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[Q] [Idea] babyphone app for 2 (android) devices

Hi all,
I hope this is the right section... tried developers section, but i am not allowed to post because of limitted amount of posts (dont want to post if its spam )
So, i did a search on google, a search in the market and a search on this forum and could not find what i was looking for.
I am a complete noob with developing apps and dont have the aspiration to do it in the future....
Here is my idea... hope somebody could react if it is possible at all or maybe that it is a completely stupid idea
My wife and i both have a htc desire and i was searching for a babyphone through wifi.... like i said... could not find it.
What i want:
- Place one device in the room from the baby when it is connected to the internet (wifi or 3g)
- The other device i would like to to take to friends ~600 meters away.
- With the phone i have with me i would like to connect to the other phone (through internet wifi or 3g) and hear what is going on at the room from the baby. (Maybe through a webpage or something like that???)
Hope it is clear to you guys what i ment.
I think it should be possible... something like skype or so?? Together with some options from the standard baby monitors in the market i think this could be a completely new app. Of course it could be extended in the future if you could use sound and the cam from the android device and have live video from the babys room....

104 views and no reaction... Is it a stupid idea or something impossible?

Master_B82 said:
104 views and no reaction... Is it a stupid idea or something impossible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, a Babyphone App is a very good idea

Some of the applications that allow for you to use your phone as a webcam also allow for audio capture, so they could be used similarly to what you want.

but can these apps you mentioned sent the captured video/audio to the android phone from my wife??

Noise Alert
While this is not for a constant audio connection, I used this for a baby monitor when in a bind.
You have to tweak the detection settings to suit your sleeper (snorers/rollers), but once you get it set right, if the wake up and cry the App will call your other phone and you can listen to the room at that time.
Not sure if you can set it to restart the app for false alarms, but logically this is probably in there.

Oozura said:
While this is not for a constant audio connection, I used this for a baby monitor when in a bind.
You have to tweak the detection settings to suit your sleeper (snorers/rollers), but once you get it set right, if the wake up and cry the App will call your other phone and you can listen to the room at that time.
Not sure if you can set it to restart the app for false alarms, but logically this is probably in there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still this is not the best option for me... I want to have sound all the time... If you have kids you will understand.
Other thing is that I want to do it via internet...cheaper

Yeah i have kids. I bought a wireless video baby monitor with two way comminication and support for up to 4 cameras because i couldnt find an android solution.
Someone should definitely develop this idea.
Sent from my GTablet using Tapatalk

Hi Master_B82,
I had the same idea, so that I think that it is not too bad ;-)
Actually, I was working hard over the last months in developing such an App, as I need it for myself, too.
The good news: I finished a first, fully functioning version. It is available on android market as "BabyPhone Mobile":
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.babyphonemobile
I hope, you like it
If you have any ideas on improving the App... Just tell me!

[GUIDE] Update 20/02/14: HTC Desire S Guide (V1.04) For Newcomers to Android

As the title says, this is something I’ve done for newcomers to Android. It covers only the basics. Experienced Android users will already know this stuff.
I did it as I was always forwarding the same help/advice e-mails to my friends when they bought their HTC Android phones, so I made this to save me fishing out the same e-mails. It was originally for the Desire but I have brought it up to date for the Desire S.
I’ve seen a lot of the same questions being asked here on this Desire S forum. This should help some of you. As this phone currently has a locked up bootloader, the experienced ROM-flashing hardcore Android crowd will probably not pick up this phone. It’s more likely that it will be Android newcomers that buy the Desire S.
If this helps you out, great.
Updated 1st June 2011. Changelog;
Miscellaneous spelling errors and syntax adjusted and tweaked.
Incorporated your comments (e.g. adjusting Timeriffic capabilities)
Added a tutorial for getting started with Tasker!
Added a quick fix for the creaking battery cover issue.
Added clarification on some permissions on free ad-supported apps.
Added advice on dealing with App problems and using the marketplace feedback feature.
Added warning about Fastboot mode issues.
Updated 28th June 2011. Changelog;
Added Index
Added Ultimate Charging Tip - Get 24 hours instead of 12!
Updated 21st February 2014. Changelog;
Made some tweaks to allow for maturation of Android since 2011
Adjusted recommended Apps list to allow for changes since 2011
Disclaimer: I no longer have the Desire S or have any knowledge of the current ROMS available for it. For those reasons some of the info in this guide migt be outdated. Follow with caution, and perhaps feed back where it is wrong?
Download from my Dropbox (in .pdf format) here;
Edit: This dropbox link below will occasionally expire and stop working. Please let me know when it does and I'll refresh it ASAP. I'm subscribed to this thread with e-mail notification so (unless I'm mid ROM-flashing) I'll get your posts replied to quickly.
Link updated 23rd Jul 2014: https://www.dropbox.com/s/601j4ayswkzk9o0/HTC Desire S Owners Guide V1.04.pdf

Many Thanks, found that really useful...Tasker now on my must buy list.
Moderator....possibly make this a sticky, as it will be useful for new comers.

Thank you very much for the manual. Just three comments:
1) Many apps require web access to download adds. Thus, it's unavoidable for them to have the redundant permissions.
2) "Timeriffic" has not the option to tougle the sync, unfortunately.
3) Free "AutomateIt" (https://market.android.com/details?id=AutomateIt.mainPackage&feature=search_result ) has all the options you described for the paid "Tasker".

Great guide! I'm sure alot of new android users will benefit from this. I agree with those methods to maximise battery life.
Thanks for your time and effort +1 for sticky

This is indeed very very very useful... I agreed, need to make this one sticky and updated! Thanks for your hard work man!

igoivo said:
3) Free "AutomateIt" (https://market.android.com/details?id=AutomateIt.mainPackage&feature=search_result ) has all the options you described for the paid "Tasker".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AutomateIT starts GPS ervery time you set an location based trigger. Contraprodactive for battery saving - and not necessary (weather and other location based apps do it by a-gps)
Don't know if Tasker do start gps, but for me Automateit isn't a good choice..

Glad it is of some help to people and thank you for the positive feedback everyone. I will get the guide updated when I get a few minutes. I'm away this weekend. I think I may add a Tasker guide!
Tasker can use GPS as a way of determining location, but you can use other ways. You can even control how often Tasker turns GPS on to get a location fix if you use it in a profile. For the most part, GPS is unnecessary as it is too accurate for most profile requirements. The best way Tasker does approximate location is using a state called, "Cell Near".
What this does is look at your nearest cell tower ID number and signal strength. When it see the right cell tower with the right signal strength, Tasker knows I'm at home. This is economical because it is only using 2G radio info which is on all the time anyway. Obviously it would also think I was home if I was on the same radius around the cell tower, but it's as accurate as I need for my "Home Mode" profile. Typically I see it activate as I am driving onto my estate where I live.
Tasker also knows which parameters in a profile use the least power, and will monitor those first and wait until they are satisfied before moving onto monitor the next parameter in a profile. For example, if you needed to use GPS for a very accurate location-based profile, you can keep power usage down by adding a "Time" context. Say you need your phone to send your wife a text message when you reach a certain point on your journey home after work each day. ("Get my dinner ready!" ) If you add a time context of "Between 5pm and 7pm" and "Monday to Friday" Tasker will wait until those are met before turning GPS on every X seconds to check where you are.
This way it doesn't hog battery power and my wife has time to get dressed and kick the postman out before I get back.

Nice guide!

Thanks for the guide ! I find it very useful: I've discovered some interesting applications ( I love TuneIt radio) and the tips to save battery are already really working for me
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA App

dont know said:
AutomateIT starts GPS ervery time you set an location based trigger. Contraprodactive for battery saving - and not necessary (weather and other location based apps do it by a-gps)
Don't know if Tasker do start gps, but for me Automateit isn't a good choice..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry, but it's not right. In particular, "AutomateIt" has "Enable/Disable GPS" action, which you can use with either the location (home/office) or any location based application events.
An example: "Entering proximity region ... - disable GPS"
When GPS is disabled, "AutomateIt" can use the available networks only to detect the location. To this end, use the flag "Allow Coarse Accurasy", see the manual at http://muzikant-android.blogspot.com/2011/02/automateit-automate-your-android.html

Thanks a lot

wnp_79 said:
Obviously it would also think I was home if I was on the same radius around the cell tower, but it's as accurate as I need for my "Home Mode" profile. Typically I see it activate as I am driving onto my estate where I live.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use another app called Llama. It's also a profile manager, doing basically the same thing as AutomateIT and Tasker, except that it can use not just gps and cell towers, but also wifi networks to recognise my location, so i don't have to keep gps turned on (which is a drain). But it tends to be quite a bit more accurate since wifi networks have a smaller radius. I set the app to recognise my "home" location not just by the cell towers in my area, but also my home wifi. So if i step outside to buy something, my phone would probably still connect to the same cell tower but as long as my phone loses the wifi connection (which happens about 10m away) it knows i'm not "home" anymore. It's pretty useful 'cause sometimes even when i'm a kilometer away, i'm already connected to the cell tower near my home.
But it works for me because i live in an apartment and my wifi network covers the whole house. For those of you who have lawns or backyards, i'm guessing your wifi might not cover those areas so it might not work for you.
But the best part of the app, which is mainly why i use it, is that its FREE. Oh, and the dev has a certain sense of humour.. it's less an app and more of a pet or assistant. You've gotta "train" your Llama to recognise the location. Cute, in a way.

slightowl said:
I use another app called Llama. It's also a profile manager, doing basically the same thing as AutomateIT and Tasker, except that it can use not just gps and cell towers, but also wifi networks to recognise my location, so i don't have to keep gps turned on (which is a drain). But it tends to be quite a bit more accurate since wifi networks have a smaller radius.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
AutomateIt does exactly the same thing with wifi networks. Checking the "Allow coarse location" checkbox uses both cell location and wifi networks.
Also, if GPS is disabled, AutomateIt will not use it (but than you'll get less accurate location...). AutomateIt tries to minimize usage of GPS by allowing the user to define a sampling rate and timeout for getting a location fix so it will not continuously use the GPS. It also stops using the GPS as soon as it gets a location fix.
for more details see the post on location trigger tips & tricks on the developer's website.

Thank you for the guide, it's a very good guide
Also, about battery drain, I checked the usage info, it seems Zenonia is at the top of my list, I was playing it earlier, but I can't even see the settings anywhere near HTC Sense, what should I do?

I seem not to be able to open the file. Could you possibly upload it on an other client?

Seriously, don't know which of the tips did it, but somehow my battery lasts 50% longer. Thinking it might be the fact that I turned of the "call louder when in pocket"-thingy as you suggested.
Awesome noob guide.
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA Premium App

stevennekens said:
I seem not to be able to open the file. Could you possibly upload it on an other client?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had also problem opening it directly (in Firefox), so I right-clicked on link and saved the file directly to my computer.
Will go through guide today, when I receive my Desire S.

Should have clarified in my first post (sorry); The link is to download the file from my dropbox in .pdf format. If your browser doesn't have the appropriate plugin to directly view pdf files, use adobe 8+ reader.
It opens and reads well with the pdf reader included with the Desire S (sim free, unlocked).
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA Premium App

Updated to V1.02! See original post for new download link and change-log.

thanks for the awesome noob guide, worked wonders for me, with this being my first android smart phone. thanks again

[Q] Triumph, Google Voice, and mac basic questions

I've put off getting a smartphone as long as possible, but did enough research that I think the Triumph on Virgin's $35 plan with Google voice is a smart way to go. I still have some questions about this new OS, programs, and environment, and really like the smart people on this forum, and hope you won't mind a few questions.
-What’s the best VOIP app for working with Google Voice? I've come across GrooVe IP, but would like reassurance whether it's the best option. I'd like to make calls over wifi, but I'd also like to know whether Virgin Mobile's 3g coverage is fast enough for voip (generally...). I wouldn't want to do this routinely as I'd be afraid they'd throttle me. But I would like someone who knows to share their opinion.
-How do I find out my wifi signal strength? 3G strength? GPS strength? Or even just where I can learn what the icons on the top bar stand for, and what their range is? There must be a good app for this, and I'd love a recommendation.
-If I wanted the option, how (specifically) would I switch from making a voip/data plan outgoing call to the regular phone cell plan? Would Android be smart enough to do this automatically without a wifi signal? Or would I need to change a setting in Google Voice? Any thoughts most appreciated.
-How do I find what apps are running (in background?)? Percentage of system resources, and how to kill them? I’m guessing there are apps for that. Does Android kill a process when you return to home screen? What are some of the general rules?
-I have a mac. I’m guessing most of the programs that let you manage files, root the phone, install Cyanogen mods, etc, are PC based. I found Android File Transfer, but am not clear on it's limits. Are there better options? What will the AFT program be good for? [Emulating PC’s is a pain I would rather avoid, but I have been thinking of running virtual box to donate some processing time to the Large Hadron Collider, so I might be able to run some of these PC programs]. Any advice most welcome.
-Any skins or options to turn the google apps into light text on dark background? (I'm aware of and have used the option in Gmail). I hate black text on white background. I'm kooky that way.
This Android phone is good looking, the plan costs much less than a thousand a year (which I refuse to pay), and I LOVE the Google voice options to turn your text and calls into computer files which you can archive as you wish. The Google voice activation / text / search is far superior to iAnything, voip/wifi is the balls, and I think a lot people who've been holding off from getting a smartphone will jump on this combo, and this thread may help them. Many thanks...

dcnblues said:
-How do I find out my wifi signal strength? 3G strength? GPS strength? Or even just where I can learn what the icons on the top bar stand for, and what their range is? There must be a good app for this, and I'd love a recommendation.
-How do I find what apps are running (in background?)? Percentage of system resources, and how to kill them? I’m guessing there are apps for that. Does Android kill a process when you return to home screen? What are some of the general rules?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With respect to these questions, I'm not an expert, but I'll provide a list of programs I use.
For WiFi signal strength, I'd recommend Wifi Analyzer from the Market. For 3G strength, I'd recommend Cellumap. For GPS Strength, GPS Status + Toolbox or GPS Test.
The manual for the phone can be found on either the VMUSA or Motorola web site. It will explain some of the icons. Although when using the phone, I often see stuff not explained in the manual.
For examining the phone's processes, I recommend SystemPanel from the Market (paid for version has history), and/or Android Status.
There are people that tell you NOT to kill anything on the Android OS manually. I use 1Tap Cleaner and Advanced Task Killer from the market if I see the phone behaving a bit sluggish. Android OS loads stuff in memory readying it for future use. How it does so (intelligently) I don't know. I see stuff being partially loaded I never use. I have never had a problem using either program.
YMMV

GrooveIP works great over 3g...I dunno how much we will be able to use it once they start capping data..bastards

dcnblues said:
-What’s the best VOIP app for working with Google Voice? I've come across GrooVe IP, but would like reassurance whether it's the best option. I'd like to make calls over wifi, but I'd also like to know whether Virgin Mobile's 3g coverage is fast enough for voip (generally...). I wouldn't want to do this routinely as I'd be afraid they'd throttle me. But I would like someone who knows to share their opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GrooVe IP is actually the only thing i've bothered to use because it worked well enough, I havn't put it to test over 3g... In the future, you can root the phone and update it to sprint PRL (Their towers instead of VMU) - People have reported up to like 6-900kbps doing this... I would suggest to not factor this last suggestion in yet as you won't be extremely comfortable with your first smart phone being messed with (But a possibility nonetheless)
dcnblues said:
-How do I find out my wifi signal strength? 3G strength? GPS strength? Or even just where I can learn what the icons on the top bar stand for, and what their range is? There must be a good app for this, and I'd love a recommendation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i will back the suggestion of wifi analyzer, it will map out locations of wifi/cellular tower, it gave me beef on another phone that ran @ 600mhz but this one is 1000mhz.
dcnblues said:
-If I wanted the option, how (specifically) would I switch from making a voip/data plan outgoing call to the regular phone cell plan? Would Android be smart enough to do this automatically without a wifi signal? Or would I need to change a setting in Google Voice? Any thoughts most appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With grooveip and google voice it will ask you on all outbound calls after you press dial: Would you like to make this call with.... A) non-Google Voice B) Google Voice (same story w/ sending an sms except it will ask when you create the sms because google voice has it's own sms application, keep in mind w/ gvoice you can forward calls to your google chat account (and that's what makes grooveip ring instead of forwarding the call to your cellular number[i think])
dcnblues said:
-How do I find what apps are running (in background?)? Percentage of system resources, and how to kill them? I’m guessing there are apps for that. Does Android kill a process when you return to home screen? What are some of the general rules?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are tons of application managers and task killers, I recommend to ignore all of them.... Someone brought a Samsung Prevail(Boost mobile Galaxy) into work the other day(Radioshack) - Anytime they killed tasks their touchscreen went out till reboot.... Android is supposed to self manage tasks and processes... realistically you just have to make sure not to leave your bluetooth wifi and gps on all the time... Also taking the screen brightness down a fuzz from max will help batt life tremendously... Android will suspend a process and kill an activity when you return to homescreen.... What I mean by that is that if you're in the browser and you hit home then you go back to the browser, you're on the same page still... but likely not to have any of your text still there if you were in an input field.... (This is probably an inaccurate example due to programmers being able to add a save activity state [this is something that when you for example hit back or hold the home button down to switch applications will store your current information, so when you're editing the text field it will save that data, THEN kill the activity/suspend it so that when you return it is still there, but the process is not draining the battery down at the moment.])
One of androids key attributes is the quick application switching via holding down the home button but some applications like pandora will run 'ongoing' so that you can multitask, while others will suspend so that you can save battery.... Kind of as a rule of thumb, unless it is monitoring or actively outputting it will be suspended.... so apps like pandora and wifi tethering continue to function when you switch applications because tehy'er ongoing whereas a note editor application would suspend itself untill it's brought back to focus because how are you going to type without it forefront?
dcnblues said:
-I have a mac. I’m guessing most of the programs that let you manage files, root the phone, install Cyanogen mods, etc, are PC based. I found Android File Transfer, but am not clear on it's limits. Are there better options? What will the AFT program be good for? [Emulating PC’s is a pain I would rather avoid, but I have been thinking of running virtual box to donate some processing time to the Large Hadron Collider, so I might be able to run some of these PC programs].
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off nice LHC Mac joke I take it we're running the server edition cause hey, more is never enough.
I honestly can't tell you much from the mac POV other than that it would hopefully work the same as the linux instructions but i kind of expect version/dependency differences... to be fair this triumph is rootable by application ran on the phone (Which you can GMail to yourself and download as attatchment, bluetooth, wifi shared folder, usb mounting, or download directly to the phone..) The custom recovery is installed via drag and drop on USB Removable Disc so it's not nearly as bad as some of the other phones would be,
dcnblues said:
-Any skins or options to turn the google apps into light text on dark background? (I'm aware of and have used the option in Gmail). I hate black text on white background. I'm kooky that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Feel free to, they exist, I would however suggest against them... I walk to work a lot and it's a pain in the ass to read those emails when you have the sun on the screen; granted everything is harder this was damn near impossible... Nonetheless check for the black apps listed in xda/android/themes and apps... I'll link soon. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1206774
dcnblues said:
This Android phone is good looking, the plan costs much less than a thousand a year (which I refuse to pay), and I LOVE the Google voice options to turn your text and calls into computer files which you can archive as you wish. The Google voice activation / text / search is far superior to iAnything, voip/wifi is the balls, and I think a lot people who've been holding off from getting a smartphone will jump on this combo, and this thread may help them. Many thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to point out that with the GVoice extension/app for google chrome
you can continue your SMS conversations that way... I recieved one of the CR48s and this has been AWESOME for me.

As far as voip services, I have found using 3g too slow. That said I do recommend sipdroid. It will setup a pbx account for you using your google voice number. Upon connecting to wifi, sipdroid will start running allowing you to make and receive calls.
Sent from my MOTWX435KT using XDA App

Thanks guys for the very useful help. I'm kind of burned out on all the research, and kind of bummed that this red-hot, billion dollar business seems to be run by such morons. SO many unnecessary complications to offering consumers simple, workable products and services.
This has been a great help.
bigvandal said:
GrooveIP works great over 3g...I dunno how much we will be able to use it once they start capping data..bastards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm actually kind of grateful to Virgin Mobile for the $35 dollar plan. I can communicate via voice to text, for a fair price, so until I have a real problem, I'm not going to call them bastards. Until I have a problem, of course...
I do hate the BS in advertising 'unlimited' plans, but having them smirking in their headquarters as they say to themselves 'but we didn't say at what rate...'
On the other hand, people downloading movies over cell frequencies aren't exactly providing solutions to the problem either...

rubbachicken said:
GrooVe IP is actually the only thing i've bothered to use because it worked well enough, I havn't put it to test over 3g... In the future, you can root the phone and update it to sprint PRL (Their towers instead of VMU) - People have reported up to like 6-900kbps doing this... I would suggest to not factor this last suggestion in yet as you won't be extremely comfortable with your first smart phone being messed with (But a possibility nonetheless)...Android is supposed to self manage tasks and processes... realistically you just have to make sure not to leave your bluetooth wifi and gps on all the time... Also taking the screen brightness down a fuzz from max will help batt life tremendously... Android will suspend a process and kill an activity when you return to homescreen....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, thanks very much. For this and all the information. Colossally useful.
Groove IP is actually having a problem today due to some change in the Google servers. Hope it's resolved soon as I'd like to get this running.
Quick confirm: Triumph is LCD and not AMOLED, Correct?

Tasker: is it all that?

I have read a bit about Tasker and never ended up getting it in the past, but I ran into someone (online) who said it was a must-buy.
I was wondering what people here think... Is it that great? Is out more beneficial for those who might not root their phones?
For the tasker fans...can you give me one or two examples of "tasks" you have set so I can get a feel for its potential?
Sent from my HTC One-S (rooted), stock ROM

You can take a look at
h**p://tasker.wikidot.com/profile-index
There are many Infos about Tasker and it's Profiles.
I use it longer and i love it.
Gesendet von meinem HTC One S mit Tapatalk 2

Me too long time user ~2 years now and very happy with the abilities although never used the very sophisticated ones...

I bought both Tasker & Locale at the same time a couple of years ago. Tasker is no doubt more powerful, but Locale works better for me. So simple to setup, and works perfectly. You set a 'Default' condition that is active if no other conditions are met, you then set different profiles for different locations\times\actions\application conditions and stack them. If two profiles have the same triggers, the one higher up will override the lower. I've attached some screenshots for examples
I also used Llama for a while, its free, and very good.

Also, if we are suggesting some additional profile software, take a look on Automate-It...

I've been using Tasker for over a year now and it's great. I have automatic sound profiles for home, work and sleep time. It uses tower location and switches sound profiles when I get into range. I also mad ecustom vibrate pattern for the wife. Set up profiles and widgets to mark my car location and navigate back to it. I can send a text to my phone if I lose it on vibrate to turn ringer on. Also have one where I can text my phone and it will text back a Google Maps link with its location. I have one that brings up an app menu when I plug in my headphones. Many more uses.
Check out the forums and wiki for it. A lot of people have gotten very creative with their profiles.
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium

Ok. Thanks guys.. I will loo into it. I know I do a lot of repetitive steps during the day, and it would be nice to create something as a shortcut.
I suppose I should play with it.
Does it know how to open any app? Can it use all haptic sensors? I mean is it like a Siri without the silliness?
And finally, two other apps were brought up here: "Automate It" and "Locale". So, these apps are just like tasker, but less involved??
I will go study the wiki... Thanks!
Syntropic
Sent from my HTC One-S (rooted), stock ROM

Also check out the new Microsoft app on{x}. Very similar to what these apps do. I started a thread with links and info here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1697840

Try this profile: yanawa
Remember: Tasker isn't always easy stuff, especially when you're a beginner. So download these profiles and start reading and trying.

Tasker is a great app, but I found the learning curve to be steeeeeeeeep. I've been try out a similar app called Llama. I haven't dug into it very deeply but the interface seems a bit easier to understand (at least for me). Might be worth a look.
Sent from my HTC VLE_U

rootrider said:
Try this profile: yanawa
Remember: Tasker isn't always easy stuff, especially when you're a beginner. So download these profiles and start reading and trying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not to worried about a learning curve... I am sure it has one, but if it were that great of an app, that would be the fun part.
But since I don't know how to write apps for Android...which would be singing obviously with the most control over the phone... can you give me an idea of something Tasker can't do? I read all the wiki profiles and scenes and everything, and it does sound like it could be good at some point when I need a great deal of automation, but that's not so much the case... But then again, I am sure I am not thinking of something. I am imagining all of the sensors for movement, temperature, light... Plus time, and statuses of apps (like new email), or any other thing that could be deemed an "event", and I just can't think of anything that fascinating to try and create.
Probably should just learn flex.
Sent from my HTC One-S (rooted), stock ROM

[Q] Caller ID/SMS Announce & Auto Answer

So since switching to my lovely N5, I've missed a few things I found baked into older versions of Android on my old Razr I.. I know that if I fiddle with the Accessibility/TalkBack settings in Kit Kat, I'll get some of the features I need, but I was hoping not to have to go with the full talkback functionality if possible, so I was wondering if any of the good folks here had recommendations of good/stable apps to do the following?
An app that uses TTS to do caller ID and SMS announcements - e.g. for when I'm driving..
A reliable and configurable app for auto answering calls..
Ideally the ability for these apps to activate or shut down when paired/not paired to a specific bluetooth device (e.g. like Car Home Ultra) would be awesome.. I could get tasker involved at a pinch, but native support for this would be easier
I appreciate that if I look at the play store, there are a LOT of free and paid apps that cover the basic requirements - but XDA has always been my go-to source for reliable recommendations, and if I'm honest the reviews for most of the ones I can find are all over the place
tia

You may like utter!.

PhilipTD said:
You may like utter!.
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I shall certainly give that a go on my drive home!
Thanks for the heads up

Unfortunately, Utter was a little too unpredictable for me - when used in conjunction with my bluetooth car unit anyway...
I'm trying Free Car Mode
..which seems to be a single app that does both auto answer and SMS announce - in fact it may be the only app on the play store that does both.. (irritatingly it has an annoying quirk of always going back to it's main screen whenever an SMS is read out, kinda defeating the "hands free" requirement if I'm already in a navigation app.. but hey ho, its free so I can't complain too much - I've mentioned it in my Google Play review, so you never know.. the developer may implement it

jms_uk said:
Unfortunately, Utter was a little too unpredictable for me - when used in conjunction with my bluetooth car unit anyway...
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Ah, bummer. There's also AVX.

Yeah, I saw that.. no worries, a "personal assistant" app may have been overkill anyway. Free Car Mode seems to be doing the job - it's a pain to manually launch before each drive, but I've added it as a button to Car Home Ultra and just have to manually enable/disable before each drive