Tuesday 11 February 2014

Tasker - Your New Best Friend

Oh lord, how do we keep this one simple? Short answer is, you can't. Tasker is the app for anyone looking to create awesome functionality or customize your Android experience. It's a powerhouse. It'll also make your brain hurt...in a good way.

For those of you who skipped my first post (and quite frankly, I wouldn't blame you) here is a link to the 7-day trial and Play Store version of Tasker so you can join in the fun if you haven't already.

Tasker is essentially a way to program your phone without the need to understand code. You perform Actions based on Contexts. For example, I have a profile that automatically sets my phone to Silent Mode when it's plugged in to a charger between 10 pm and 9 am (perform this action if that context is met).

Contexts can be based on your device's State, an Event, the Day, a Time or period of time, your Location, and/or if an Application is open. There's also a little check box that can invert your contexts too.

Each of these parent contexts break down into specific instances such as if your phone is charging (State), if you turn on your screen (Event), or if it's Friday (Day), to name a few. These can also be layered so multiple Contexts need to be met if the Action is to be performed.

For a full list of Event and State Contexts visit these links:



Actions are where the real magic happens. There's a seemingly endless amount of possibilities, from simple things like turning your mobile data on or off, to things like running shell scripts or splitting variables. Check out the full list here.


You can also download plugins that add to these lists and give you EVEN MORE. It's crazy. Plugins can work by either creating variables in Tasker (like the increasingly popular AutoApps) or send variables to the plugin app (like Zooper Widget Pro or UCCW).

If you want to add even more customization, there's also an option to build Scenes. Scenes are user interfaces that can include static text, editable text, buttons, toggles, switches, spinners, the list goes on and on and on.

For further, more in-depth information be sure to download the help files or read them online through the app. There's an amazing amount of information that comes with this app and most screens have a Help option that can give you the rundown of what you can do with each of them.

That's Tasker, or at least the tip of the iceberg. Say goodbye to your social life.

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