If you’re at the stage where you want to do more with your phone and start creating automation-optimized mini-apps to complete tasks Tasker (for Android) and apple shortcut (for iOS) is likely included in the tools you use. Below you’ll find an introduction to both of these apps and what they can do for you, as well as an explanation of how they are and aren’t similar. The main difference is that Android allows its apps to delve deeper into the operating system and its features than iOS, and Tasker can take full advantage of this.
For those who have never looked into phone automation, there’s an almost limitless range of possibilities here, all built around the idea of ​​”if this happens, do this” – so at the most basic level, plugging in your headphones might increase the volume level, or logging into work WiFi might put your phone in silent mode.
Tasker has more capabilities than Apple Shortcuts but requires more effort
Even the biggest fans of Tasker will admit that it’s not the easiest app to get to grips with. This will also cost you $3.99, so make sure you will use it all up before purchasing. However, once you get used to the app, you’ll find that it’s a powerful and capable piece of software, and it has a simplified “tasky” interface you can switch to that lets you edit existing automations rather than starting from scratch.
Go to the full Tasker interface, and you can see it divided into tabs: profile (triggers that make something happen and associated actions), Work (Actions must be performed that are not linked to triggers), curtains (custom editing in the user interface), and Wars (Stored values ​​and settings, such as your phone’s battery life). Automations often combine these elements into projects, which can be found on the bottom tab.
It takes some time to get used to Tasker’s triggers and actions.
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Importing an example project is probably the easiest way to get started. tap + (Plus) button (lower right), then select taskernet And make your selection. When you find something you like, tap Import button, and it will be added to Tasker and set up; You also need to grant all necessary permissions to the automation.
there is turn the shah Automation you should be able to find in the taskernet directory – holding your phone face down will mute it. Once you’ve loaded the project, you’ll see it ready for selection at the bottom of the screen: Under profile tab, there is one orientation face down Toggle switch (which is waiting for automation), and if you tap on it, you will see the linked action – turning on Do Not Disturb. under Work, We have a standalone task that’s setup for automation, and you can edit it to change the on-screen message.
Tasks can be coded to give detailed descriptions.
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To fully explain Tasker and its features requires much more space than is available here – check out the vast amount of information available at tasker website-But you can start building simple automations here profile by clicking on the tab + (Plus) button and choosing a trigger and an action from the provided lists. For example, you can choose a time as the trigger and switching to dark mode as the action.
If this already seems like too much effort, seeing what Tasker is capable of might encourage you to dive in: Run a search from here doodle drawingReceive a notification when your WhatsApp message is received moves from unread to readOr automatically switch to voice typing on your phone is flat on the surfaceFor example.
Apple Shortcuts are easier to learn than Tasker, but you have less control
Apple Shortcuts is in some ways the iPhone Tasker, but it’s much more simple: Automations are easier to create and edit, and though you can do less with it in terms of interacting with the fundamentals of your phone, the capabilities here will be enough for most casual tinkerers.
All your existing shortcuts appear in Library tab of the app, while at the bottom automation, You can find shortcuts that run automatically without any input from you – perhaps based on the time of day or when an app is open. under gallery, You can browse shortcuts curated by Apple.
Shortcuts are easier to understand than Tasker.
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Like Tasker, starting with an example is a good way to get into the flow of the app. if you open galleryyou should be able to find one remind me at work Shortcut: tap + The (plus) button in the corner to add it to your library. Going within 100 meters of your office is the trigger, and displaying the reminder is the action.
What do you think so far?
Shortcuts will want to know where you work, and will ask for that information when you add it to your library. When the shortcut runs, you’re asked to add something to the task note inside Apple Notes – so you can create a detailed list of all the things you don’t want to forget, specific to your workplace.
Multiple triggers can be used for automation in Shortcuts.
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Tap the three dots on any shortcut in your Library to see details of how it works. Triggers can be based on times and dates, locations, opening or closing of apps, focus mode, or changes in settings like WiFi and Bluetooth. Actions can include Apple’s own apps (from setting calendar entries to getting maps directions) as well as some third-party functions, and you’re also able to control various aspects of the phone, such as setting the Airplane Mode position or changing the screen brightness level.
You’ll find lots of shortcuts written by users and available on the web. These tasks and automations can be set keep an eye on house moves Through QR code, log in your daily water intakeOr get weather forecast For the location of upcoming calendar events. You can also start creating your own by tapping + (plus) button Library Or automation Tab.
Tasker vs Shortcuts Android vs iOS
Comparing Tasker to Shortcuts is an interesting way to look at Android vs. iOS overall. Even though Google and Apple have borrowed features from each other over the years, some distinct differences remain, and many of them come up when using both of these tools.
Apple Shortcuts gives you lots of guidance, and provides a workflow that’s easy to follow – although it’s still capable of doing some very clever automation. It’s also more limited in terms of the control you get over the mobile operating system and the apps installed on it: Shortcuts can only penetrate as far into apps as the developers allow.
Tasker has a steeper learning process than Shortcuts.
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Tasker can interact with apps, whether or not their developers or Google have done anything to help. Unlike a shortcut, it can read the contents of notifications, pop up on top of other apps, and even take actions on your behalf (like screen taps and swipes), for example. Tasker can also perform continuous monitoring better than Shortcuts.
Apple (understandably) wants to place some limits on shortcuts for security and privacy reasons, but Google puts the onus on you to only run automations and tasks that you understand and trust. For better or worse, Tasker and Android give you more freedom if you really want to hack what your phone is capable of (and are patient enough to figure out the interface).
