Tasker, the best terrible app.

 Recently I've been messing around with Tasker.

Now what is Tasker? It's basically AutoHotKey for Android. Both applications I can't do without anymore.

The pros:

  • You can do ANYTHING.
  • There's a more complex UI (in this case meaning more control).
  • With an additional app, you can export your tasks to different phones as an APK. Basically, you can create Apps. Buttons and everything. 
  • Good support.

The cons:

  • You need to grant a whole list of permissions depending on what you want to do.
  • The setup can be a tad complex, involving ADB commands.
  • Creating if and else statements can be a hassle, especially while dragging and dropping stuff to the correct position. Or adding an extra command at line 4 for example.
  • Arrays suck big time. No multidimensional arrays either.

Examples:

  • Locate your phone after sending a text to it.
  • Play music when your facing east and are jumping around. I don't know why you would want to, but its possible.
  • Send http requests
  • Turn on your wifi or data remotely by sending a text. Just in case you need that remote wipe function.
  • Make noise when someone picks it up.
  • Skip ahead to the next song by using the ChopChop sensor. Or a combination of sensors.
  • Autoreply when you're connected to your cars Bluetooth. "Sorry, can't pick up the phone, I'm driving. Text 'Emergency' and I'll call you back as soon as I can stop the car. My current location is: google maps link"
  • Control your games with your sensors. Or trigger a macro.
  • Cancel your appointments for the day if your wife sends you a message containing: "My water broke".

 And there are dozens of projects already made available by the community.

The verdict:

Despite being a bit annoying to work with, it's an app I can't do without anymore. I've been trying to find a good AutoHotKey for Android and with Tasker, I can definitely say that I've found it.

There's many things you can achieve with it, but as with everything, it also greatly depends on your skills and creativity. Don't blame the app. I remember the days I was writing code on my TI-82 as a kid. This feels a bit the same but a lot more user friendly. And a lot more fun.

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