G+_Graham Forte Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 Using Tasker I avoided using Tasker for a long time, as I didn't want to drop the $6.49. I now regret waiting. I use Google Voice (Gmail) as my primary number. The lack of MMS and short code support not withstanding, it's really great to change the forwarding phones automatically based on which WiFi Network I'm connected to. So, when I arrive at a location it turns on the relevant phones, and when I leave said location it turns off the relevant phones. I also use it to enable/disable my lock code, as mentioned by Gary A Hanson, when I connect/disconnect from the bluetooth devices in my car. And, as Jason Howell mentioned in the show, I use it to set my volumes to silent at night, when plugged in. Aside from that, there isn't anything that I need to happen automatically. I had even bought a bunch NFC tags to try to "automate" my life. But, NFC doesn't work with the phone locked (understandably so) which makes it only pseudo-automatic. I agree, that Tasker is rather daunting to setup, but the Beta has made this a little better. Also, in recent versions, you can export a Profile as an app which can be installed on any device. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Mark Lastiwka Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 AutomateitPro works well for the same kind of thing, but is simpler to set up and use. The rules market also helps with giving you a set of common rules people have created Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Tom Snyder Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 I was using Tasker like you for basic turning on and off things based on location. I had to remove it for now because it was just killing my battery. It's probably my fault because I haven't taken the time to optimize (if it's even possible) the routines I setup. An app like Tasker requires a lot of time on your part to eventually save you time in the future. If you don't have a logical computer programmer's mind and the time it takes to program then it'd be best to save the $6.49. When I manage to finally find some time in my life again I might give the beta a try. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Miguel E Mejía Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 Has anyone used llama? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Miguel E Mejía Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 Hahahaha, one advantage I find that llama has is that it uses cellular (cells) towers for locations, that way you can identify home or work without turning on wifi or gps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Joseph Cappellino Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 The best way in Tasker to identify Home and Work is to use WiFi Access Point Names. No location checking of any sort. Keeping WiFi on all the time (especially when connected to a network) actually saves battery versus constant polling of your location. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Miguel E Mejía Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 Remember that the phone is always using it's radio to get the service, and even though wifi uses less signal let's suppose that you've lost your wifi for a weekend, it's pretty handy to have another method besides wifi or gps, which llama also uses by the way! By the way I remember this was once a topic in one All About Android Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Cole Brodine Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 I've been using Locale for a while now to do the same thing with Google Voice. I also have my phone silenced at night, but I went the extra mile of it automatically turning my Google Voice to Do Not Disturb while I sleep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Joseph Cappellino Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 Cole Brodine - I don't get that many calls, so I leave that on. The reason being is that, if someone is calling me at that hour, I probably need to answer it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Mark Lastiwka Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 I would have to agree with Joseph Cappellino. Usually ppl don't call at that time, but if they do, it's probably really important. If it isn't, you should be blocking that number. I do turn off notifications for other apps though (like google+ or facebooke) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Cole Brodine Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 I give out my Google Voice pretty freely. My immediate family has access to my home phone number also for emergencies. Nobody has my actual cell phone number, other then my carrier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Mark Lastiwka Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 Cole Brodine - lucky you guys. We still can't get google voice here in Canada... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Joseph Cappellino Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 Cole Brodine - Same here! Only Google and Verizon know my number! Mark Lastiwka - I think there are ways to do it, but I think it requires having a valid number (probably for you, a US-based number), or something like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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