How can I automate my Android device?

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hirosa

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For a long time Ive been searching for an app that could automate common tasks on my android eg. Every time I plug my phone into the car charger I need it to "stay awake" in my car dock and also turn on bluetooth for my headset.

While there are many different apps out there, and after trying most of them, I found an app that worked flawlessly on my Samsung Galaxy S4. Its called Macrodroid and can be downloaded from the Play store via the link below.

The key differentiator for me was the extensive list of triggers and the ability to add constraints to ensure the rules suite your needs perfectly. There is also a number of templates available and a forum to discuss and find solutions to common problems

Are you currently using an automation app on your droid? Which one works for you?


http://bit.ly/1bX8rDr
 
Looks really good as well but I gotta admit I havent tried it since there is no free version available :(
 
Tasker is good at that. I use it for a few automation tasks. Like plugging in the charger and it turns on the bluetooth automatically. Or I use the cell tower ids around my house. So when I am at my house, my wifi is turned on automatically. When I leave the area around my house, my wifi is turned off.

This guy has some Youtube video guides that shows how to use Tasker. From beginner to intermediate to home automation even. Tasker is quite powerful IMO.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEhnOJl5mTo
 
I've used LLAMA. Works well with creating location-based triggers. Like if I am on my home network and it is after 10PM, then set the profile to silent...or if I am at work, deactivate wifi.
 
I use NFC tag stickers. IN car turn off wifi, turn on 3G, switch on bluetooth, set driving mode, set volumes, all with a tap. (stuck it behind a panel so you don't even see it)

At home turn off all the above and turn on WIFI, set volume.
I use a NFC app called "Trigger" to program them.
Very usefull and the sticker tags are very cheap on ebay.
 
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I use the free version of Automateit. I'm very happy with it.
Even better, they have partnered with Pressy (the Kickstarter Android microphone button gadget), so automation will be even more useful
 
+1 for Llama - Is uses your position based on cell towers.
The only problem is if you have multiple defined areas in close proximity to one another.
 
eehellfire said:
I use the free version of Automateit. I'm very happy with it.
Even better, they have partnered with Pressy (the Kickstarter Android microphone button gadget), so automation will be even more useful
Click to expand...

Tried Automateit for a while but it did not (or I missed it) have an action to keep the phone "awake"


......or it did and it did not work as expected...... old age....:erm:
 
eehellfire said:
I use the free version of Automateit. I'm very happy with it.
Even better, they have partnered with Pressy (the Kickstarter Android microphone button gadget), so automation will be even more useful
Click to expand...
^This!

DotaGamer said:
Tasker is good at that. I use it for a few automation tasks. Like plugging in the charger and it turns on the bluetooth automatically. Or I use the cell tower ids around my house. So when I am at my house, my wifi is turned on automatically. When I leave the area around my house, my wifi is turned off.
Click to expand...
That's a default feature on Android devices for a while now. You can leave your wifi on, but its not actually active until it connects to known networks.

When I enter my yard, my phone connects to my home network, when I enter the office building it connects to the office wifi.

psion said:
I use NFC tag stickers. IN car turn off wifi, turn on 3G, switch on bluetooth, set driving mode, set volumes, all with a tap. (stuck it behind a panel so you don't even see it)

At home turn off all the above and turn on WIFI, set volume.
I use a NFC app called "Trigger" to program them.
Very usefull and the sticker tags are very cheap on ebay.
Click to expand...
You can do all of that with AutomateIt without spending a cent.

I've set mine to trigger as soon as the phone's location changes rapidly (in other words when I'm in a car) :)
 
hirosa said:
That sounds like a brilliant solution although a little pricey, cheapest i could find was R70 excl shipping but a really awesome alternative.

App cost me R35
Click to expand...


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Inlay-NFC-S...=LH_DefaultDomain_15&var=&hash=item4ac910d18b

R53 for 5 free shipping :P the ones I got, they not pretty but work well and I stick them under things to hide them, works well and you can reprogram them.

YingYang said:
^This!

That's a default feature on Android devices for a while now. You can leave your wifi on, but its not actually active until it connects to known networks.

When I enter my yard, my phone connects to my home network, when I enter the office building it connects to the office wifi.

You can do all of that with AutomateIt without spending a cent.

I've set mine to trigger as soon as the phone's location changes rapidly (in other words when I'm in a car) :)
Click to expand...

Doesn't the extra GPS use drain your battery quicker?
 
hirosa said:
Tried Automateit for a while but it did not (or I missed it) have an action to keep the phone "awake"


......or it did and it did not work as expected...... old age....:erm:
Click to expand...
Old age then :D

You just have to set the screen timeout to "Never" :)
 
@YingYang LOL! ok then. What I loved about automateit though was the marketplace and the large community that use it, maybe I'll give it a shot again....
 
YingYang said:
That's a default feature on Android devices for a while now. You can leave your wifi on, but its not actually active until it connects to known networks...
Click to expand...

Really? So how does it know when a "known" network is available? Surely it must poll/scan every now and again to see what is available.
 
YingYang said:
Wifi and the GPS work on the same principle. They're only active when needed.
Click to expand...

I dont think so. GPS is in use as & when required by an app, WiFi is either on or off- it constantly scans for available networks. Therefore Wifi on should use more power (even if negligible).
 
psion said:
...

Doesn't the extra GPS use drain your battery quicker?
Click to expand...

Apps like Llama normally dont use GPS to determine your location. It uses your cellular network's towers (Cell tower IDs) to determine your approximate location.
 
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