Anyone using Tasker?

[myko14]

Is anybody using Tasker? There are a couple of threads that mention it and Pent, the dev, is on Phandroid. Here is a link to the Tasker site at http://tasker.dinglisch.net. It has some basic tutorials to follow.

My intent is to start a thread with some other examples of what people are doing with this app.

 

[lekky]

What are you doing with it?

 

[myko14]

I am using it for some of the tasks explained in the userguide. Eg plugging in my headphones will prompt me to choose Music, Pandora, iMusic, or Last.fm app. I am seeing if the location-based profile feature works better than Locale or Wiggle so that my phone will stop ringing at work.

I have also removed my other alarm app and Dockrunner after creating an alarm profile that will play any song or alarm at a given time.

I am still trying to find an icon pack to download to change the icons of some of the widgets to something more appealing than stock icons.

I am also trying to find a way to link some programs so that they open together so all I would have to do is toggle b/t them. It seems like everytime I open my work e-mail account I have to return to the home screen and open my calendar.

 

[hrbib21]

I am still trying to find an icon pack to download to change the icons of some of the widgets to something more appealing than stock icons.

Check this out: Android Forums - thetomlin2's Album: Custom Icons

 

[myko14]

Just made a profile that plays my kids favorite song to sync with auto camera so they might smile and look in the right direction for timed pics.

Could put a widget on desktop to start your ringtone on a timer to get out of meetings, conversations, etc. Similiar to many apps I have seen in the Market.

 

[myko14]

Check this out: Android Forums - thetomlin2's Album: Custom Icons

Perfect! Thanks, that is just what I have been looking for.

 

[jaredakelly]

would anyone be kind enough to package it into an .apk for me?

 

[athflying]

Tasker for Android

It's not the easiest or most intuitive, but the more I use it, the more I realize how much more I can do with it. It's kinda like Locale for geeks, but seems to do way more and very reliably.

So far I have it:

1. Automatically run Pandora when put in my car dock and then ask if I would like to use navigation or maps. It also sets the volume for media to the second to last tick (all the way up without distorting) and turns down my ringer. When I pull my droid out of the dock, it kills Pandora and Maps automatically and resets my ringer to what it was prior.

2. Will turn on Wi-Fi for programs I stipulate that work better or need Wi-Fi to run and turn Wi-Fi off when those programs are exited.

3. For repeating calendar events like work, it will ask me if I want to put the phone in silent mode at a designated time or you can have it just go ahead and do it.

4. When the phone is plugged into a power source keyguard is deactivated.

5. Different wallpaper alternates with every day.

Some things I want to learn to use better are the using variables and conditions and also how to run scripts.

 

[johnlgalt]

Tasker for Android

It's not the easiest or most intuitive, but the more I use it, the more I realize how much more I can do with it. It's kinda like Locale for geeks, but seems to do way more and very reliably.

So far I have it:

1. Automatically run Pandora when put in my car dock and then ask if I would like to use navigation or maps. It also sets the volume for media to the second to last tick (all the way up without distorting) and turns down my ringer. When I pull my droid out of the dock, it kills Pandora and Maps automatically and resets my ringer to what it was prior.

2. Will turn on Wi-Fi for programs I stipulate that work better or need Wi-Fi to run and turn Wi-Fi off when those programs are exited.

3. For repeating calendar events like work, it will ask me if I want to put the phone in silent mode at a designated time or you can have it just go ahead and do it.

4. When the phone is plugged into a power source keyguard is deactivated.

5. Different wallpaper alternates with every day.

Some things I want to learn to use better are the using variables and conditions and also how to run scripts.

#1 alone is more than enough reason for me to try it.

Mind doing a mini write up on how to get all this set up like that?

I suppose that if Tasker is as good as it (and you) say it is, then I have my first officially wasted app - Locale....

 

[Stretch2m]

Tasker is awesome. I've been testing it since like beta 0.1-something, and now they're up to beta 0.29b or something, and it keeps getting better. I believe they've closed the beta now because I can't find the link to download - and there are forum posts on the Tasker website that suggest they're getting ready to go up on the Market as a paid app for around $6.00 - well worth it for the power this app gives you over your phone. It gives everyone the ability to basically program their own phone, which makes it a million apps in one. Every time I see an app on the Market that does some one little task (like, for example, unlocking the keyguard when plugged in) I think to myself - HA - who needs that app when I can do the same thing with Tasker and not clutter up my app drawer!

To get just a summary of what you can do with Tasker, look at this:

Tasker Wiki: Profiles

 

[athflying]

For car docking I did this.

1. In the main screen hit "Tasks" and set up a new task. Hit settings and change from "execute" to "menu". Then hit the plus sign to add an action, then "misc" "load app" then select the app you want to display after Pandora has loaded. If you want maps and navigation, add those two.

2. Go back to the main screen of Tasker and start a new profile, I called mine "In The Car" and "Car Dock" (to name them, once you added everything you wanted, tap the context area, tap profile and a drop down menu should expand and then just hit name). I made two seperate profiles because it allows more flexibility with the contexts you create. Once you use it more, you will see. For "Car Dock" hit "new" in the bottom and you want to the context to be "state" then select "docked" and make sure you select "car". Then for your tasks you hit the plus sign again and add "audio", "ringer volume" and set it for whatever you want. Then repeat but instead select "media volume". Then add another action within this task "display" "keyguard" and select off. This only really helps if you ever use car dock without being plugged in. Last thing is add another action "misc" "load app" and select Pandora. Hit "done" to save.

3. Hit the right side of that profile in the main screen and select "add exit task". Then the same way you added apps before, just select "kill app" instead of "load app". I do the same for maps in case I was running it so that it will automatically kill it when I take it out of the dock.

4. Now you are going to start the profile "In the Car". Your context will be "state" "docked" and just select car again. First action is "misc" "load app" and then select Pandora. Then your next action is "tasker" "wait" then select 8 seconds. This gives Pandora a chance to load before it prompts you to run Maps and Navigation. Then start another action "tasker" "perform task" and you will see a box that says "long-click" do that and the task you created earlier should be there. From there just hit done and then you want to tap the context area of this profile. Select "add" then hit "state" and select "power" I left it on "any". Then just hit apply and you should be done.

Test it out and let me know how it works for you. I have tweaked mine since then but this should be a good basic start.

 

[UncleMike]

Tasker is the best app I've come across. So far my uses for it include:

1. Automatically silence my ringer when in the desk dock (only at night)
2. When charging during the day, sound an alert when the battery is full
3. Set my ringer to ring only, vibrate only depending on time of day
4. Set my ringer to vibrate only during calendar events that have certain characteristics (i.e. they contain the word "meeting" or "doctor", or have "vibrate" in the description)
5. Set my ringer volume, media volume, enable GPS, disable WiFi, and user speakerphone on calls while in the car dock
6. Set my ringer to vibrate only when I enter specific locations (based on combinations of couse network location, fine GPS location, and WiFi proximity)
7. Link to Astrid to remind me of incomplete tasks when I'm near certain locations
8. Turn on WiFi when I'm at home, and off again when I leave
9. Override my current ringer settings for certain callers, and cause an escalating ringer with vibrate
10. Read aloud incoming caller ID so I can test phone lines I can't ID using normal procedures, while my Droid remains in its holster
11. When I put the phone in the car dock AND I'm at home, it reminds me to take the batteries I left charging in the garage and put them back in my work truck
12. Restore my volume settings when I turn the screen off, in case I accidentally changed them with the volume rocker (happens easily on the Droid)

That's about it for now...

Edit: Also, I have to thank the developers of Locale. If it weren't for their outrageous $10 price tag, nickel and diming with plug-ins, and undisclosed beta expiration, I would have never discovered Tasker.

 

[Lock-N-Load]

hmm.. you might have sucked me in here

I have 2 apps - QuietSync and Timmeriffic - that I use to control turning on and off Sync (who wants a gMail notification at 2am) and Bluetooth (no reason to run BT after 11pm until about 7am) and mute the phone at certain times (like when at church). So, if 1 app could do that, and then some, that appeals to me.

downside is it costs and it seems it is cheaper if you buy it direct from them versus the market BUT buying through the market will alert you of updates while buying direct does not.

wow... pretty complicated little app. powerful, but damn, I need a class in Tasker

 

[Lock-N-Load]

2 things I would like to do, but not sure how. I have set up a few basic tasks, but these 2 not sure how to do.

1. IF Bluetooth is connected, crank up brightness to 100%
2. IF bluetooth is connected, read any incoming SMS

I want these as I only use Bluetooth in my car, when in my car I need the display to be brighter and I want SMS read to me since that would be safer.

thoughts?

EDIT: Manual Intent Shortcuts and BlueDock ($1) seems would be needed. These are plugins that go into Tasker to expand tasker as currently, it seems as is it cannot tell I am connected to my BT in my car.

EDIT 2: I tried them both BUT to get Manual Intent to work you have to know how to write the correct string, like net.dinglisch.android.tasker.ACTION_TASK, and there is simply no documentation on this. You could set Tasker to increase brightness if an app is run, like BluDock (which would only run if it connects with my car BT), but to then get Manual Intent to trigger to sense the Bt connection.. no way.

 

[athflying]

So why not set it to turn bluetooth on, brightness up, and read texts whenever in your car?

 

[Lock-N-Load]

dude, for real? have you tried doing it?

it is not just "turning on BT"... it is noticing a BT connection is made to a certain device - which Tasker cannot do - and then when it notices that connection, turn up the brightness.

you can't, stand alone, do what I want. if you could, I would not have posted.

Even on their forums it says you cannot, you have to use Manual Intent Shortcuts and BlueDock.. and those are a bit cryptic to understand the process and steps. If I get the answer on just how to integrate the 3 to do what I want, I will explain it.

 

[athflying]

Can't you just have it happen whenever bluetooth is on??? Or do you need bluetooth on all the time??

 

[Lock-N-Load]

I dont think your getting what I am trying to do.

I have BT on at all times so when I jump in my car, my Ford Sync system can see it and connect to my phone and then I can control the phone via Sync.

I also always have my phone on the lowest brightness as that is plenty fine. So if I had brightness set at 100% just because BT is on, it makes little sense as I only need BT when I enter the car.

But, when you get in the car, with sun, I need to crank up the brightness.

So, rather than doing it manually like I do know by hitting a brightness widget, it would be cool if Tasker could sense that BT has connected with my car (it cannot do this) and then auto increase the brightness. Thus, the task of noticing the BT connection is the trigger to increase brightness as that implies I am in the car and need more brightness because of the sun. No BT connection, no brightness needed. And, other than to turn BT on and off, Tasker cannot work with BT functions... hence the 2 plug-ins you need.

 

[UncleMike]

2 things I would like to do, but not sure how. I have set up a few basic tasks, but these 2 not sure how to do.

1. IF Bluetooth is connected, crank up brightness to 100%
2. IF bluetooth is connected, read any incoming SMS

I want these as I only use Bluetooth in my car, when in my car I need the display to be brighter and I want SMS read to me since that would be safer.

thoughts?

EDIT: Manual Intent Shortcuts and BlueDock ($1) seems would be needed. These are plugins that go into Tasker to expand tasker as currently, it seems as is it cannot tell I am connected to my BT in my car.

EDIT 2: I tried them both BUT to get Manual Intent to work you have to know how to write the correct string, like net.dinglisch.android.tasker.ACTION_TASK, and there is simply no documentation on this. You could set Tasker to increase brightness if an app is run, like BluDock (which would only run if it connects with my car BT), but to then get Manual Intent to trigger to sense the Bt connection.. no way.

Since you already know you need BlueDock and Manual Intent Shortcuts, you've probably seen this already but here's a link that might help:

Tasker Wiki: Bluedock&Tasker

(Tasker has an Application context, which I think you're referring to above, but that's not what you need)

To do what you're looking for you would need to do the following in Tasker:

Create a profile named ReadSMS, with these contexts:
Received SMS (no parameters necessary)
Variable Value %CARCONNECTED = 1

The actions for the Enter Task would be:
Say Message from %SMSRF
Wait 3 seconds
Say %SMSRB

Create a profile named CarBluetooth, with this context:
Variable Value %CARCONNECTED = 1

The actions for the Enter Task would be:
Display Brightness 255


Create a task named CarConnected. The actions in that task would be:
Variable Set %CARCONNECTED 1

Create a task named CarDisconnected. The actions in that task would be:
Variable Clear %CARCONNECTED

In BlueDock, select the paired bluetooth device in your car, and set the Connect Action to a Manual Intent Shortcut. Give the shortcut the following parameters:
Name: <any name you want>
Action: net.dinglisch.android.tasker.ACTION_TASK
Extra key: task_name
Extra Value: CarConnected

In BlueDock, select the same bluetooth device, and set the Disconnect Action to a Manual Intent Shortcut. Give the shortcut the following parameters:
Name: <any name you want>
Action: net.dinglisch.android.tasker.ACTION_TASK
Extra key: task_name
Extra Value: CarDisconnected

That's it. Note that for the Say action, you may want to change the stream that it uses, and check the volume level for that stream, otherwise you may not hear what's being said.

What should happen is:

When you connect to the bluetooth in your car, BlueDock should notice that this has happened and, by way of a Manual Intent Shortcut, tell Tasker to run the CarConnected task, which will set %CARCONNECTED to a value of 1, causing the CarBluetooth profile to become active. When the profile becomes active, the Enter Task will run, maximizing the screen brightness.

With %CARCONNECTED set to a value of 1, any incoming SMS will cause the ReadSMS profile to become active, and Tasker will run the Enter Task, reading the SMS sender and body aloud.

Once your bluetooth is disconnected, BlueDock should notice, and trigger Tasker to run the CarDisconnected task, which will clear the %CARCONNECTED variable. This will deactive the CarBluetooth profile, causing Tasker to return the screen brightness to its previous level. Clearing the variable will also prevent the ReadSMS profile from becoming active with incoming SMS messages.

I think this should work, but it's untested. I have no experience with BlueDock or Manual Intent Shortcuts, but have a lot of experience with Tasker.

 

[Lock-N-Load]

thanks man... yes, I had seen that article, but it only helps so much given I am trying to initiate a different task and not call an application.

I have tried to setup the brightness method with tips from the developer/staff using both Manual Intent Shortcuts and BlueDock, but it is tricky and is not working. you can follow that unfolding thread here if 1 should care.

chime in if you see the error.. but following their steps, kind of like yours above, I get no love for Tasker to see the BT connection has been made via Bluedock and then initiate the shortcut viv Manual Intent Shortcuts

 

[UncleMike]

What I posted above is specific for what you're trying to do. I'll continue this in the Tasker forum you linked above for further clarification.

 

[Lock-N-Load]

Create a profile named CarBluetooth, with this context:
Variable Value %CARCONNECTED = 1

do you mean create a "task" and then hit the + button and add "variable" and add that string? if so, when I do this, I m not sure which Variable action to select to input that string... there are 8 Variable actions to choose from? I assume "variable add"?

OR

do you mean hit "new" then "state" then "variable value" and then fill in each of the 3 lines with your string info?

I am not sure how to do this step exactly or what a "profile" is? This is where I am not sure what to do

The actions for the Enter Task would be:
Display Brightness 255

this I know how to do, it is done in Tasker by making a new "task"

Create a task named CarConnected. The actions in that task would be:
Variable Set %CARCONNECTED 1

I know how to make a task

Create a task named CarDisconnected. The actions in that task would be:
Variable Clear %CARCONNECTED

I know how to make a task

In BlueDock, select the paired bluetooth device in your car, and set the Connect Action to a Manual Intent Shortcut. Give the shortcut the following parameters:
Name: <any name you want>
Action: net.dinglisch.android.tasker.ACTION_TASK
Extra key: task_name
Extra Value: CarConnected

I know how to do this

In BlueDock, select the same bluetooth device, and set the Disconnect Action to a Manual Intent Shortcut. Give the shortcut the following parameters:
Name: <any name you want>
Action: net.dinglisch.android.tasker.ACTION_TASK
Extra key: task_name
Extra Value: CarDisconnected

I know how to do this

 

[Lock-N-Load]

UPDATE... okay...I think I understand all your directions - solved that first part I was lost on I think. building it now, will test and report back.

UPDATE 2: no dice.. didn't work. tasker does not even show a task being initiated.

In the other forum, they talk about creating shortcuts on the desktop, you did not mention that here.. is that something related or a missed step or a step never needed or a step you assumed I understood?

 

[athflying]

Uncle Mike....just wondering where you learned to do all that?? Is that just from countless hours messing around with Tasker or is there a really detailed guide that I haven't seen yet??

 

[UncleMike]

UPDATE... okay...I think I understand all your directions - solved that first part I was lost on I think. building it now, will test and report back.

UPDATE 2: no dice.. didn't work. tasker does not even show a task being initiated.

In the other forum, they talk about creating shortcuts on the desktop, you did not mention that here.. is that something related or a missed step or a step never needed or a step you assumed I understood?

I think the shortcuts get created when you provide the details for the Manual Intent Shortcuts. As I said (somewhere) I don't have Manual Intent Shortcuts, or BlueDock, so I can really verify these steps.