Automate this. We solve everyday tasks on Android. Turn on airplane mode at night

In the middle of summer, the number of applications in official store Google play reached one million. And perhaps the most functional among them is Tasker. Despite the fact that the application does not belong to the category "Games", despite the fact that it takes a lot of time to master, it still stays in the top of the most popular paid programs on Google Play.

The fact that Tasker has a huge audience of admirers is not surprising, because the application gives everyone the opportunity to find their own ways to use it. Generally speaking, Tasker is an automation application. It is based on the idea that many actions that the user performs on his mobile device are, firstly, repeatable, and secondly, associated with certain events. For example, when you go to a theater or a medical center, you mute the sound on your phone, and when you are at home, you turn on Wi-Fi on your tablet. All such actions Tasker can perform in automatic mode unloading the owner's head mobile device for other, more important matters.

Tasker isn't the only app for automating Android devices, and many of its capabilities can also be found in on (x), Locale, and the like. However, there are no other applications as powerful as Tasker. The program goes far beyond the usual templates - with some skills in its use, you can come up with almost any automation scripts containing many levels, and even create your own applications based on Tasker.

But when you download Tasker for the first time (there is a free trial version available on the developer's site that runs for seven days), you will most likely be disappointed. The application resembles a box with a constructor, in which there are many different parts. At the same time, not all details fit together, and there are no ready-made use cases in the application.

Therefore, even in order to create the simplest chain of actions, you must first understand the terminology of Tasker and the principles of its operation.

⇡ Basic terminology

To work with the application, seven basic terms are used: tasks, actions, contexts, profiles, projects, scenes, variables. At the heart of any operations that the program can perform is the formula: "If an event X occurs, you need to automatically execute Y".

The Y in this formula is an action that the application automatically performs under certain conditions. The action can be sending SMS, turning off the signal for incoming calls, displaying a notification on the screen, and so on. In total, the application offers more than two hundred actions. Most of them are customizable and can be related.

The X in a formula is a context, that is, an event or condition that triggers Tasker when triggered. The application provides several types of contexts: time, date, place, event and state.

If the smartphone is outside the city, this is the context of the place, and 7:15 am is the context of time. The event context is, for example, the arrival incoming call from the specified number. A state context is a certain condition that is active for a certain period of time. And during this time, the specified actions are performed.

Neither actions nor contexts exist on their own. Actions are driven by tasks, and contexts are driven by profiles. One task can contain any number of actions, and one profile can contain up to four contexts and up to two tasks. Thus, within the framework of one operation, you can perform a whole set of actions.

Tasks can contain any number of actions and even be multi-level. Tasker provides an action that launches a task. Therefore, you can create a task that will include an action that starts another task. Tasks can be launched within the profile, as well as by themselves, for example using widgets or shortcuts, through third-party applications.

A profile includes both contexts and tasks, and if several contexts are used in a profile, then only one of them can be an event context, because simultaneous triggering of two contexts at the same time is impossible. The profile has its own settings, with which you can select the priority for launching tasks, turn on the "quiet" mode of operation (when information about the activation of the profile is not visible in the Android status bar), indicate the maximum number of its activation and select the minimum allowable time interval that can pass between its two launches.

Also Tasker provides the ability to create items user interface, which are called scenes here. The concept of a project is used to organize all tasks, profiles and scenes in one place, for export and creation of individual applications based on the Taskler settings.

⇡ Getting started

The first thing to do after launching Tasker is to switch to normal mode in the application settings. By default, it runs in beginner mode and has a simplified interface. On the corresponding tabs, you can create profiles, tasks, scenes and view the list of existing ones.

The orange lightning bolt icon at the top of the window is designed to quickly enable / disable all active profiles. The built-in search can be used to locate previously created tasks, profiles, scenes, application settings, and also to retrieve reference information by program ( last chance only works online).

For example, let's create a simple profile that will automatically launch the Skype application when a headset is connected to the device. On the profiles tab, click on the button for creating a new application element and select the status context "Hardware → Headphones connected". In the Type list, select With Microphone so that the application only responds when a headset is connected.

Return to the list of profiles and add a new task to the profile.

You will need to come up with an arbitrary name for it, say "Launch Skype". Add a new action to the task. For the convenience of the organization, they are divided into groups, of which there are more than twenty.

Go to the "Signal → Menu" category. Now we need to set up the action. To do this, in the Items field, click on the button for adding a new item, and then click on the "Action" button. Specify the category "Application → Launch Application" and then select Skype from the list of all installed applications to be displayed.

The new profile is ready to use. By default, all newly created profiles in Tasker are included immediately after creation, so if you do not plan to work with it yet, use the switch opposite the profile name.

All tasks created by the user are saved in the Tasks tab. They can be edited and also reused when creating new profiles. A list of available tasks is shown each time a task is added to new profile... By the way, if the wrong task is accidentally selected in the list, you can quickly return to the selection window using the Switch Event button. A similar button - Switch State - is displayed when adding context.

If you need a profile to contain several contexts or tasks, it is enough to touch the context (task) already existing in it and hold your finger for a while. A menu appears where you can choose to add a new item. This menu also makes it possible to delete current elements, clone contexts (this is convenient if you need to add two contexts of the same type with slightly changed settings), change tasks to others.

⇡ Launching tasks using a widget in manual mode

As mentioned above, tasks can be launched not only automatically, within profiles, but also at the user's request. One of convenient ways manual launch - creating a task widget on the start screen. In this case, no conditions are required to run the task.

To create a widget to run a task, go to the Android widget list. Tap and hold Tasker until the widget is brought to the Start screen. This will bring up the task selection menu. You can either choose from the existing ones, or create a new task. Then Tasker will offer you the option to add additional actions to the task and select an icon to display the widget. After completing the configuration, you can see it on the start screen.

Despite the fact that Tasker provides the ability to manually launch, the main purpose of the application is to perform tasks in an automatic mode. Therefore, we will consider examples of creating several popular profiles.

⇡ Enabling low battery power saving features

Some functions of smartphones are convenient, but they greatly affect the time. autonomous work devices. If it is not possible to recharge the smartphone and you need it to work as long as possible, using Tasker you can configure automatic shutdown some functions. This is done using a state context and a task that contains multiple actions.

Add the context “Status → Charging → Battery level”. In its settings, specify the charge level at which the task will be triggered.

Create a new task and add the action "Display → Display brightness". Decrease the brightness of the display to the desired level. Go back to adding actions and add one more, for example "Network → Change Wi-Fi status". Make sure Disable is selected in the action settings. Tasker will now also disconnect the Wi-Fi connection.

You can also turn off auto-sync. To do this, add the action "Network → Auto-sync" and select the "Disable" option in the "Installation" list.

You can add other actions to help extend the battery life of your device.

⇡ Sound signal in case of overheating of the battery

Overheating of the battery can cause the device to malfunction, so it would be nice to know about this as early as possible in order to adequately respond. To create such a profile, the “Charging → Battery overheating” event context is used. The task used in the profile will include the action "Signal → Notification with sound".

Setting up an action comes down to choosing a sound file (this can be any audio file stored in the device memory or on an SD card, as well as a signal from the Tasker sound collection). You can also configure the display of a text notification on the device screen. The text must be entered in the "Title" field.

⇡ Sending notifications based on location

If your device has a GPS module, you can use the Location context. It is very useful for the forgetful. For example, if you keep forgetting to go to the bank to pick up a new card, you can configure Tasker so that it sends you an SMS as soon as you find yourself within a radius of five hundred meters from the branch.

The Location context works on the basis of google maps... When you select it, you need to specify the coordinates of the bank, as well as the radius of the context triggering. To receive an SMS with a reminder, you need to use a task with the action "Phone → Send SMS". In the "Message" field, write your reminder text, and in the "Number" field, add your own phone number.

The "Location" context can work without GPS, using network settings... But location determination in this case is less accurate.

⇡ Automatically answer SMS and missed calls

To implement some of the actions in Tasker, variables are used. You cannot do without them, for example, if you need to use your smartphone as an answering machine, sending messages to all numbers from which SMS were received or calls were received. Suppose that messages should not be sent around the clock, but only at a time when you cannot answer on your own: after hours and at night. To implement such a task in the profile, you need to use two contexts, since you need to create difficult condition launching actions: "If I receive an SMS while I am sleeping or relaxing with my family ...". By the way, it is impossible to create one profile that would be designed to answer both calls and SMS. Calls and incoming messages are two separate event contexts, which, as we remember, cannot be used simultaneously in one profile.

Add the Time context and specify the time period during which it will be active. Now create a task with the action "Phone → Send SMS". In the "Message" field, write the text of the automatic reply to SMS. In the "Number" field, specify the "SMS from number" variable. Now messages will be sent to the numbers from which the SMS was received.

After configuring the action, return to the list of profiles and add a second context to the profile - “Event → Phone → Text message received”.

To add a similar profile for answering missed calls, you need to clone this profile and then change some of its settings. Go to the "Text message received" context settings and change it to the "Event → Phone → Missed call" context. Now go back to the list of profiles, go to the action settings and in the "Number" field change the variable to% CNUM. Messages will be sent to the numbers from which you were called.

⇡ Turning on silent mode when turning the smartphone face down

With Tasker, you can configure your smartphone in such a way that it will automatically go into silent mode at a specified time, and then return to normal mode. But situations in which a loud phone call is undesirable can also arise spontaneously. It is impossible to foresee all of them, so it is better to stock up on a profile that will turn off the call when triggered simple condition: device inverted by the screen way down.

To create such a profile, add the context "State → Sensor → Orientation". In its settings, expand the "Position" list and select the "Screen down" option.

Create a new task with the action "Audio → Silent Mode". In the action settings, select the "Silence" option in the "Mode" list.

⇡ Conclusion

We have considered only a few of the most simple examples working with Tasker. But the program can be successfully used in hundreds of other cases. It can launch applications at a given time, display the music player on the screen as soon as you plug the headphones into the jack, wish happy birthday to all friends and family, automatically send SMS on the right days, wake up your loved ones with a romantic text message in the morning and do hundreds of other things. which will surely come to your mind as soon as you start using Tasker. Good luck with learning!

Introduction

Frankly, thinking about which side to approach this review took almost more time than writing it. I don't know whether or not to believe the people who call Tasker the most complex Android application, but the fact remains: the manual for the application that I downloaded from the web takes about 200 pages in PDF format... Entire websites and forums are dedicated to individual profiles and tasks of Tasker "a, users shoot videos about the procedure for working with it, post ready-made scripts - and with all this, it can hardly be said that the application has been studied far and wide. And since I am in Tasker" Not a complete beginner and a layman, I decided this: let this text become a kind of familiarization, and in the future I will share my experience as I master it. I do not promise that it will be regular or often, but I will try.

What is Tasker and what is it for? This is an application designed to automate various kinds 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 in. But the possibilities of Tasker "a are much, much wider - right up to the creation with its help of some kind 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 also allow you to experiment and show a certain amount of imagination. A real find for fans of extraordinary software solutions.

First acquaintance and interface

I would like to start right away with fly in the ointment, otherwise it will not be clear why some moments are exactly the same and not otherwise. So:

1. Tasker has been translated into Russian, but not completely. And what is translated is not always correct. I was overwhelmed by the temptation to screen only the English-language interface, but respect for readers who do not speak foreign won out.

2. Tasker is completely incomprehensible intuitively. Having launched the application, you will have to dig into it for a long time and tediously before an elementary work algorithm is built in your head. Therefore, it is necessary to show patience and thoughtfulness.

So let's get started:

You have downloaded and installed Tasker. The application will immediately offer to create a new profile,

but instead we will first switch from "Beginner" mode to normal mode. To do this, call the settings and uncheck the box. After that, the start screen will look like this:

To activate or deactivate the application, you need to hold the Tasker "a" 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 have not been able to find any updates.

So far, all the 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 looking at specific example, how it works:

This list provides options for the context that will automatically launch certain actions. Let's choose, say, "Time":

That is, you must 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 "a" 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. We press 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 within the "Silent Night" task.

As you can see, there are many options, but not everyone needs them - moreover, not all are expedient 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. We select "Ring volume" and set the level we need. But the customization options are not limited to this. Two intertwined arrows at the top right allow you to set the required level in percentage - for lovers of accuracy. The plus sign opposite "If" allows you to set additional conditions associated with correlations "and", "or", etc. We will not go deep into this jungle yet, but, as you can see, the possibilities are more than wide.

So, the volume level is set. A couple more tasks should be added. For example, let the screen brightness be minimal so that it doesn't hurt our eyes if we get into our heads to see what time it is. Or reply to an unexpected SMS from a friend / friend. Select "Screen", then "Display Brightness". We put 10%, add a tick "Immediate effect" and generally choose any options to your taste.

We now have two tasks. Let's come up with a third, for luck.

For example, for those who have Wi-Fi constantly turned on at home, you can provide for its automatic deactivation at a specified time. Select "Network", then "WiFi Status". Turn off.

We have created three tasks. It looks like this on the "Tasks" tab:

By clicking on the name of the 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 turned off. And with an activated profile, it turns out that every day from 00:00 to 06:00:
1. The ringtone volume will be minimal.
2. The brightness of the screen 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 participation on our part.

Let's practice and create another profile. Let's make it so that when you turn it on mobile internet a list of the most current 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". Put the necessary checkboxes.

Create a task called "InetApps". Adding actions. "Signal" => "Menu". Layout is set to Icon Grid Menu (i.e., application icons without their names). Scroll down and under the word Item press the plus sign, then "Action". We choose 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 leave and turn on the data transfer. Voila: a window popped up on top of the home screen with three applications. Their list can be expanded; if we do not need one at the moment, it is enough just to press the return button. I have not yet figured out how to return the window after I have finished working with one of the applications. But everything is ahead.

Well, let's practice some more? Now let's try to create a link to some application or service. Yes, Tasker allows you to do that too, and it doesn't even require you to create a profile. Instead, we immediately create a new "Downloads" task. Then "Application" => "Launch Application". By activating the "All" function below, we get access not only to common applications but also to various services and program files. We find "Downloads". There is a new challenge.

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 we need to select the icon. The list opens by clicking on the square in the lower right corner. For a change, let's choose another image - "Built-in icon." Find a suitable, say, downward-pointing arrow. It remains to confirm. The icon appeared on the home screen, and it will instantly take us to the list of downloaded files.

So, we have one more main tab left - this is "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, so great are its possibilities, right up to the creation of your own applications. Which can then be issued in apk file and put in Play Market... At least that's what the forums and websites say. In any case, now I will not analyze the Scenes in detail, but I will write a separate review later.

And there are still Variables. 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 strength (if your device can measure it). You can also create your own variables. This is also a subject for further study and reviews.

Well ... that's it. I hope this introductory excursion did not seem too chaotic or superficial to you. I would be grateful for fair criticism. In the future, I am going to dwell in more detail on the features of this in all respects curious application. Personally, I already understand: Tasker is a real find for an inquiring mind.

Thank you for attention!

P.S. Oh yeah, I forgot to say that Tasker is a paid app. But I believe the developers deserve every penny.

With this plugin you can create a very reliable security system. allows you to customize Tasker in such a way that your smartphone will take pictures of all those users who enter the wrong passwords. And this is just the tip of the iceberg: some users have managed to make it with the help of an alarm that was triggered during a kidnapping. In addition, the plugin adds some features that are not typical for Tasker e.g. turn on / off GPS. It's free to download, but you'll have to pay a dollar and a half to unlock the full potential of the plugin.

This plugin allows you to turn Tasker functions into separate applications, which can then be installed on other devices. Wherein Tasker for these applications to work is not needed. Download Tasker App Factory for Android is completely free.

With this plugin, you will very quickly switch between different Bluetooth devices. Just create the button you want and forget about the menu and options forever. It is very convenient when you have wireless speakers, and you need to connect to them from your smartphone, moving from one room to another. The plugin is completely free.

Pushbullet allows you to exchange messages and files between devices with different platforms: iOS, Chrome, Windows and soon Mac... In addition, the app allows you to send notifications to other people, as well as display notifications from your smartphone to your PC. Download Pushbullet is free. The best plugins for the Tasker app are:
rating 80 of 80 based on 80 ratings.
Only 80 reviews.

Do you know that your Android Smartphone it's not just a phone that just calls and sends sms and that it can be assigned certain tasks that it will perform itself!

Every day we experience any recurring events, whether we like it or not, the battery runs out, listen to music, write SMS, answer the call. We make an effort to complete one of the actions, but why? After all, you can automate everything with Tasker!

Why Tasker?

At the moment, the application presents the widest possibilities of automation, at the cost of confusion and not convenience. There are similar programs such as AutomateIt or Llama or Locale, these programs are more intuitive but inferior in automation capabilities (I will also have lessons on these programs).

Where can I get the Tasker?

Download always new version applications can be found in the official Google store Play (I strongly recommend using a non-pirated version).

Introducing Tasker

First of all, for the correct operation of Tasker, you need Root rights, since without them the application is not very useful, how to get root and for what you can on the root android page.

Main screen the programs will be divided into three sections.

1. Profiles;
2. Tasks;
3. Scripts;

What are these sections, we will consider below.

• Profiles- are created here contexts, then if an event occurs, then there must be some consequence, and the consequence is a task. Multiple tasks can be added to the same context.
• Tasks- this is what should be done if any event occurs.
• Scripts Is a graphical representation of a profile and tasks.

How to understand how the program works to create various automation scenarios

An event occurs - a task is being performed or an action has been taken - a task has been completed.

For example: The battery is running low (this context) -> the melody notified you about it (task) or turned on google app Maps (this context) -> GPS turned on (this is a task).

What are Contexts - types of contexts

Temporary ( TIME) - set in certain time or the time span of the task to be executed:

Calendar ( DAY) - something will happen on a certain day:

Location ( A PLACE) - task execution depending on your location:

Application- when activated, some task will occur:

Event- these are not predictable actions or actions that you cannot control, after which the task should be completed:

State Are controlled events after which the task must be executed:

Tasks in Tasker

Tasks in Tasker are not separated and go in one list.

Possible problems and difficulties in the work of Tasker

If your smartphone or tablet has Android version 4.1 or higher, then you may have some difficulties in the performance of any functions. For this, it is highly recommended that you install Secure Settings before installing it.

Then, from the application interface, pull up the files it needs.

That's all! Acquaintance with the Tasker application is over, lessons on automating actions in Android are coming soon!

Modern smartphones are deservedly called smart phones, because they are able to perform many routine tasks in automatic mode. To do this, you just need to install a special utility that can track 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 it, it's easy to teach your phone to automatically turn on silent mode at work, turn off Wi-Fi when you leave home, and start your favorite player when you plug in your headphones. However, for all its merits, Tasker is difficult to learn, its interface is terrifying with its angularity, and it also costs money.

If you are looking for free alternative then be sure to pay attention to SwiP. This program provides automatic switching between the different device profiles you have created. Although it is not as flexible and feature-rich as Tasker, it is still quite enough 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 is for managing profiles and contains three preset profiles called Home, Default, and Meeting. You can edit any of them or create a completely new set of settings. In each profile, you can include the following actions:

• changing the call mode;
• setting the volume of the ringtone and notifications;
• 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 this or that profile will be activated. This could be your geographic location, time, battery status, headphone connections, and so on. It is also possible to bind the same profile to multiple triggers. In this case, you must set a priority for each condition.

The program is currently in beta testing, but while using it, we did not find any bugs or problems. Try SwiP in action and let us know in the comments about your experience.