“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 startup Google apps Maps or turning on flight 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 environment programming, 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 the 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, you can package it into an APK package and upload it to 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 its work, Tasker uses two key Android features: 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 hand, automatic switching on in the morning cannot be configured 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 new profile, which will work, for example, when the screen is unlocked and will 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 in automatic mode, including the ability to forward 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 -> Received text message 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.
Which we will talk about now is what you need. The program is designed to automate a smartphone or tablet. It allows you to configure specific device actions for any event.
HOW TASKER OPERATES
The principle of operation of “Tasker” is to respond to a device to some event and change its state or settings. To select events in the program, “Profiles” are used. A “Task” (TASKS), or several “Tasks”, is attached to the “Profile”, which will be performed if the requirements, events, etc., specified in this “Profile” are met. The “Tasks” can contain one or several actions , which are processed one by one, one after another, either immediately or with some specified interval (delay), if necessary. The program has a huge number of actions; we will not be able to consider everything in this article. The purpose of this article is to explain the principle of operation of the program, as well as its capabilities. We will describe how to start working with this program “from scratch”, how to create “Profiles” and attach “Tasks” to them.
After installing the application, the first thing you need to do is- go to the application settings and disable the “Beginner Mode” (the so-called “mode for beginners”). To do this, click “3 dots” in the upper right corner of the screen and select “Settings”. In the first tab “INTERFACE”, uncheck the “Beginner Mode” item.
Also, here you can disable animation, tactile confirmation, hints, etc. We are only interested in the first point, because All the screenshots presented below were taken in the normal operating mode of the program, and may differ from what will be displayed on your screen if the “Beginner Mode” is activated.
To avoid this warning in the future:
You must grant “Tasker” permission in the “Accessibility” section of your smartphone settings.
Now you can start creating a “Profile”. First, let's look at creating a small “Profile” (and “Tasks” for it); the entire sequence of actions will be accompanied by screenshots to make it easier to get used to the program.
Before creating each “Profile”, its “Purpose” will be explained. Next step there will be “Statement of the task”, and then, in fact, “Completing the task”, and at the end there will be small comments (if necessary).
PROFILE No. 1
Purpose: When taking photographs, it is convenient when the brightness is at maximum, it is easier to adjust ISO and white balance when using manual mode, also when viewing photographs, at 100% brightness it is better to see whether the frame turned out well.
Formulation of the problem: When opening the applications: “Gallery” and “Camera” - increase the screen brightness by 100%, set the display delay to 1 minute (also convenient, so that the screen does not darken (turn off) prematurely when viewing photos in the gallery). When leaving above specified applications– brightness 25%, screen delay – 30 seconds.
Completing the task:
The first step is to create a “Profile”. In the “PROFILES” tab at the bottom of the screen, click “+”.
In the drop-down menu you need to select the action that will activate this “Profile”. Select “Application” (in our case, it is the applications that activate the “Profile”: “Gallery” or “Camera”).
In the list of applications installed on the smartphone that appears, mark the necessary ones (“Gallery” and “Camera”).
You can select as many applications as you like (at least all), it is at your discretion, but we adhere to the task, so we highlight 2 applications. Click the back arrow “←” in the upper left corner (in the future this action will be designated as such).
Now we have 1 created “Profile”, its name is “Gallery or Camera”.
Later we will rename this “Profile” so that the name makes it clear what it is responsible for (we will do the same with “Tasks”). This is necessary so as not to get confused between “Profiles” (“Tasks”) when there are many of them. If you don’t plan to use a large number of “Profiles” or you are happy with this name, then you can leave it as it is.
Let's move on to creating a “Task”
To the right of “Profile” - “Gallery or Camera”, there is an item “New task” and “+”, click it.
A field will appear in which you need to add the name of the “Task” to be created.
Let's enter: "Brightness 100". And click the “tick” (hereinafter referred to as “√”) on the right.
A new “Task” window will appear where you need to add actions. To add, click “+” in the lower right corner.
In the next list “Select Screen action”, select: “Auto brightness control”.
Select the value: “Disable”
We add here disabling “Auto-Brightness” in case this function has been activated, in this case the “Task” - “Brightness 100” - will not work. Press “←”.
Add the following action by clicking: “+”.
Select the item: “Screen”.
Set the brightness level to “255” (255 is 100%). Press “←”.
Add another action “+”
Press “←”.
It should look like this:
In this “Task” we got 3 actions.
Now in the “PROFILES” tab there is 1 “Profile” with 1 linked “Task” “input” (green arrow). In the “TASKS” tab there is 1 “Task”.
“Profile No. 1” is already working, if you now try to launch the “Gallery” application, then all 3 actions that we have prescribed in the “Task” linked “to the input” will be performed in order - “Brightness 100”. 1. Auto screen brightness will turn off. 2. The brightness will turn on 100%. 3. Screen delay - now 1 minute. This would be the end of setting up this “Profile”. In this case, when you exit the “Gallery” application, the settings that were before this “Profile” was triggered will be activated. But it’s better to assign a “Task” that will be executed when this “Profile” is deactivated. It is not known what screen settings were before activating the “Task” “Brightness 100”, without an assigned “output” task, the device will return exactly to them, but we do not need this. We want to have clear settings at every stage of the device's operation. Towards the end of this article you will understand what this means.
So, let’s create a new “Task”, call it “Brightness 25%” (in the future, the brightness can be changed to suit your preferences, because the brightness is at different devices is different and perhaps the brightness at 25% will not be enough, or vice versa, the brightness will be excessive). You can simply create a new “Task” and set all the same actions in reverse (on, off), or set other values (100%, 25%), but since... we have 3 actions in the “Task” (in the “Profiles” and “Tasks”, which will be described below, there will be many more of them), then each action will have to be added anew, manually. It's inconvenient and takes time certain time. To speed up the process of creating a “Task” in “TASKER” there is a convenient “Clone” function. With its help, it is convenient to create a copy of the “Task” (this function also works with “Profiles”; we will need this in the future), changing its name and then changing the values to the required ones. To use the Clone function, you need to press and hold the Task (Profile) for which you want to create a copy. In our case, this is the “Task” “Brightness 100%”. After highlighting “Tasks”, click the “3” dots in the upper right corner of the screen, select “Clone”.
Enter the name for the created “Task” “Brightness 25%” and press “√”.
Now in the “Tasks” tab there are two “Tasks”
We need to change the actions in the “Task” “Brightness 25%”, go into it. Delete 1 item “Auto-adjust. brightness”, we don’t need this (we get rid of the work of this sensor, saving the battery). To do this, press and hold this item, a panel with possible actions will appear at the top, select “Scissors” (delete).
We change the values in the two remaining actions. Go to “Display Brightness”, set the value to 64 (this is 25% brightness - 255 / 100 * 25 = 63.75), press “←”.
Go to “Display delay”, set the value to 30 seconds, press “←”.
We get the following:
Press “←”.
Go to the “PROFILES” section. Now we need to assign the “Task” to “Brightness 25%” so that it will trigger when we minimize (or close) the applications: “Gallery” and “Camera”. To do this, press and hold the assigned “input” “Task” “Brightness 100”. In the menu that appears, select “Add Exit Task”
and select “Task” “Brightness 25%”
The result is the following:
The “task” that is triggered when launched is a green arrow; when the application is minimized (closed) there is a red arrow.
Let's rename "Profile". While we have the name: “Gallery and Camera”, let’s enter something more understandable, for example: “Brightness MAX”. To do this, press and hold the name and select “Name” in the menu that appears.
Enter the name and press “√”.
It turned out like this:
At this point, the creation of “Profile No. 1” can be considered complete, it is completely ready for work. How to check the functionality of the created “Profile”? We collapse “Tasker”. Launch the Camera application. The screen brightness should increase to its maximum value. If we swipe down the screen, then in the curtain we can see which “Profile” (or “Profiles”) of the Tasker program are active in this moment(the name of the active “Profile” is displayed), and also make sure that the screen brightness is set to maximum.
And vice versa, when minimizing (closing the program), we will see that there are no active “Profiles” and the screen brightness is reduced to 25%, as actually indicated in the “Task”, which is triggered when this “Profile” is deactivated.
We made sure that “Profile” works. If it doesn’t work for you, double-check whether “Tasker” is enabled in “Accessibility”, we wrote about this at the beginning of the article. And also, in order for Tasker to work continuously and the application not to close after some time, you need to do the following:
1. Go to “Security” - “Applications” - “Permissions” - “Autorun”
2. Find the “Tasker” application and activate it, thereby giving permission to start automatically when you turn on the smartphone.
3. “Security” - “Power” - “Application activity” - “Tasker”
Set the value to “No restrictions”
4. “Security” - “Applications” - “Permissions” - “Other permissions”
We give all permissions (we will need this in the future)
Now the work of Tasker will not be limited. These settings are suitable for any application. If, for example, you do not receive messages in any messenger, make the settings described above for it and your problems will be solved.
Let's move on to creating the next “Profile”.
PROFILE No. 2
“Profile No. 2” is much simpler and smaller than the previous one, but due to the fact that the creation of “Profile No. 1” was described in great detail (assuming that you are using Tasker for the first time) and was accompanied by screenshots when creating this “Profile” ( and “Tasks” for it), a “chain” (sequence) of actions will be described (there will be much fewer screenshots - only the results obtained). So, if you did not understand something (or something did not work out) when you created “Profile No. 1”, it is better to delete the created “Profile” and “Tasks” and try to create them again, according to the instructions. Those. It’s better for you to understand how the program works at the initial stage, to understand what and how it works. The “profiles” described below will be much larger, more functional, and, accordingly, more complex. In addition, the “Profiles” will overlap. We will show you this example at the end of creating “Profile No. 2”
Purpose: For everyday use, we don’t need the screen’s auto-rotate to be turned on all the time; it happens, even sometimes, that it’s annoying when the screen changes orientation at moments when you don’t want it. Also, as in the previous “Profile”, a constantly activated sensor has a negative impact on battery consumption. If in “Profile No. 1” it was a light sensor, then in “Profile No. 2” it was a screen rotation sensor (accelerometer).
Auto-rotate the screen will come in handy when taking photos, viewing photos, these are again the “Gallery” and “Camera” applications, but it will also be convenient if auto-rotate is turned on when launching the following applications: “Browser”, video player (let it be “MxPlayer” ), "YouTube". In our example, we will focus on 5 applications, but you can add to this list as many programs as you like that, in your opinion, require auto-rotation.
Formulation of the problem: When opening applications: “Gallery”, “Camera”, “Browser”, “MxPlayer”, “YouTube” - enable screen auto-rotation. When closing (minimizing) the application, it is disabled.
Completing the task:
“PROFILES” ⇒ “+” ⇒ “Application” ⇒ Select 5 applications ⇒ “←” ⇒ “New task” “+” ⇒ enter the name “Tasks” - “Auto-rotate ON” ⇒ “√” ⇒ “+” ⇒ “Screen” ⇒ “Rotate screen” ⇒ “Enable” ⇒ “←” ⇒ “←”.
“Profile” and 1 “Task” have been created. A little about punctuation in the “chain” of actions:
“⇒” - all actions are separated by this icon.
“√”—tick (for example, when entering a name).
“←” - “Press the back arrow” (to go to the previous window).
“←” ⇒ “←” — press the back arrow 2 times.
We create the second “Task” - “output”:
Go to the “TASKS” tab ⇒ select and hold “Auto-rotate ON” ⇒ click “3 dots” in the upper right corner ⇒ “Clone” ⇒ change the name to “Auto-rotate OFF” ⇒ “√” ⇒ go to “Task” “Auto-rotate OFF” ⇒ change the value to “Disable” ⇒ “←” ⇒ “←”.
We attach the “Task” “output” to the “Profile”:
Go to the “RPOFILES” tab ⇒ select and hold the “Task” assigned “to the input” “Auto-rotate ON” ⇒ “Add Exit Task” ⇒ select “Auto-rotate OFF”.
I am changing the name of the “Profile”:
Press and hold the name of the “Profile” ⇒ “Name” ⇒ enter the name “Auto-rotate” ⇒ “√” in the field.
The second “Profile” is ready, 2 “Tasks” have been created for it - “input” and “output”. Now we should display 2 “Profiles” in the “PROFILES” tab, and 4 “Tasks” in the “TASKS” tab.
Why did we create two “Profiles” instead of one? After all, it was possible to add a command to enable auto-rotation in “Profile No. 1”, and all the prescribed actions would be performed when the “Gallery” and “Camera” applications were launched. The fact is that we don’t need maximum screen brightness in three of the five applications in “Profile No. 2,” but auto-rotate is needed in all five. What does it mean? Now, when you launch the “Gallery” and “Camera” applications, 2 “Profiles” will work simultaneously: No. 1 and No. 2, because application data is registered in both “Profiles”. But when you launch the applications: “Browser”, “MxPlayer” and “YouTube”, only “Profile No. 2” will be activated.
For greater clarity, here are screenshots with activated (and deactivated) “Profiles”. In the first case, when you launch “Gallery”, two “Profiles” are active. In the second, when you launch YouTube, one “Profile” is active (1st screenshot in each link). Accordingly, when minimizing (or closing) the specified applications, “Profile” (“Profiles”) is deactivated and “Tasks” assigned “to output” (“Auto-rotate OFF” and “Brightness 25%”) are executed, which is clearly visible on the 2nd screenshot in each link.
When you launch "Gallery"
When you launch YouTube
PROFILE No. 3
Purpose: This “Profile” is designed to configure your smartphone for indoor use. The main criterion here will be connection to a certain Wi-Fi networks. The principle is simple: if we are connected to Wi-Fi, we are indoors; if we are not connected, we are outdoors (this is what happens most often).
Formulation of the problem:(for convenience, we will divide the tasks into points)
1. Because we are indoors, we reduce the screen brightness, let it be at 100 out of 255, approximately 40%, then you can change this value according to your preferences.
2. We most likely do not need vibration mode, due to the fact that the phone is not in a pocket, but on the table (if it’s different for you, we’ll skip it).
3. The volume of the call is lower than on the street, for example - 10 out of 15.
4. Notification volume - 10.
5. Launch some kind of internal chat that works only within the enterprise network, let there be an application - jTalkmod (if not needed, skip it).
6. Disable data transfer via mobile network(why do we need to use this network if we are connected to a Wi-Fi network). Disabling this module again has a positive effect on battery consumption.
7. You can add here (since we are connected to Wi-Fi) to enable synchronization, but this is optional (we will add this item here, for example).
8. Change the wallpaper to lighter ones upon activation, change to dark ones when exiting (also for example, to understand the capabilities and functionality of “Tasker”). Why dark wallpaper when leaving? Outdoors in sunny weather, information is better visible on the screen if the background is dark.
9. Display a notification on the screen that the “Profile” is activated.
Completing the task:
“PROFILES” ⇒ “+” ⇒ “Status” ⇒ “Network” ⇒ “Connected to Wifi networks" ⇒ click the "magnifying glass" icon in the "SSID" line, select the name of the network (or several) from the available ones, or enter it manually ⇒ "←" ⇒ "New task +" ⇒ enter the name "Wifi ON" ⇒ "√"
1. “+” ⇒ “Screen” ⇒ “Display brightness” ⇒ set the level to “100” ⇒ “←”.
2. “+” ⇒ “Audio” ⇒ “Vib. when calling" ⇒ "Turn off" ⇒ "←".
3. “+” ⇒ “Audio” ⇒ “Ring volume” ⇒ set the level to “10” ⇒ “←”.
4. “+” ⇒ “Audio” ⇒ “Notification volume” ⇒ set the level to “10” ⇒ “←”.
5. “+” ⇒ “Applications.” ⇒ “Launch the application” ⇒ select “jTalkback” ⇒ “←”.
6. “+” ⇒ “Network” ⇒ “Mobile access.” data" ⇒ "Turn off" ⇒ "←".
7. “+” ⇒ “Network” ⇒ “Auto sync.” ⇒ “Enable” ⇒ “←”.
9. “+” ⇒ “Signal” ⇒ “Emergency.” message" ⇒ enter the message text ⇒ "←" ⇒ "←".
Create a “Task” - “Wifi OFF” using the “Clone” command, change the values in it:
1. “+” ⇒ “Screen” ⇒ “Display brightness” ⇒ “255” ⇒ “←”.
2. “+” ⇒ “Audio” ⇒ “Vib. when calling" ⇒ "Enable" ⇒ "←".
3. “+” ⇒ “Audio” ⇒ “Ringer volume” ⇒ “15” ⇒ “←”.
4. “+” ⇒ “Audio” ⇒ “Notification volume” ⇒ “15” ⇒ “←”.
5. Delete this item
6. “+” ⇒ “Network” ⇒ “Mobile access.” data" ⇒ "Enable" ⇒ "←".
7. “+” ⇒ “Network” ⇒ “Auto sync.” ⇒ “Turn off” ⇒ “←”.
8. “+” ⇒ “Screen” ⇒ “Background image.” ⇒ select a picture from the “Gallery” ⇒ “←”.
9. “+” ⇒ “Applications” ⇒ “Stop application” ⇒ select “jTalkback”, check the “use root” box ⇒ “←”. (the “Stop application” function only works if there is )
10. “+” ⇒ “Network” ⇒ “Change Wifi status” ⇒ “Disable” ⇒ “←”.
11. “+” ⇒ “Signal” ⇒ “Emergency.” message" ⇒ enter the message text ⇒ "←".
In the “Task” “Wifi OFF” we got one more item (1 - deleted, 2 - added). In the 9th point - we completed the application, because This application only works when connected to a specific Wi-Fi network (on the company's internal network). At point 10, we turned off the Wi-Fi network. Why do we need to keep this module turned on, which constantly polls the network and looks for available networks to connect to (remember the battery).
In this “Profile”, when creating “Tasks” (items 9, 11), we added a notification display on the screen when the “Profile” was activated (disabled). We will not describe this point further. If you like this feature, simply add it as the last item in the “Tasks” you create.
In order for your smartphone to understand when you are outside and when you are indoors, you need to register all the Wi-Fi networks that you use in a “Profile”. This can be either one “Profile” or several. For example, you can create a similar “Profile” for a home by entering there home network and necessary actions. Or create one single “Profile” with the name “Wi-Fi”, which will list all the networks used, if the list of actions performed is the same.
PROFILE No. 4
Purpose: Automatically turns on the GPS module at startup certain programs. For this “Profile” to work, you need Root rights, as well as a “plugin” for “Tasker” - “ Secure Setting«.
Formulation of the problem: Let's select programs that require location determination. Let it be: “Maps”, “RuTaxi”, “Navitel”. When these applications are launched, GPS is activated, when exited it is turned off.
Completing the task:
Create a “Profile”:
“+” ⇒ “Application” ⇒ select applications ⇒ “←”.
We create a “Task” - “for input”:
“New task” ⇒ enter a name ⇒ “√” ⇒ “+” ⇒ “Plugin” ⇒ “Secure Settings” ⇒ “Configuration” ⇒ “System+ Actions” ⇒ “GPS” ⇒ “Enable” ⇒ “←” ⇒ “←”.
We create a “Task” - “output”:
“New task” ⇒ enter a name ⇒ “√” ⇒ “+” ⇒ “Plugin” ⇒ “Secure Settings” ⇒ “Configuration” ⇒ “System+ Actions” ⇒ “GPS” ⇒ “Disable” ⇒ “←” ⇒ “←”.
PROFILE No. 5
Let's move on to creating more complex “Profiles”.
Let's consider a “Profile”, for which several conditions must be met. For example, let's create a “Profile” in which the screen brightness will be adjusted depending on the time of day and for the “Outdoor” mode.
To determine that we are outdoors, we use the same means as before, namely, whether the smartphone is connected to any Wi-Fi network or not. Only here we do not use specific connections to certain networks, but simply whether there is a connection or not, no matter what Wi-Fi network. The second criterion under which this “Profile” will be triggered will be the set time interval specified by us. You need to understand that this “Profile” will be activated only if both conditions are met. After creating your "Profile", you will understand what we mean.
Purpose: When you are outside in the daytime - maximum screen brightness, in the evening and at night - (let it be) 30%.
Formulation of the problem: If we are not connected to a Wi-Fi network, and also in the time interval from 8.00 to 16.00 (you can adjust the time to suit yourself, it’s just getting dark early now, so the value was chosen at 16.00, in the summer the situation is different, you can adjust it in the future). — screen backlight brightness — 100%. If at least one condition is not met, the “Profile” is deactivated and the brightness value is set to 30%. Those. if we connect to a Wi-Fi network and in the time interval 16.01 to 7.59, this “Profile” is disabled or simply does not work.
Completing the task:
“PROFILES” ⇒ “+” ⇒ “Status” ⇒ “Network” ⇒ “Connected to a Wifi network” ⇒ put a checkmark at the bottom, in the “If not” section ⇒ “←” ⇒ “New task +” ⇒ enter the name “Street day” ⇒ "←"
“+” ⇒ “Screen” ⇒ “Display brightness” ⇒ “Configuration” ⇒ level “255” ⇒ “←” ⇒ “←”.
Create a “Clone” “Tasks” “Street Day”, call it “Street Night”. Change the brightness value to “77” (30%). Add to the “Profile” the “Task” “for the exit” - “Street night”.
We add one more condition for triggering the “Profile”, to do this, press and hold the first condition, in the menu that appears, select the “Add +” item, select “Time” and set the values from: 8:00 to: 16:00 “←”.
Here is an example of a screenshot, which shows that the “Profile” now has 2 conditions:
As we see, the name of “Profile” turned out to be very long and not informative, we change its name, for example to: “Street day”.
Now let's look at the current time in the smartphone: 14.31. This time falls within the range that we have defined (from 8.00 to 16.00). Therefore, this condition is highlighted in green, because complied with. And the second condition is highlighted in gray - it is not met, due to the fact that Wi-Fi is currently connected. Let's try turning off Wi-Fi.
Now you can see that both conditions are met (highlighted in green), so the “Profile” has been activated (also highlighted in green).
Now you know how to create “Profiles” with several conditions. To be fair, we note that there can be any number of conditions in the “Profile”, i.e. you can come up with and create a completely crazy “Profile” with a huge number of conditions and it will only work if all of them are met. But, as practice shows, it is better to create several “Profiles” with one or more conditions (even if they intersect (execute together)) than one “Profile” with a large number of them. It’s easier to figure it out with a few simple “Profiles” if suddenly something doesn’t work or works, but not the way you would like it to.
PROFILE No. 6
For example, let's create a “Profile” similar to the previous one, only in this case we will set up “night mode” when you are at home. There may be several options. At night, when you are sleeping, you can turn off the ringer and notification volumes, leave only the vibration mode (or turn it off too), or you can even turn on “Airplane mode”, thereby turning off all networks (the phone will be “out of network coverage”), phone calls , SMS and other notifications will not be received. If you are not worried that someone will not be able to reach you at night, then this is the best option, and in this case, battery consumption will be minimal.
Why do we take one of the conditions for this “Profile” to be at home. It’s just that if you are not at home, that means you are “on the move”, at work, at a party, or anywhere, in a word, you are not sleeping, which means you most likely do not need to turn off the volume or the phone. You need it in working order. If you activate this “Profile” simply by time, you may not notice that the phone has turned off and miss an important call or message.
Purpose: When at home, turn off the ringer and notification volumes, enable (or disable) vibration mode or activate “Airplane Mode” (at your discretion) from 22.00 to 7.00, reduce screen brightness to 10% (at night this is quite enough, if not, set your value) .
Formulation of the problem: If we are not connected to a Wi-Fi network (home), and also in the time interval from 22.00 to 7.00 - ring and notification volume is “0”, vibration mode is activated (or “Airplane mode”), screen backlight brightness is 10% .
Completing the task:
Let's start by installing “Airplane Mode” (if you are happy with this option, then stop there). Root rights and plugin required " Secure Setting«.
“PROFILES” ⇒ “+” ⇒ “Status” ⇒ “Network” ⇒ “Connected to a Wifi network” ⇒ Select a network ⇒ “←” ⇒ “New task +” ⇒ enter the name “Night” ⇒ “←”.
“+” ⇒ “Plugin” ⇒ “Secure Settings” ⇒ “Root Action” ⇒ “Airplane Mode” ⇒ “On” ⇒ “←”.
“+” ⇒ “Screen” ⇒ “Display brightness” ⇒ “Configuration” ⇒ level “25” ⇒ “←” ⇒ “←”.
We make a “Clone” for the “Task” “Night”, change the name, for example: “Day”. Change the values to “Off” and set the required brightness. Sets the “Task” to “Day” - “to exit”.
We add one more condition for triggering the “Profile”, to do this, press and hold its name, select the “Add +” item, select the time and set the values from: 22:00 to: 7:00 “←”.
If you need the phone to be “in touch”, then we do not turn on “Airplane Mode”, but turn on the vibration mode. (not vibration when calling, but mode). In this case, the volume of all notifications is automatically turned off, leaving only vibration.
“+” ⇒ “Audio” ⇒ “Vibrate mode” ⇒ “On” ⇒ “←”.
Brightness setting - as in the example above.
We do the “output task” by analogy, with opposite values.
Disable all notifications, including vibration. You can set the value “0” to such parameters as: “vibration when calling”, “ringer volume”, “notification volume”. But there is an easier way, in one action, to activate the Do Not Disturb mode.
“+” ⇒ “Audio” ⇒ “Do Not Disturb” ⇒ “All” ⇒ “←”.
The rest of the steps are the same.
PROFILE No. 7
Purpose: Let's create another small “Profile” that will turn on the power saving mode when the smartphone screen is turned off.
Formulation of the problem: When the screen is turned off (locked), enable the “Battery saver” mode. When the screen is unlocked, it returns to normal mode.
Completing the task:
“PROFILES” ⇒ “+” ⇒ “Event” ⇒ “Screen” ⇒ “Screen off” ⇒ “Priority” - “Normal” ⇒ “←” ⇒ “New task +” ⇒ enter the name “Battery saver” ⇒ “←”.
“+” ⇒ “System” ⇒ “Power mode” ⇒ “Mode” - “Battery saver” ⇒ “←”.
In this situation, there is no need to create an “exit task” (and you won’t be able to do this), just when the screen is unlocked, the “Battery saver” mode will be disabled.
PROFILE No. 8
Purpose: “Profile”, which will significantly reduce battery consumption, again, when the screen is off.
Formulation of the problem: When the screen is turned off (locked), switch the mode SIM operation- cards in 2G mode. As you know, in this mode, energy consumption is significantly lower than when using 3G, not to mention 4G (LTE). Yes, it wouldn’t hurt to add a condition here that states that we are not currently connected to the Wi-Fi network. If you remember, in one of the previous “Profiles”, we prescribed disabling data transfer over the mobile network, while Wi-Fi connection, so there is no need to switch the SIM card operating mode to 2G mode if you are on Wi-Fi. The fact is that when switching from 3G (LTE) to 2G and back, the SIM card turns off for a few seconds due to the fact that it is registered in a different network. This is a minor inconvenience, but in this case there are more advantages (battery saving) than disadvantages. When the screen is unlocked, the SIM card returns to normal operation mode.
Completing the task:
“PROFILES” ⇒ “+” ⇒ “Event” ⇒ “Screen” ⇒ “Screen off” ⇒ “Priority” - “Normal” ⇒ “←” ⇒ “New task +” ⇒ enter the name “2G ON.” ⇒ "←".
“+” ⇒ “Network” ⇒ “Mob. 2G/3G data" ⇒ "Mode" - "2G only" ⇒ "←".
We add one more condition for triggering the “Profile”:
“Add +” ⇒ “Status” ⇒ “Network” ⇒ “Connected to a Wifi network” ⇒ check the box below “If not”.
We create a “Task” “for output”, make “Clone” “Tasks” “2G On” - call it “2G On”, change the value to “3G Only”.
PROFILE No. 9
Let's create a “Profile” for those who like to listen to music on headphones.
Purpose: When connecting headphones, launch the audio player.
Formulation of the problem: Everything is clear from the purpose.
Completing the task:
“PROFILES” ⇒ “+” ⇒ “Status” ⇒ “Equipment” ⇒ “Headphones connected” ⇒ “Type” - “Any” ⇒ “←” ⇒ “New task +” ⇒ enter the name “Music ON” ⇒ “←”.
“+” ⇒ “Applications.” ⇒ “Launch the application” ⇒ Select your favorite player ⇒ “←”.
Now, when you connect headphones to the 3.5 mm jack, the audio player you have chosen will launch, and depending on its settings, playback of music from the playlist may automatically start.
If you wish, you can add a “Task” “to the output”, which will close the player (in one of the “Profiles” we described how this is done) if you plug in the headphones.
PROFILE No. 10
Well, perhaps the last “Profile” in this article.
Purpose: When the battery is charged to 100%, a sound or vibration notification is output.
Completing the task:
“PROFILES” ⇒ “+” ⇒ “Event” ⇒ “Charging” ⇒ “Battery. charged" ⇒ "Priority" - "Normal" ⇒ "←" ⇒ "New task +" ⇒ enter the name "Battery 100%" ⇒ "←".
To notify with sound, do this:
“+” ⇒ “Media” ⇒ “Play Ringtone” ⇒ “Type” - “Notification” ⇒ select sound file by clicking “magnifying glass” ⇒ “Stream” - “Notification ⇒ “←”.
For vibration notification:
“+” ⇒ “Signal” ⇒ “Vibration” ⇒ set the vibration duration ⇒ “←”.
To make the vibration different from a regular vibration when you receive a notification, you can do this:
In this case, you will receive 4 short and 1 long vibrations with an interval of 300 ms.
CONCLUSION
Having read this article to the end, you should have understood why the Tasker program is needed, its potential and capabilities. Considering that we have described only some of the possibilities, the smallest part of them, imagine how you can customize this program “for yourself”, using a little imagination, analyzing the everyday actions you do with your smartphone, spending a little time on mastering (although after this article, we believe that everything should work out for you) and creating your own “Profiles”, the smartphone will, in the future, perform most routine actions automatically. When using “Tasker”, a smartphone ceases to be just a smartphone; its functionality is no longer limited only to calls, surfing the Internet and messages in instant messengers. The smartphone has become smarter, it is now more independent, ready to “predict” your thoughts and respond adequately to them. What is not unimportant is that now it has also become less “gluttonous”; now the battery charge will last you longer. For many, this is most likely true, even considering that in modern smartphones began to install more high-capacity batteries and one charge easily lasts for a day. But why limit yourself to a day?
We think that this option is more preferable. Of course, you will hardly be able to achieve such a result only with the help of “Tasker”. It is important here how the smartphone is configured as a whole; we wrote about this in one of ours. Also, in the near future, there will be another article about fine settings MIUI using Root is correct.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Even if the created “Profile” does not work correctly or is not fully completed (or it is simply temporarily not needed), you can always simply turn it off (the switch to the right of the “Profile”) so that the system does not react to it, and return to it in further, making the necessary adjustments.
As we noted throughout the article, some Tasker functions require Root rights. If they are available, the functionality of the program increases. We have already explained how to obtain these rights; there are several options: and.
Also, the already extensive functionality is expanded with the help of plugins. We mentioned some of them in the article. There are a huge number of plugins for Tasker, we will not dwell on this in detail here. Descriptions of most of them (as well as download them, like “Tasker” itself), you can find on the website w3bsit3-dns.com in the “Plug-ins - plugins for Tasker” section.
Here (in the section “MRP - local solutions (examples)”), you can find examples of ready-made “Profiles” from w3bsit3-dns.com users. Some of them can even be downloaded from XML format and import into “Tasker” (there is such a function - “Import”), this will save you from creating a “Profile” manually. You can share your “Profiles” using the “Export” function.
On Tasker program website, can also be found ready-made solutions, the only thing is that the site is in English, but there are translators online if you need it.
P.S. Depending on the Android versions installed on your smartphone, the names of the available functions may differ. Some of them may not be available for use.
We wish everyone good luck with mastering the Tasker program!!!
Modern smartphones are rightfully called smart phones, because they are able to perform many routine tasks automatically. To do this you just need to install special utility, able to monitor certain events and perform the actions you need.
One of the most popular utilities of this kind is Tasker, which is rightfully considered the “Swiss knife” of automation. With its help, you can easily teach your phone to automatically turn on silent mode at work, turn off Wi-Fi when leaving home, and launch your favorite player when you connect headphones. However, for all its advantages, Tasker is difficult to master, its interface is terrifying with its angularity, and besides, it costs money.
If you are looking free alternative, then be sure to pay attention to SwiP. This program allows you to automatically switch between the different device profiles you create. Although it is not as flexible and feature-rich as Tasker, its capabilities are still sufficient for the average user. In addition, SwiP is much more convenient and easier to use and configure.
The main screen of the program is divided into two tabs: “Profiles” and “Triggers”. The first one is used to manage profiles and contains three preset profiles called “Home”, “Default” and “Meeting”. You can edit or create any of them completely new set settings. In each profile you can include the following actions:
- changing the call mode;
- setting the ringer and notification volume;
- setting the alarm volume;
- enable or disable GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth;
- brightness level adjustment.
On the “Triggers” tab, you can set the conditions under which a particular profile will be activated. This could be your geographic location, time, battery status, headphone connection, and so on. It is also possible to link the same profile to several triggers. In this case, you must set a priority for each condition.
The program is currently in beta testing, but we have not identified any errors or problems while using it. Try SwiP in action and let us know in the comments about your impressions.
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 automatically. 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 turn on the Skype application when a headset is connected 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 required 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 it, the new profile is 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. Touch and hold the item named Tasker until the widget appears on 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 “Text message received” context settings 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.
Visual script editor, the ability to fully automate the device, a huge number of actions
Complex interface, lack of official manual
Tasker is an application for Android that can radically change and complement the functionality of a tablet or smartphone. Unlike such analogs as and, the application has more extensive capabilities. This superiority comes at the cost of a confusing interface, but at the same time, the tool can be called best app for automation.
The application was developed by Crafty Apps EU. We must pay tribute to the developers - their creation can deservedly be called the most functional application for Android. The user can program the operation of his device to such an extent that the smartphone or tablet will automatically perform all actions independently.
Interface and features
The functionality of the application is based on a simple scheme consisting of two components: if any event occurs, then a certain action is performed. Behind the simple formula lies the difficult setup of scenarios. The application is divided into three tabs. Profiles – this contains a list of conditions according to which an action will occur. Tasks are actions that need to be linked to profiles. Scenes is a visual automation editor that makes it easy to create automation chains.At the same time, the first section of conditions (profiles) contains several tabs responsible for a specific indicator event, which subsequently activates an action: some action has occurred with the device (a USB cable is connected, the charge percentage has decreased, etc.), some action is launched application, a certain day of the week arrives or exact time, the user approaches a location on the map (controlled by GPS and range). At the same time, almost any action can be assigned to the signs.
For example, when you enter home, Wi-Fi will turn on, and upon arriving at work, the smartphone will go into silent mode. These are just the most basic scenarios. Having understood the terminology and structure of the application, you can create entire schedules according to which the device will congratulate your friends and relatives at a certain time, call necessary contacts under selected conditions and much more - it all depends on the needs and imagination of the user.
Features of Tasker for Android:
- Possibility of full automation of the device;
- 6 profiles;
- An endless number of actions;
- Visual script editor;
- Availability of a test version of the application.
The application is paid, but due to its complexity and specificity, the developers have made a seven-day free test version. The developers have placed a link to the Trial version in the description of the full application. Despite the fact that the application is very complex, there is no official documentation or manuals for it. Therefore, the user needs to understand the processes independently, or read amateur instructions.
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