22:00 and 06:30 the profile changes to “Quiet” "). Calculates location not from GPS, but from signals from cell towers and Wi-Fi access points.
Required Android version: depends on the device;
Developer: KebabApps;
Google Play rating: 4.7 (8,525).
It stands out from other utilities due to its simplicity and clarity. The start screen shows two sections: “My Rules” - a list of personal triggers/actions, and “Rules Store” - from here you can download ready-made scenarios created by other users (turn off GPS when loading maps, turn on vibration after the battery is fully charged, activate Bluetooth in a car, etc.).
After installing AutomateIt, users have access to six basic rules - lower the volume when connecting headphones, warn about low battery, turn off the sound at night, and others. The selection of triggers and actions is very large, almost like Tasker, and each has a description in Russian. The basic functionality of AutomateIt is wide, but if you want, for example, to read sensor readings, add combined rules, take into account events from the calendar, you need to purchase paid version(68 rubles)
Developer: SmarterApps Ltd;
Google Play rating: 4.3 (2,360).
The main feature of AA is the ability to attach a sequence of various actions to an event. It supports rules that many other utilities do not have: if the SIM card is changed, you can record what is happening from the smartphone to a file, track the coordinates and send them to your email, or take a photo when you shake the device.
The rest is simple. Create a “program”, assign a trigger (a cross on the left) and an event related to it (a cross on the right). The Pro version (68 rubles) of Android Automate offers some advanced features and disables pop-up advertising.
Android version required: from 2.2;
Developer: monkeysoft;
Google Play rating: 3.4 (25).
Suitable if you don't want to create profiles from scratch, like in Tasker. You can select and configure one of five ready-made ones ("Normal, "Meeting", "Quiet", "Night", "Outdoor"). For example, in the "night" mode, you just need to arrange the switches as needed (vibration motor, speaker volume, White list contacts, data transfer/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, brightness, “wallpaper”, launching applications, etc.).
Profiles turn on themselves if they meet any of the rules. For example, if you want Outdoor mode (along with GPS) to be enabled when you get into your car, add the "Dock" condition to the rule. A special feature of Profile Scheduler is the ability to determine the desired volume for calls or SMS received from each contact, regardless of the selected profile.
Android version required: from 2.2;
Developer: Wetpalm;
Google Play rating: 4.3 (3,416).
The purpose of this program is to support NFC tags as triggers. You can stick a smart sticker on your desktop or dashboard car, and when the smartphone is nearby, remove it - the utility will perform a certain action. In Russia, a set of 5 NFC tags costs about 500-600 rubles.
What’s important is that the program allows you to do without them by using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. For example, if your smartphone connects to your home or work network, you can change the sound profile, dim the display brightness, lock the device, send a tweet, or check in on Facebook.
Introduction
Frankly, thinking about which side to approach this review took almost more time than actually writing it. I don’t know whether to believe or not people who call Tasker the most complex Android application, but the fact remains that the manual for the application that I downloaded from the Internet takes about 200 pages in PDF format. Entire websites and forums are dedicated to individual Tasker profiles and tasks; users make videos about the procedure for working with it and post ready-made scripts- and with all this, it can hardly be said that the application has been studied inside and out. And since I am a complete beginner and layman in Tasker, I decided this: let this text become a kind of introduction, and in the future I will share my experience as I master it. I don’t promise that this will happen regularly or often, but I will try.
What is Tasker and what is it for? This is an application designed to automate various types of actions that your smartphone performs on a regular basis. In other words, Tasker will save you from the need to perform routine manipulations, say, turn on Wi-Fi in a certain place, launch the necessary applications at a specified time or when connecting the appropriate accessories, and the like. Yes, these are the simplest functions that many devices are already trained on. But Tasker's capabilities are much, much wider - right up to creating with its help some semblance of your own applications, if you believe the reviews.
Preliminary conclusion
Tasker is a serious automation application that will not only significantly expand the capabilities of your device and make it more functional and technologically advanced, but will also allow you to experiment and show a certain amount of imagination. A real find for lovers of extraordinary software solutions.
First acquaintance and interface
I would like to start right away with the fly in the ointment, otherwise it will be unclear why some aspects are the way they are. So:
1. Tasker has been translated into Russian, but not completely. And what is translated is not correct everywhere. I was tempted to screen only the English-language interface, but respect for readers who do not speak foreign languages won out.
2. Tasker is completely unintuitive. Having launched the application, you will have to delve into it for a long time and tediously before you can formulate an elementary algorithm of work in your head. Therefore, it is necessary to be patient and thoughtful.
So let's get started:
You have downloaded and installed Tasker. The application will immediately prompt you to create a new profile,
but instead we will first switch from "Beginner" mode to normal mode. To do this, call up the settings and uncheck the box. After that start screen will look like this:
To activate or turn off an application, you need to hold the Tasker icon in the upper right corner. When the application is active, the icon is colored.
We see four tabs: “Profiles”, “Tasks”, “Scenes” and “Variables”. I don’t know, maybe in other versions of the application everything is in Russian. I couldn't find any updates.
So far all tabs are empty. Let's start with "Profiles". The house in the lower right corner brings up a menu that allows you to manage existing profiles. We don't have them yet.
The plus sign in the lower left corner creates a new profile. I suggest you immediately look at a specific example of how this works:
This list contains context options that will automatically trigger certain actions. Let's choose, say, "Time":
That is, you need to specify the time interval within which the actions will be performed. Let's take night time as an example:
To confirm the creation of a profile, you need to click the Tasker button in the upper left corner.
The profile has been created, now you need to fill it with content in the form of tasks. The offer to do this pops up automatically. Click the plus sign.
Let’s call the task “Silent Night” and click on the checkbox. Now you need to select the actions that will be performed as part of the “Silent Night” task.
As you can see, there are many options, but not everyone needs them - moreover, not all of them are practical within the framework of the scenario we need. Let's say we don't want to jump at night from an unexpectedly loud call from our beloved boss. Select "Ring volume" and set the level we need. But the customization options don’t end there. Two intertwined arrows at the top right allow you to set the desired level in percentage - for those who like precision. The plus sign opposite “If” allows you to set additional conditions associated with correlations “and”, “or”, etc. We won’t delve into these jungles just yet, but, as you can see, the possibilities are more than wide.
So, the volume level is set. We need to add a couple more tasks. Let's say, let the brightness of the screen be minimal so that it doesn't hurt our eyes if we get it into our head while we're asleep to look at what time it is. Or respond to an unexpected SMS from a friend/friend. Select "Screen", then "Display Brightness". We set it to 10%, add a checkbox for “Immediate effect” and generally choose any options to your taste.
Now we already have two tasks. Let's come up with a third one, for luck.
For example, for those who have Wi-Fi constantly turned on at home, you can provide it for automatic deactivation at a specified time. Select "Network", then "WiFi Status". Turn it off.
We created three tasks. It looks like this on the "Tasks" tab:
By clicking on the name of a task, you can change the actions included in it or add new ones.
And the “Profile” tab now looks like this:
As you can see, the profile can be disabled. And with an activated profile, it turns out that every day from 00:00 to 06:00:
1. The ringer volume will be minimal.
2. Screen brightness will be 10%.
3. Wi-Fi will not work.
You can also activate the energy saving program, for example. And this will be done automatically, i.e. without any input from us.
Let's practice and create another profile. Let's make sure that when you turn on mobile internet a list of the most relevant applications appeared on the display. Go to the "Profiles" tab again and create a new profile. This time the context will be "State" => "Network" => " cellular". We put the necessary checkboxes.
Create a task called "InetApps". Adding actions. "Signal" => "Menu". Layout (location) is set to Icon Grid Menu (i.e., application icons without their names). Scroll down and under the word Item click the plus sign, then “Action”. Select an application, say Gmail. We repeat the same for each application that we want to see in our list. I also chose VKontakte and Socialife.
This is what the final profile looks like:
We exit and turn on data transfer. Voila: a window with three applications popped up on top of the home screen. Their list can be expanded; if we don’t need any of them this moment, just press the return button. I haven't yet figured out how to get the window back after I've finished working with one of the applications. But everything is ahead.
Well, shall we practice some more? Now let's try to create a link to some application or service. Yes, Tasker allows this too, and you don’t even need to create a profile. Instead, we immediately create a new “Downloads” task. Then "Application" => "Launch application". By activating the "Everything" function at the bottom, we get access not only to regular applications, but also to various services and program files. Find "Downloads". There is a new task.
We exit Tasker, but do not turn it off. Add the Task Shortcut widget to the home screen. A dialog box appears with a list of tasks and a proposal to create a new one. Select the existing “Downloads” task. Now you need to select an icon. The list opens if you click on the square in the lower right corner. For a change, select a different image - “Built-in icon”. Find a suitable one, say, a downward arrow. All that remains is to confirm. The icon appears on the home screen, and it will instantly take us to the list of downloaded files.
So, we have one more main tab left - “Scenes”. In short, this is a tool for creating your own interface elements: buttons, sliders, dialog boxes, etc. One has already appeared - this is the same list of applications that pops up when we turn on data transfer. But in fact, this section deserves a separate full review, its capabilities are so great, including creating your own applications. Which can then be issued in apk file and post it in Play Market. At least that's what they say on forums and websites. In any case, I won’t analyze the Scenes in detail now, but I’d rather write a separate review later.
And there are still Variables left. They allow you to set additional conditions for profiles and tasks, from simple circumstances of place and time to the level of humidity or magnetic field power (if your device can measure it). You can also create your own variables. This is also a subject for further study and review.
Well... that's it. I hope this introductory excursion did not seem too chaotic or superficial to you. I would appreciate fair criticism. In the future, I am going to dwell in more detail on the features of this interesting application in all respects. Personally, it’s already clear to me: Tasker is a real find for an inquisitive mind.
Thank you for attention!
P.S. Oh yes, I forgot to say that Tasker is a paid application. But I think the developers deserve every penny.
Tasker Android
"Contexts" define the situation in which a certain action is performed. This could be the time of day, location, phone condition (for example, charging).
“Tasks” is a list of actions for a specific situation. This includes everything from turning system settings on/off to sending messages.
If your phone's charge drops to 20 percent ("context"), Wi-Fi turns off ("task").
There are an infinite number of combinations of situations and actions, both simple and complex, it's all up to you. Android forums are full of examples of interesting applications Tasker, but if you're new to this, you'll need some basic guidance first.
When you run Tasker, you will be taken to the Profiles tab. this is where the combinations you created (contexts + tasks) are listed. At the bottom of the screen is a big plus - a button that you will use when creating a new profile. The best way familiarize yourself with the application - create several such profiles.
1. Turn on the music application when connecting headphones
In this situation, every time you connect headphones, the music application menu will appear.
Click on the plus to create a new profile. Name it, for example, “Music” and click the checkmark. From the context menu, select State > Hardware > Headset Plugged. Then - a green tick. Next, the task selection menu will appear. Select a new task (New Task), name it “start music”. Click on the blue plus. Basically, it's everything your phone can do. Select Alert > Menu. In the "items" section, click the gray "Action" button. Then App > Load app and one of the music apps you want to load. To add another application, click on the green plus, the "Action" button and repeat the above steps. When finished, click the green checkmark.
2. Disabling certain processes when the battery level is low
This task will turn off power-hungry processes when the battery level is low. Click on the plus to create a new profile. Name it "Battery" and click the checkmark. From the context menu, select State > Power > Battery Level. Set the minimum level slider to zero, the maximum slider to twenty. Click the check mark. In the task selection menu, click "New Task" and name it "Low Battery". In the next window, click on the blue plus. Here you can select the settings that will be disabled when given level charge. To turn off auto-sync, do the following: Net > Auto-Sync and click on the checkbox. To add another task, click on the blue plus. To turn off Wi-Fi - Net > Wi-Fi > check mark.
Repeat this procedure for any other processes you want to disable. For example, you can do this for Bluetooth (Net menu section) or display brightness (Display menu section).
3. Starting a task from the application icon on the homescreen
Tasks are usually associated with contexts such as location, time, and state. However, you can associate a task with an icon on the homescreen, it will only be executed when you click the latter. To create a widget, long-press on the homescreen, then tap "Add to Home Screen". Then click on "apps" and go to the widgets tab. This process may vary depending on the version of your Android and OEM. Find a widget Tasker and add it to your homescreen. The job selection menu appears. Here you can select what you need. Click "New Task", give it a name, then click on the blue plus to add your first task. The choice of tasks is very large (from composing a message, to turning off Wi-Fi and opening the settings menu). You can add any number of tasks to the widget - just click on the blue plus.
Loading...
