Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Tasker

$3.49

Tasker is an Android app that allows you to automate various tasks on your smartphone. Create custom scripts to automate actions based on contexts like time, location, and event.

Our take

Enhance your Android experience with Tasker's automation.

I’ve been playing around with Tasker, and let me tell you, this app is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, it’s like having a magic wand for your phone. You can automate pretty much anything, from silencing your phone when you step into work to turning on Bluetooth as you hop into your car. The power is undeniable if you’re the type who loves to tinker. But here’s the rub: it’s not exactly user-friendly out of the box. If you’re not into spending time learning the ropes, it might feel more like a chore than a convenience.

Now, I’m all for exploring and figuring things out, but Tasker has a bit of a learning curve that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s not the kind of app where you just tap a button and go. You’ll need to invest some time in setting up profiles and actions, and sometimes it feels like you’re trying to crack a secret code. If you’re not tech-savvy, brace yourself for some head-scratching moments. But once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty satisfying to watch your phone do exactly what you want, when you want.

One thing I really dig about Tasker is its flexibility. You can customize tasks based on all sorts of conditions like location, time, or even the phase of the moon if you’re into that kind of thing. It’s like having a personal assistant that doesn’t complain or ask for coffee breaks. This flexibility is where Tasker shines. You’re not limited by pre-set options, which is great if you have specific needs or a wild imagination.

But, you know, not everything's sunshine and rainbows. The interface is pretty outdated and feels clunky at times, which can be a real drag. It’s like they built this amazing machine but forgot to give it a fresh coat of paint. If aesthetics and ease of use are big deals for you, Tasker might feel like a blast from the past. It’s functional but not exactly a joy to navigate, especially compared to the slick designs we’re used to these days.

In the end, Tasker is really for the folks who love to dive deep into customization and automation. If that’s your jam, you’ll probably find it to be a powerful tool that can handle just about anything you throw at it. But, if you’re looking for something straightforward and user-friendly, you might want to keep looking. It’s a bit like having a Swiss Army knife — super handy if you know how to use all the tools, but a bit overwhelming if you’re just looking to cut some rope.