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anyone care to share their tasks? just got tasker and...wow. pretty complex. just wondering what this thing is capable of
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Right now, I only have a task to locate my phone with gps with a special text. I am still learning and need to play around with it some more. But I had some other simple tasks that were handy. (wifi on in certain locations, turning off ringer at school).
NicholasQ said:
Right now, I only have a task to locate my phone with gps with a special text. I am still learning and need to play around with it some more. But I had some other simple tasks that were handy. (wifi on in certain locations, turning off ringer at school).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, kind of like that findmyphone app we talked about in another thread. Cool.
Paul O'Brien (Modaco) tweeted quite some time ago that he was going to post all his tasker tasks on his forums, but if he did I missed them over there. He's a sharp dev and seems to really like Tasker.
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
Hi, I hope I'm posting in the right forum here!
Several people have said that the following is possible, but nobody knows how to actually do it!
I want to make tasker switch my default browser whenever I have mobile data enabled. The task would be pretty similar to the "switch input method" function, but I can't figure out how to do this.
Is it possible?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Bump
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
May I bump this?
I'm searching everywhere for a hint of whether my task is possible:
I have a plan that consists of 200 minutes, and unlimited calling to my 'Fav 10'.. I also have a data cap of 1Gig. I would like for Tasker to keep track of my minutes used (rounding up as my carrier does not bill by the second), and once it reaches a defined count (200), it'd switch my default phone dialer over to Skype for ONLY the phone numbers that are not part of my Favourite Ten (or Dell Voice, however Google Voice is not available in Canada at the moment).
Skype rates are 3cents/minute, compared to 45cents for every extra minute on my plan; it is possible to $3+tac for call forwarding, but it doesn't seem to let me exclude callers from the feature. Also, I'm trying to live within certain budgets, as I am a student.
As well, I would like to be presented with an option box, to use either my native phone dialer or Skype, if I am approaching my 1gb cap (even a MB over will cost me a large chunk of money).
So... I'm searching and continuously searching... but I ask for anyone's help who may have.
Thanks a lot everyone..
Ryan
I think it's doable, at least some of it, but you would need someone who knows a lot about the logic syntaxes in Tasker and their limitations, which I unfortunately don't.
Sent from horseback.
Thanks for the insight.
After only having Tasker for a few days, just by what I wrote above I can definitely see it as maybe possible.
But, as like you, I don't know enough of this to even begin, I'm afraid.
I'll keep an eye on this thread and bump it every so often until I give up, or until I'm told to stop
adytum said:
Hi, I hope I'm posting in the right forum here!
Several people have said that the following is possible, but nobody knows how to actually do it!
...
Is it possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not an exact "set default application", but you can try this. Make the task with shortcut (and call it myBrowser). This task will run a different apps depending on the conditions (WiFi, Mobile Data, etc.).
memberfive said:
This is not an exact "set default application", but you can try this. Make the task with shortcut (and call it myBrowser). This task will run a different apps depending on the conditions (WiFi, Mobile Data, etc.).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but it's over a year since I posted that, and actually started to do the exact thing you mentioned shortly thereafter myself
Sent from horseback.
Open a web page in a non-default browser / changing the default application
adytum said:
Hi, I hope I'm posting in the right forum here!
Several people have said that the following is possible, but nobody knows how to actually do it!
I want to make tasker switch my default browser whenever I have mobile data enabled. The task would be pretty similar to the "switch input method" function, but I can't figure out how to do this.
Is it possible?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Prerequisites:
1. Root access
2. Tasker installed
It depends on the Action/Mime Type that you want to change but for opening an url in a non-default browser this works - I tested it.
Create new task: Misc>Send Intent
Action: android.intent.action.VIEW
Cat: None
Mime blank
Data: "your url"
Extra blank
Package: com.android.browser or com.webbrowserminiapp or "the package of whatever browser you want to use"
Class blank
Target: Activity
The rest is peace of cake.
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
Just realized this is probably not going to work completely as my biggest issue was vibrate mode not being set properly...
Will work on solutions tomorrow
This is going to be a very rough draft of what I got here.
Long story short, Silent mode doesn't work on Lollipop and beyond, Thanks Google
Therefore Llama is borked.
Simple fix will try to make better later (I am no programmer for sure), for now this is my simple solution.
I know this doesn't allow you to quickly change phone to silent but it does allow you to at least let Llama do it for you.
Also I've only tested this on Lollipop, Time willing I'm going to attempt to get this working on Marshmallow tomorrow or later this week.
3 simple apps made in Tasker that implement the new Do Not Disturb Mode, that can be run in Llama.
To get working:
1. Install desired Apps
2. Grant Notification Access
3. Add a new action to llama
4. Select Run Application
5. Select 1 of the 3 attached apps depending on what you want to happen.
Will post pics later but I think it's pretty self explanatory if you use Llama
Future plans:
1 app where you can call the activities of the app instead of running an actual app.
A button that opens Notification access so you can enable the app.
GTDarthYoda said:
Just realized this is probably not going to work completely as my biggest issue was vibrate mode not being set properly...
Will work on solutions tomorrow
This is going to be a very rough draft of what I got here.
Long story short, Silent mode doesn't work on Lollipop and beyond, Thanks Google
Therefore Llama is borked.
Simple fix will try to make better later (I am no programmer for sure), for now this is my simple solution.
I know this doesn't allow you to quickly change phone to silent but it does allow you to at least let Llama do it for you.
Also I've only tested this on Lollipop, Time willing I'm going to attempt to get this working on Marshmallow tomorrow or later this week.
3 simple apps made in Tasker that implement the new Do Not Disturb Mode, that can be run in Llama.
To get working:
1. Install desired Apps
2. Grant Notification Access
3. Add a new action to llama
4. Select Run Application
5. Select 1 of the 3 attached apps depending on what you want to happen.
Will post pics later but I think it's pretty self explanatory if you use Llama
Future plans:
1 app where you can call the activities of the app instead of running an actual app.
A button that opens Notification access so you can enable the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is working for me on stock LG lollipop 5.1.1. I will test and see if I notice any excess battery drain due to the notification listener service. Thanks for helping fix Google's mess up.
If you want I can play around with this some more but I finally gave up on Llama
Llama is dead Hasn't been updated 11/21/2014 So I've switched over to Tasker utilizing wifi
I'm thinking of trying to figure out how to make my own app that can possibly launch tasker tasks but using a similar cell tower scanning/saving system as llama but right now I don't have the time or know how.
Ok I've played and I think I figured it out!
If you select run app shortcut in lama, you can run tasker tasks from there!
I might be bringing llama back!
GTDarthYoda said:
Ok I've played and I think I figured it out!
If you select run app shortcut in lama, you can run tasker tasks from there!
I might be bringing llama back!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been thinking if switching to tasker but have been using llama for years and everything is see up. I know you can run intents and locale plugins. Don't know if there is a way to use those features. So far your apks are work well for me. I think I have everything set up right. Thanks again.
I know what you mean
GTDarthYoda said:
I might be bringing llama back!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man, please bring Llama back. This is the best profile app i've ever seen: fast to set, easy to config, no-battery draining and very useful.
:fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed:
Edinho376 said:
Hey man, please bring Llama back. This is the best profile app i've ever seen: fast to set, easy to config, no-battery draining and very useful.
:fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using llama again. But I'm using it with tasker and a tasker plug in.
If you want i can write up my setup for ya?
You will need autonotification, tasker and llama but it works 99% of the time wwithouta hitch
GTDarthYoda said:
I am using llama again. But I'm using it with tasker and a tasker plug in.
If you want i can write up my setup for ya?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey dude, thanks for yours good will, but i wrote that hoping that somebody would continue the development for this app or similar for the whole community. Unfortunately i don't have skills to do this, but just looking how many times Llama was downloaded from Google Play you can see this is an incredible app everybody likes. It is useful and easy to setup... I am very sad since it don't work properly in newer android versions. :crying: Already sent e-mails to Kebab Apps but no answer, this is a great lose for everybody since this app was unique.
So far I've only installed Android studio
I've written alot in Java but never touched Android code. We'll see if I can figure it out. Don't have alot of spare time on my hands so we'll see what I can do.