Tasker

Tasker is a powerful Android application that enables users to automate complex tasks and device settings based on a variety of conditions, offering deep customization and control over phone behavior. Developed by Pent

Tasker Alternatives Visit Website

License: Commercial

Categories:

System Utility Automation Software Productivity Tool

Available for:

Android Android Tablet

About Tasker

Tasker is a highly regarded automation tool for the Android operating system, granting users unprecedented control over their device's behavior. It operates on the principle of 'Contexts' triggering 'Tasks'. A Context can be almost anything from the time of day, location, Wi-Fi network connection, incoming SMS, battery level, or even the state of another application. When a specified Context becomes active, Tasker executes a pre-defined Task.

Tasks themselves are sequences of 'Actions'. With an extensive library of Actions, users can control settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, volume levels, display brightness, launch applications, send notifications, manipulate files, interact with system settings, and much more. The depth of customization allows for the creation of highly sophisticated automated workflows.

Broad Compatibility: Tasker integrates deeply with the Android system and supports a vast range of actions and contexts.
Plugin Ecosystem: The functionality of Tasker can be further extended through a robust ecosystem of third-party plugins, adding support for specific apps or hardware.

The initial learning curve can be steep due to the sheer number of options and the logical structure required to build effective profiles. However, dedicated users find the investment in learning pays off significantly in terms of device personalization and efficiency. Tasker is not just about simple automations; it's a platform for building custom logic to make your smartphone adapt to your needs and circumstances without manual intervention.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Extremely powerful and flexible automation capabilities.
Vast number of contexts and actions available.
Strong plugin ecosystem extending functionality.
Enables complex, multi-step automations.
Active and helpful online community.

Cons

Steep learning curve for beginners.
Interface can be overwhelming initially.
Requires understanding of basic logic for complex tasks.

What Makes Tasker Stand Out

Unparalleled Customization

Offers the deepest level of automation control available on the Android platform without requiring root access for basic functions.

Robust Plugin Ecosystem

The active community and wide range of plugins significantly expand Tasker's capabilities.

What can Tasker do?

Plugin Support

Extend the player's functionality with support for various plugins, including VST effects and Winamp...

Export Functionality

Export your designs to common image and document formats like PNG, PDF, and SVG.

Profile Management

Create and save custom profiles with predefined settings for different conversion scenarios.

Backup And Restore

Create backups of your important files to the cloud and easily restore them in case of data loss on ...

Widget Support

Includes various home screen widgets for quick access and playback control.

Context-based Automation

Trigger tasks and profiles based on various conditions like time, location, specific events, sensor ...

Review

Tasker: A Deep Dive into Android Automation

Tasker stands as a titan in the realm of Android automation applications. It's not a simple 'if this then that' tool; rather, it's a comprehensive platform for scripting and controlling nearly every aspect of your device based on a multitude of conditions. This review explores its core functionalities, usability, and overall value proposition.

Core Functionality and Capabilities

At its heart, Tasker operates on the concept of 'Profiles'. A Profile is activated by one or more 'Contexts' and, when active, executes a 'Task'. The power lies in the sheer variety and granularity of these components.

Contexts: The contextual triggers are remarkably diverse. Users can set conditions based on:
- Time and Date
- Location (via GPS or cell towers)
- Wi-Fi SSID or State
- Bluetooth Connection
- Application State (opened, closed, running)
- Device State (charging, screen on/off, orientation)
- Sensor Readings (light, proximity, acceleration)
- Events (SMS received, calls, battery level changes)
This extensive list allows for highly specific triggers tailored to individual needs.
Tasks and Actions: Where Tasker truly shines is in its library of Actions. A Task is a sequence of these Actions. The range of available Actions is staggering, covering almost every system setting and many application interactions. Examples include:
- Adjusting volume levels (ring, media, alarm)
- Toggling connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mobile Data)
- Launching and killing applications
- Sending and receiving text messages or automating replies
- Controlling display brightness and screen timeout
- Manipulating files and directories
- Speaking text aloud
- Creating custom notifications
- Interacting with system elements (e.g., airplane mode, GPS)
The ability to chain multiple actions within a single Task allows for complex, multi-step automations.
Variables and Logic: For more advanced users, Tasker includes support for variables, allowing for dynamic data manipulation within Tasks. Conditional logic (If/Else) and loops enable the creation of truly sophisticated workflows, moving beyond simple linear execution.
Scenes: Tasker's Scene feature allows users to design custom graphical interfaces. These can be used to create interactive elements that trigger specific tasks or display information, further enhancing the customization possibilities.

Usability and Learning Curve

It's important to address the elephant in the room: Tasker has a significant learning curve. The interface, while functional, is not always intuitive for newcomers. The power of the application comes from its flexibility, which necessitates a level of complexity in its configuration options. Creating even a seemingly simple automation might require understanding the interplay between contexts, tasks, and actions. However, the documentation is comprehensive, and there is a vast, active online community and numerous tutorials available that can significantly aid the learning process.

Extensibility and Community

One of Tasker's greatest strengths is its robust plugin ecosystem. Many third-party applications offer Tasker integration, allowing users to automate actions within those specific apps. This significantly expands the potential use cases for Tasker beyond core system functions. The Tasker community is very active, providing support, sharing profiles, and developing plugins, which is invaluable for users exploring the application's full potential.

Value Proposition

Tasker is a paid application, but for users who want deep control and automation of their Android device, the price is negligible compared to the functionality it provides. It's a tool for power users, tinkerers, and those who want their smartphone to adapt intelligently to their environment and routines. The ability to save time and streamline repetitive actions ultimately adds significant value to the user experience.

Conclusion

Tasker is an exceptionally powerful and flexible automation tool for Android. Its extensive feature set, deep system integration, and vibrant community make it the go-to application for users seeking to automate and customize their devices beyond standard capabilities. While the initial learning curve may deter some, the potential for creating truly personalized and efficient smartphone experiences is unmatched. For those willing to invest the time to learn its intricacies, Tasker is an indispensable tool.