Android automation can be an easy task, as long as you have the perfect tool for the job. Although software like Tasker already exists on the market, many of us have searched for an easier application to be used, one that does not require advanced knowledge, nor funds. Well, such an option exists, and we dare to present today AutomateIt – the perfect rule setting app for those not so tech-savvy.
Developed by SmarterApps Ltd, AutomateIt is the simplest and most compelling Android automation application which we could find on the market. It allows the user to set various rules for almost any task at hand, while offering a simple-to-use interface and criteria which can be understand by 90% of the population. Rules can be defined in just a few taps and while the service is running, when the desired trigger is met, BAM: the phone reacts instantly.
AutomateIt – educating the Android according to needs
AutomateIt gives the user the possibility of creating certain rules, to make the device react according to needs whenever an event takes place. For instance, you can set the Android phone to automatically launch an application whenever the USB is connected, or to disable data completely while inside a certain area. With the following actions and triggers being permitted, most rules can be set without having to resort to expensive and complicated applications.
| Triggers | Actions |
|---|---|
| Simple SMS reception | Notifications |
| When a certain text is received | Play sound |
| On battery level | Set Bluetooth state |
| When enabling/disabling Bluetooth | Set sound mode |
| When a certain device is connected via Bluetooth | Set speakers mode |
| When a certain contact calls | Adjust volume |
| When plugging/unplugging headsets | Change the Wi-Fi connection state |
| Location trigger | Start applications |
| On external power | Start/stop other rules |
| Turning the screen ON/OFF | Vibrate |
| Enabling/disabling Wi-Fi | Set data connectivity |
| When connecting to a certain Wi-Fi network | Switch OFF applications (requires root) |
| Time recurring | Launch the Home screen |
| Background data | Set Airplane mode |
| GPS | Change GSP state |
| SMS received from certain contacts | Set mobile data |
| USB connection | Adjust screen brightness |
| Airplane mode | Set screen rotation |
| Dock state | Dial phone number |
| Application status | Send SMS to a certain number |
| Outgoing calls | Set screen time-out |
| Changing sound mode | Shuts down the phone (also needs root) |
| On start-up | Says a pre-defined text, using text-to-speech |
| Manual triggers – require user intervention | Reboots (also with root) |
| Cell ID | Enable data synchronization (for legacy devices) |
| NFC | – |
Besides all of the above, AutomateIt also comes with a Pro version which adds advanced features, at the price of $1.5, while removing ads and popups. Here’s a short list of the most interesting:
- Use AND/OR logic between triggers to start actions.
- Execute several actions for one/multiple triggers.
- Set active period for rules
- Include the proximity, accelerometer, light and all sensors of the device as triggers.
- Changing the screen lock action
Unfortunately, there is a catch. Some of the above actions require root access to be performed, including the simple task killing, require that the phone is rooted (on any other service of this kind the main automation app can perform it without root access).
How to use AutomateIt
When entering the application, AutomateIt greets the user with a very nice welcoming screen, mostly populated by Windows Phone-like blue buttons. Here you can find information regarding the general state of the phone, like how many rules exist and how many of the are enabled/disabled at the time. Let’s make our first rule, to turn OFF Wi-Fi after midnight:
- To start the sequence, press the Add Rule button with a plus near the text.
- Select the trigger of the respective rule. We are going for a Time Trigger.
- Now choose the parameters of the trigger, in our case the hour of start and whether this rule should be analyzed each day.
- The second part of the rule concerns the action. For our little experiment, we’re going to choose the Wi-Fi State Action, and tell the phone to disable the antenna.
- Enter a relevant name for the rule and choose whether the action should be delayed with some period, or not.
- Tap on Save and that’s it. The rule is automatically enabled.
To disable a certain rule, simply tap the My Rules section and deselect the appropriate name. Of course, for our above scheme to work you are going to need an extra rule, to start-up the Wi-Fi in the morning.
AutomateIt also comes with a Rules Market section, very helpful for those wishing to import rules without having to spend the time while creating them.
In this Market, rules and specific triggers can be found, all created by users just like you. Browsing the portal for a specific keyword will display relevant results, which can be later adopted at just one tap. The Settings menu also comes with a list of options which can help the user to obtain a better experience, so browse freely and check what’s stored inside.
In a few words, AutomateIt has proven to be the simplest rule setting tool on the Android market, which offers compelling results at a low expense, even null for most. So, if you want something to be done without the user intervention, download the app from Google Play.