Develop Bugs

Automation - NFC Task Launcher, Tasker, others...

I wanted to start a thread that focused on automation idea's and how to execute them and NOT about troubleshooting apps or why you can't get any NFC tags to format etc...
There is already a thread dedicated to that here :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1359057
So assuming there is a demand, please discuss any automation like:
-What you have done with your NFC tags
-What have you done with the app Tasker, NFC Task Launcher or any other automation app/scripts.
-Dream Idea's, like I want to have my house make a pizza and have it ready when I get home, but I don't know how to do that. anyone?
I'll try to keep a Table of Contents and link directly to useful idea's as we go.
Some useful links so far:
Tasker Guide thread by skulk3r
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=890596
NFC Task Launcher info by krohnjw:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980741

Reserved...

Nice thread! I use these every day!
NFC Task Launcher:
1) Tag on my laptops - Enable WiFi HotSpot, Set password and SSID, Disable Bluetooth if on, disable sync.
2) By my Door - I use a Home and Away Profile.
Away is triggered first and Disables WiFi, Enables 3G/4G, Enables Vibrate mode.
Home is triggered on second tap - Enables WiFi, Connects to my SSID, Disables 3/4G, Full Volume, Enable Sync if it was off, Launch gmail app to pull e-mails.
3) A small tag on my BT Headset - Enable BT and Connect to the headset. (When the headset is connected Tasker launches Rdio). Second tap disable BT and Tasker closes Rdio if open still.
Tasker:
1) If I am Near Cell ID by my house or friends house enable WiFi.
2) If SSID is near connect, if not disable WiFi.
3) Maps opens enable GPS, disable when closed.
4) When BT Headset connects open Rdio set media volume to 7
5) When wired headset is plugged in open Rdio set media to 11. (for the car XD)
6) When charging is pluged in set brightness to full, Max Ring volume, Enable WiFi if it's off, Enable Sync, Launch E-Mail for refresh.
7) When charged Vibrate for 30 Secs + Audio alert.
8) Proximity sensor Locks screen.
9) Long press search enable BT.
10) From 23:00 to 07:00 Dim screen to lowest setting, Vibrate mode, launch clock.
I can export them if anyone wants to use them!

Nice job! You should export those and attach them here anyway. Even if someone doesn't need exactly what you have done the profiles could be a really good learning tool. Really nice job on some of those.
I am trying to have interactions with specific programs using tasker without much luck. What I would love to do is turn my TV on and go to my DVR using the Google TV app when I place my phone on the coffee table with a nfc sticker.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

Ive got a 'beacon for android' coming in the mail. when it gets here im hoping to hide a nfc card in the arm rest of my couch so when i put the phone down it will turn on the tv and will launch to the universal remote part of the dijit program.
Im thinkin all that might take some work tho. Also i would love to be using iRule/GC-100-12 or the logitech revue/harmony but cant afford to set those systems up.
I also have another NFC card on my desk so when i put my phone down it starts my computer (Using NFC launcher and tasker).
One idea i would love your opinons on is, can tasker determing if a microusb plugged in is a charger or computer or MHL/HDMI connection? i would love for my gallary or emulation to pop up when i plug it into a tv

unknownkwita said:
Ive got a 'beacon for android' coming in the mail. when it gets here im hoping to hide a nfc card in the arm rest of my couch so when i put the phone down it will turn on the tv and will launch to the universal remote part of the dijit program.
Im thinkin all that might take some work tho. Also i would love to be using iRule/GC-100-12 or the logitech revue/harmony but cant afford to set those systems up.
I also have another NFC card on my desk so when i put my phone down it starts my computer (Using NFC launcher and tasker).
One idea i would love your opinons on is, can tasker determing if a microusb plugged in is a charger or computer or MHL/HDMI connection? i would love for my gallary or emulation to pop up when i plug it into a tv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait... are these possible?
I would love a 'Morning TV' tag:
Launch Google TV app
Turn on TV
Turn on Speakers
Change to channel 70 (ESPN)
Open __ url
I'd pay someone to make that for me.. and many others.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

itsjusttim said:
Wait... are these possible?
I would love a 'Morning TV' tag:
Launch Google TV app
Turn on TV
Turn on Speakers
Change to channel 70 (ESPN)
Open __ url
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its entirely possible, just takes alot of apps and hardware.
1. NFC Card launches the particular activity in the universal remote app (dijit/irule/harmony/etc) this may require tasker.
2.Remote app performs its functions.
2.1.connects via BT/WIFI to a controller (these can emit IR/RF/rs232/TCP)
2.2.the controller sends out all the commands to all the devices, alot of this will need to be programmed in your remote app
3. NFC launcher/tasker then launches the app activity that shows you the remote.
There is alot of stuff to get your head around in controlling a home theater because there are so many differant ways of doing the same thing. How you make all this work will depend on your current system and how much your willing to spend.
For example some tv's come with HDMI-CEC (look it up on wiki), this feature allows the tv to turn on the av receiver over the hdmi cable and swap it to the correct input when you change sources.
when it comes down to it the android app is the easiest part of the system to set up, even if its the most featureless.

Well the Google TV app acts as a remote. Is there a way to record touch actions on top of opening apps? If so it should be easy as its just a few buttons to turn on everything and get to the right channel, would just be amazing if it can all be automated.
- GSM Galaxy Nexus

x942 said:
Nice thread! I use these every day!
NFC Task Launcher:
1) Tag on my laptops - Enable WiFi HotSpot, Set password and SSID, Disable Bluetooth if on, disable sync.
2) By my Door - I use a Home and Away Profile.
Away is triggered first and Disables WiFi, Enables 3G/4G, Enables Vibrate mode.
Home is triggered on second tap - Enables WiFi, Connects to my SSID, Disables 3/4G, Full Volume, Enable Sync if it was off, Launch gmail app to pull e-mails.
3) A small tag on my BT Headset - Enable BT and Connect to the headset. (When the headset is connected Tasker launches Rdio). Second tap disable BT and Tasker closes Rdio if open still.
Tasker:
1) If I am Near Cell ID by my house or friends house enable WiFi.
2) If SSID is near connect, if not disable WiFi.
3) Maps opens enable GPS, disable when closed.
4) When BT Headset connects open Rdio set media volume to 7
5) When wired headset is plugged in open Rdio set media to 11. (for the car XD)
6) When charging is pluged in set brightness to full, Max Ring volume, Enable WiFi if it's off, Enable Sync, Launch E-Mail for refresh.
7) When charged Vibrate for 30 Secs + Audio alert.
8) Proximity sensor Locks screen.
9) Long press search enable BT.
10) From 23:00 to 07:00 Dim screen to lowest setting, Vibrate mode, launch clock.
I can export them if anyone wants to use them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I personally would love to use about 2/3 of those commands. Can you export those for the rest of us?

itsjusttim said:
Well the Google TV app acts as a remote. Is there a way to record touch actions on top of opening apps? If so it should be easy as its just a few buttons to turn on everything and get to the right channel, would just be amazing if it can all be automated.
- GSM Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far I haven't found a way. It would be awesome for more than just google tv. If tasker, or another 'macro' type program could be set to record touches on the screen based on location coordinates or something. Like a mouse macro program on a pc. That would allow all sorts of things. For example all of this would be reality with this one hurdle:
1) When I approach my home using tasker, open my ADT app and disable the alarm in my house
2) Open my garage door with HTN app.
3) Turn the lights on with the HTN app.
4) Walk inside, and using a NFC sticker, trigger a welcome home message from my denon reciever app (hooked up to speakers throughout the house) and start some jazz music. Of course set my phone profile correctly, and maybe turn the google tv on and navigate to the cheesy firplace app.
All of this is easy, with one macro app that is the missing link.

There are apps out there that use your cell tower to turn your wifi on/off when you enter/leave your home/cell tower. you'd be surprised how accurate it is and how it doesn't drain your battery. They do other things like control gps/bluetooth/etc.
and their free and dont require purchase of tags. You could easily do this exact thread with just the app below.
They might not be able to turn your tv on, but for quality automation, you should check em out.
For one I highly recommend, try Llama in the market. Free too!
https://market.android.com/details?...t#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5rZWJhYi5MbGFtYSJd
btw, I am not affiliated with llama in any way. Just love this app and many of your comments reflect that you would love this.

igl007 said:
So far I haven't found a way. It would be awesome for more than just google tv. If tasker, or another 'macro' type program could be set to record touches on the screen based on location coordinates or something. Like a mouse macro program on a pc. That would allow all sorts of things. For example all of this would be reality with this one hurdle:
1) When I approach my home using tasker, open my ADT app and disable the alarm in my house
2) Open my garage door with HTN app.
3) Turn the lights on with the HTN app.
4) Walk inside, and using a NFC sticker, trigger a welcome home message from my denon reciever app (hooked up to speakers throughout the house) and start some jazz music. Of course set my phone profile correctly, and maybe turn the google tv on and navigate to the cheesy firplace app.
All of this is easy, with one macro app that is the missing link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! Now we just need someone smart who can create this for us. Honestly if someone made this, the possibilities of NFC would be endless.
.
kegman913 said:
There are apps out there that use your cell tower to turn your wifi on/off when you enter/leave your home/cell tower. you'd be surprised how accurate it is and how it doesn't drain your battery. They do other things like control gps/bluetooth/etc.
and their free and dont require purchase of tags. You could easily do this exact thread with just the app below.
They might not be able to turn your tv on, but for quality automation, you should check em out.
For one I highly recommend, try Llama in the market. Free too!
https://market.android.com/details?...t#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5rZWJhYi5MbGFtYSJd
btw, I am not affiliated with llama in any way. Just love this app and many of your comments reflect that you would love this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We don't really need location profiles as we can just use an nfc tag to set any automation we want... right?
- GSM Galaxy Nexus

itsjusttim said:
Yes! Now we just need someone smart who can create this for us. Honestly if someone made this, the possibilities of NFC would be endless.
.
We don't really need location profiles as we can just use an nfc tag to set any automation we want... right?
- GSM Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well we still need them a little. For example, I go to the same grocery store each week. So I like to have it that when I arrive, it connects to their wifi and launches the Grocery IQ app. Then it sends a text message to my wife saying "I just arrived at Wegmans, if there is any last minute items to get add it to Grocery IQ now."

alicious said:
Yes, I personally would love to use about 2/3 of those commands. Can you export those for the rest of us?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do! I have to recreate them (my HTC Amaze had them and I forgot to export before doing a reset). I should have them up tonight!

x942 said:
Will do! I have to recreate them (my HTC Amaze had them and I forgot to export before doing a reset). I should have them up tonight!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll keep a look out for them

X942 - you didn't forget about us did you?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I used to use Locale, until it just ate up too much juice on my phone. One nice thing I could do with it is change my Google Voice settings based on my location. I had it set to disable my desk phone if I wasn't at work, and to enable it when I arrived at the office. Can you do something like this via NFC? IIRC Tasker is compatible with Locale plugins, so I could just use that.

kimboinatl said:
I used to use Locale, until it just ate up too much juice on my phone. One nice thing I could do with it is change my Google Voice settings based on my location. I had it set to disable my desk phone if I wasn't at work, and to enable it when I arrived at the office. Can you do something like this via NFC? IIRC Tasker is compatible with Locale plugins, so I could just use that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree with you about locale
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

x942 said:
3) Maps opens enable GPS, disable when closed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get it to allow Tasker to control GPS? It tells me this functionality is not allowed on my Nexus...I am trying to enable it in Actions -> Misc -> *GPS
Do you on a ROM that has disabled the restriction that does not allow access to GPS?
**** UPDATE ****
Ok, did some more searching and found this...
http://www.reddit.com/r/tasker/comments/nk6m2/use_secure_settings_to_enable_gps_and_other_fun/

NFC Task Launcher
EDIT: My Questions were answered on a different board.

[Q] Tasker Wait Time?

Hi there.
I have setup a new tasker:
Turn Wifi Off when Screen off
and another
Turn Wifi On when screen is on.
The only problem is, I want to set a wait time, for the Wifi off one, as sometimes looking at the phone, the screen turns off, I turn it straight back on but WiFi is off and I have to wait for it to load again.
I've tried adding a wait time under the "Task" for Wifi Off.
I have also put the wait before the task (meaning the Wait is the first task, then it shuts Wifi off) I set the wait to 10 seconds, for testing.
But it still turns off instantly.
Any help please?
THANKS!

Try having it wait the 10 seconds, then play a tone, then shut off wifi. If it waits to play the sound, then you know at least the delay is right.

coal686 said:
Try having it wait the 10 seconds, then play a tone, then shut off wifi. If it waits to play the sound, then you know at least the delay is right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How I would I go about this?
Put the wait first?
Then sound
Then WiFi on?
If the sound doesn't play for 10 secs, I know the wait is working?
THANKS!
Ill try and let you know

Tasker Step One
If someone still having this issue check the tasker wiki : http://tasker.wikidot.com/stepone
At the end it says:
If you click on the Task again, you'll see that the action 'Screen Brightness' has a
particular icon next to it. The icon signifies that the action is a special one called a
Setting, and Tasker will always restore Settings that were changed in the Enter task when a profile
exits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Profile Properties option for solve this "issue" : https://imageshack.com/i/p2Q1R6YGp

How to use the tectiles?

So I want to use the tectile in my car. The setting is simple, I want to tap the tectile and my N2 will change into the drive/car mode.Also I want it to go back to normal mode when I get out of the car, do I need to set up another tectile for that?

The tectiles don't have a switch mode or toggle mode? I know nfc task launcher can make switches & toggles but I'm not sure of the tectiles app

So I'm using NFC Task Launcher and I set it to Drive Mode. And it works. But I noticed the settings will remain the same even when I tap it again. So in other words, I would need 2 tectiles, one to get it to drive mode and another one to get back to normal mode? That would be stupid and a waste.

When you select drive mode, does it give you the option to turn it on, off or toggle?
Edit: I see it does give you the option to toggle it. Select that option when writing to the tag. Should do the trick

im pretty sure you would have to make it 2 separate tiles because 1 tile changes what you want changed and every time you touch that tile, it'll do that until you change it yourself or use a different tile. your phone doesn't stay connected to the tectile, it just reads the comand and executes

eurohomie said:
im pretty sure you would have to make it 2 separate tiles because 1 tile changes what you want changed and every time you touch that tile, it'll do that until you change it yourself or use a different tile. your phone doesn't stay connected to the tectile, it just reads the comand and executes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. I figured it out by playing with it. I guess it's a way for them to make more money.

safeplayer22 said:
So I'm using NFC Task Launcher and I set it to Drive Mode. And it works. But I noticed the settings will remain the same even when I tap it again. So in other words, I would need 2 tectiles, one to get it to drive mode and another one to get back to normal mode? That would be stupid and a waste.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are using the current version of NFC Task Launcher, you hit the plus to add a new tag.
Select New Tag.
Add Enable Car Dock {Driving Mode?}
Swipe the screen to the left to create a Switch Tag and hit the Add a Task button.
Add the Disable Car Dock. {Driving Mode?}
Save and write.
Now the first time you do it, it will enable and the second time it will disable it.
I just created one to do just that.
If you have trouble, I can do screenshots in more detail.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk HD

pbelcomp said:
If you are using the current version of NFC Task Launcher, you hit the plus to add a new tag.
Select New Tag.
Add Enable Car Dock
Swipe the screen to the left to create a Switch Tag and hit the Add a Task button.
Add the Disable Car Dock.
Save and write.
Now the first time you do it, it will enable and the second time it will disable it.
I just created one to do just that.
If you have trouble, I can do screenshots in more detail.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's pretty much what I did. I've written 3 tags so far. One for home, one for car, and one for office.
The one for home turns off gps, turns on wifi, sets sound profile to normal, loudest ring tone, enables auto-sync, and sets the brightness down to 20%. It also disables the lockscreen because frankly I don't need the lockscreen around the house.
The one in the car turns off wifi, turns on BT, turns on GPS, disables auto-sync, turns brightness up to 80%, sound profile normal, loudest ring volume.
And the one in the office turns off wifi, turns off BT, turns off GPS, disables auto-sync, brightness to 20%, sound profile vibrate.
This thing is just super fun. I have to think of more places I can put these tags on. I'm thinking of putting one in the bathroom to automatically turn on npr in the morning.

With NFC Task Launcher, there is "two tasks" so you can set 2 tasks with one tag. It's exactly what I wanted!
So I just set one for the office where: 1st Task: Ringtone and Notification goes to vibrate only. 2nd Task: Ringtone & Notification goes to level 5. So when I get into the office, I would tap it once and it will go into office mode, then when I leave the office, I tap it again and it will go into the "2nd Task"!
Also found out that you cannot use NFC while the screen is off! That's stupid. So I searched and found this but reading it tells me that it does not work for the N2.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1709586
Edit: ok found this thread and it might work with screen off:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1999569

Tasker

I just downloaded tasker. It seems like an amazing application but for the life of me, I can't figure out how to use it. Here are the tasks that I would like to program:
1) Set Wifi On when I am at home using cell towers
2) Set Wifi Off when I leave home
3) Change volume level to vibrate when I plug it in to the charger and allow emergency calls from certain phone numbers (I read you can do this)
4) Set volume level to highest setting when the phone is unplugged
5) Launch Pandora when my phone is connected to bluetooth
If someone could post step by step instructions that would be great. My hope is once I learn to do these, I can figure out how to program other tasks. Thanks.

ILowry282 said:
I just downloaded tasker. It seems like an amazing application but for the life of me, I can't figure out how to use it. Here are the tasks that I would like to program:
1) Set Wifi On when I am at home using cell towers
2) Set Wifi Off when I leave home
3) Change volume level to vibrate when I plug it in to the charger and allow emergency calls from certain phone numbers (I read you can do this)
4) Set volume level to highest setting when the phone is unplugged
5) Launch Pandora when my phone is connected to bluetooth
If someone could post step by step instructions that would be great. My hope is once I learn to do these, I can figure out how to program other tasks. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1+2) New Profile "Home" State->Phone->Cell Near - Under Cell Tower press scan and walk around the house to register a few cell towers.
Go to tasks and create new task "Enter Home" - New - Wifi - On
Repeat with a task "Exit Home" - New - Wifi - Off
Go to profiles long press "Home" select Enter Home as entry task and Exit Home as exit task.
Same logic for the others

stathis95194 said:
1+2) New Profile "Home" State->Phone->Cell Near - Under Cell Tower press scan and walk around the house to register a few cell towers.
Go to tasks and create new task "Enter Home" - New - Wifi - On
Repeat with a task "Exit Home" - New - Wifi - Off
Go to profiles long press "Home" select Enter Home as entry task and Exit Home as exit task.
Same logic for the others
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't get the silent mode one to work. It seems pretty simple so I don't know what I'm doing wrong. This is what I'm doing
Create Profile - State-Power-AC
Create Task-Audio- Silent Mode On- Set as Enter Task
Create Task-Audio-Silent Mode Off- Set as Exit Task
Doesn't work.

ILowry282 said:
I can't get the silent mode one to work. It seems pretty simple so I don't know what I'm doing wrong. This is what I'm doing
Create Profile - State-Power-AC
Create Task-Audio- Silent Mode On- Set as Enter Task
Create Task-Audio-Silent Mode Off- Set as Exit Task
Doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should work. Are you plugging it on AC or USB? Does the profile activate? (is it green?)

stathis95194 said:
It should work. Are you plugging it on AC or USB? Does the profile activate? (is it green?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm plugging it into the wall. Here is a screenshot of my profile screen

ILowry282 said:
I'm plugging it into the wall. Here is a screenshot of my profile screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! I'm an idiot. I had tasked disabled. Haha! How do I create an exception for the silent mode task to have certain numbers get through?

ILowry282 said:
Wow! I'm an idiot. I had tasked disabled. Haha! How do I create an exception for the silent mode task to have certain numbers get through?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look here:
http://tasker.wikidot.com/sleepmode
Tasker has unlimited capabilities. I find myself learning something new about tasker every single day

stathis95194 said:
Tasker has unlimited capabilities. I find myself learning something new about tasker every single day
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto! I also find myself completely baffled by it every day, despite having used it for years and being a programmer. The more complicated stuff you try to do, the more you'll be both amazed and confounded by the capabilities

How to keep bluetooth connected to remote?

I use a Sony RMT-NWS20 remote to control music when I'm at the gym. When the screen is off, the connection to the remote sleeps very quickly. I guess it's a battery saving feature, but I would like to disable it if possible. The remote loses connection after approximately 5 seconds of no use. Every time I want to adjust volume or change tracks, I have to wait for it to wake up and re-connect. It's very annoying. I know the remote is not the problem, because it stays connected to my Sony mp3 player and always reacts immediately. I have never had to wait for it to re-connect. I have searched every setting on the phone, including developer options and cannot find anywhere to keep this connection active. Is there any way to keep this bluetooth connection alive? Thanks!

The s pen can control media

winol said:
The s pen can control media
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, but the S Pen is a terrible media control. I'm not going to be swinging that thing around just to adjust volume. My original post was regarding keeping a bluetooth connection alive.

Anyone have any ideas? Is it just impossible to maintain a connection with the screen off?

If you are using a certain app to control the remote, you can turn off the battery optimisation for that app in the battery settings - go to settings, hit the magnification glass in right top corner and type app power management. Find your app and turn off optimisation. This might do the trick...

ultramag69 said:
If you are using a certain app to control the remote, you can turn off the battery optimisation for that app in the battery settings - go to settings, hit the magnification glass in right top corner and type app power management. Find your app and turn off optimisation. This might do the trick...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion, but no app installed for the remote.