Tasker (application)
| Tasker logo | |
| Developer(s) | João Dias (joaomgcd), previously Crafty Apps EU |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 2009[1] |
| Stable release | 6.1.2
|
| Preview release | 6.2-beta
|
| Operating system | Android |
| Size | (Varies with device) |
| Type | Automation, tools |
| License | Proprietary trialware[1] |
| Website | tasker |
Tasker is an Android application originally developed by a developer known as "Pent",[2] and later purchased by João Dias. It enables performing user-defined actions based on contexts (application, time, date, location, event, gesture) in user-defined profiles, activated by click- or timer-based home screen widgets. It is expandable via plugins from the developer called AutoApps and third-party apps. The app is available from Google Play; a 7-day free trial version which does not allow restoring backups can be downloaded as an APK on the app's website.
Developers can add Tasker integration to their Android apps using a Kotlin library.[3]
History
Tasker was created back in 2009 by an app developer called "Pent" also known as the company "Crafty Apps EU". [4] It was inspired by Apt, a macro application developed by GlassWave in 2007 for devices running Palm OS. It is also created for the Android Developer Challenge 2, where the app came 3rd in the Productivity/Tools category. The app was released to the public in June 2010.[5]
In November 2015, Tasker was removed from the Google Play Store for violating the Developer Programme Policy regarding Dangerous Products for system interference. The issue appeared related to Doze and App Standby features, which were offered instead of a blanket permission to ignore battery optimizations.[6] Google allows chat/voice apps to use the permission in Android to ignore the new battery optimization, features introduced with Doze Mode in Android 6.0 Marshmallow.[7] The app was back in the Google Play Store as a "paid app" in 2016.
In March 2018, Tasker was purchased by João Dias also known as the company "Kitxoo".[8]
In July 2022, Tasky was introduced into Tasker.[9]
Management
Tasker works manually as well as automatically. It monitors the phone for contexts and performs tasks based on them. A profile stands as combination of a context and a task.[10]
Actions
Actions are basic functions that modify the device's settings or process data from a source such as a file on the user's phone or an HTTP request. Each task is composed of sequential actions. Some Actions may require root access or ADB. Common actions:[11]
- Toggle each phone setting (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Auto-brightness, etc.) on or off
- Launch or "kill" a specific app
- Set the audio volume to a specified value
- Lock an application with a PIN code
- Read, write, copy, move, and delete a file on the user's device
- Basic image editing tools (such as cropping, filtering, and rotating)
- Basic media controls
- Get the GPS location of the phone
- Call a number specified
- Create, read and modify Tasker variables
- Run JavaScript code
- Integration with Google Drive
- Text-to-speech
Tasker also supports third-party actions from apps such as the discontinued SleepBot.
App Factory
The Tasker App Factory allows Tasker projects to be exported as standalone apps. To add a UI, you can use a Show Scene action in Tasker. The resulting app can be distributed and installed on devices that do not have Tasker installed.[10] However, any required plugins must be installed on the destination device. It does not support files. App Factory is offered at no additional charge at the store.[10] Further, apps produced by the App Factory can be licensed on the Play Store.[12]
AutoApps
AutoApps is a separate application for Android that contains a suite of developer plugins. Each plugin adds conditions and/or actions to Tasker. In the app, the user can purchase separate plugins via the Google Play Store or subscribe for access to all plugins. Each plugin has a lite version that is free to use but restricts functionality (e.g. the lite version of AutoLaunch allows interaction with up to 20 apps). Some plugins also request the user to watch an advertisement to use for 24 hours.
| Plugin name | Functionality added to Tasker |
|---|---|
| AutoAlarm | Read information regarding the next alarm set in the system's built-in clock app |
| AutoApp for Arduino | Control each pin in an Arduino device |
| AutoApp for Pebble | Add Tasker functionality to a Pebble watch |
| AutoBarcode | Allows Tasks to launch via a QR code |
| AutoCast | Cast a webpage or media from a service such as Dropbox to a Chromecast. |
| AutoContacts | Read contact info |
| AutoInput | Simulate UI interaction within the device via Android's Accessibility Service |
| AutoLaunch | Launch apps by a specified info |
| AutoLocation | Use geofencing to read the device's current GPS location and the user's movement state |
| AutoMEO | Allows Tasker to control a MEOBox media player |
| AutoNotification | Intercept app notifications, create formatted notifications, and add automated replies to messaging apps |
| AutoRemote | Send notifications and commands across devices |
| AutoShare | Intercepts info on the file being shared |
| AutoSheets | Adds Google Sheets integration; allows Tasker to modify Google Sheets spreadsheets |
| AutoShortcut | Run shortcuts from other Android apps |
| AutoTools | Adds additional varied Actions to Tasker (such as reading HTML data from a website) |
| AutoVera | Control Z-Wave devices through a Vera gateway |
| AutoWear | Add Tasker functionality to a Wear OS smartwatch |
| AutoWeb | Allows Tasker to use Web APIs like weather APIs |
| AutoVoice | Allow Tasks to be triggered via a voice command; supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant commands[13] |
Alpha Apps
Alpha Apps are developer plugins that can only be unlocked via an AutoApps subscription. Below are a list of plugins that rely on the subscription.
| Plugin name | Functionality added to Tasker |
|---|---|
| AutoBluetooth | Scan for nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices and react to their presence |
| AutoBubbles | Create draggable icons that overlay the screen and trigger a Task when pressed |
| AutoCalendar | Adds Google Calendar integration |
| AutoMail (formerly AutoGMail) | Adds Gmail integration |
| AutoMediaButtons | React to complex media button press sequences |
| AutoPhoto | Read EXIF data from photos |
| AutoRSS | Read RSS feeds |
| AutoSpotify | Adds Spotify integration |
| AutoWebVideo (formerly AutoYouTube) | Adds YouTube integration |
| AutoXBMC | Adds Kodi integration |
TaskerNet
As of Tasker v5.5 Tasks/Profiles/Projects can be sent into TaskerNet and shared. This system is hosted on Tasker servers. It is basically a cloud storage system for Tasker files.
TaskerNet entries support HTML descriptions for those looking to Import it.
Issues
Crypt actions are not available in the Google Play version of Tasker due to US restrictions. Android 10 requires ADB for setting the clipboard and the new Wi-Fi permission for toggling Wi-Fi.
References
- ^ a b Purdy, Kevin (July 29, 2010). "How to Turn Your Android Phone into a Fully-Automated Superphone". Retrieved March 20, 2016.
- ^ Holland, Jessica (23 May 2017). "Review: Tasker is amazing – if and only if you're a tech head". The National.
- ^ "Tasker for Android". tasker.joaoapps.com. Retrieved 2023-05-17.
- ^ "Who is behind Crafty Apps EU?". groups.google.com. Retrieved 2023-06-23.
- ^ "Tasker History". tasker.joaoapps.com. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
- ^ Triggs, Robert (18 November 2015). "(Update: it's back) Tasker has been pulled from the Play Store". Android Authority.
- ^ Reed, Brad (17 November 2015). "Hardcore Android users' favorite app vanishes from Google Play store". BGR.
- ^ Pent (original Tasker developer) (2 March 2018). "Big News: Tasker Ownership Changed". Google Groups.
- ^ Rao, Chethan (2022-07-07). "Tasker 6.0.9 is now available with thousands of preset Tasky routines". Android Police. Retrieved 2023-04-14.
- ^ a b c Ara, Wagoner (July 29, 2014). "Tasker review: The thing you need to do all the things". Retrieved March 20, 2016.
- ^ Wollen, Jack (30 November 2015). "Turn your brilliant Tasker tasks into stand-alone apps". TechRepublic.
- ^ "Tasker App Factory". Google Play. 14 July 2022. Archived from the original on 2016-11-04.
- ^ "AutoVoice 4.0 combines Tasker and Alexa to automate your entire home". Android Police. 2021-05-25. Retrieved 2021-06-03.