The Magic of Automation: Transforming Personal Tasks into Seamless Processes

Back in the dawn of personal computing, my Amiga was not just a machine; it was a gateway to a digital kingdom where I could simulate a HAL 9000-like persona. I remember sampling the iconic voice from the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey and integrating it into my computer's startup sequence and error messages. Saying “What can I do for you today” on my computer’s startup and “Dave… My mind is going… I can feel it” during a Guru Meditation were just the beginning of my quest to infuse my Amiga with a semblance of artificial intelligence.

Life Hacks for the Digital Age

Fast forward to the present, and the landscape of automation has transformed significantly. Instead of an Amiga, we now have smartphones and mobile applications that turn our dreams of a near-autonomous life into reality. Let's explore some of the coolest automations I've implemented on my Android phone, from academic to personal productivity.

Automating Wi-Fi Connections

One of the most efficient automations I've set up is to have my Android phone vibrate whenever I connect to my college Wi-Fi. This might seem like a minor convenience, but it saves me from the hassle of manually verifying my connection status. With just two powerful apps, IFTTT and Tasker, I can achieve this seamlessly. The integration is simple: I set up an IFTTT applet that triggers a Vibration pattern whenever my device detects a connection to a specific network. This process is robust and reliable, reducing the need for constant monitoring.

Call Logging for Transparency

Another automation that has proven invaluable is the automatic logging of every call I make. I've configured my phone to log each call into a Google Spreadsheet, providing a transparent and easily accessible record of my communication history. This not only helps in maintaining a detailed communication log but also in analyzing patterns and trends. With Tasker, I can set up a task that triggers when a call is made or received, and then another that logs the details into a spreadsheet.

Bike Safeguarding with Speed Alerts

For my cycling enthusiasts out there, an automation that can save lives is vibrate my smartphone at high speeds. By setting up an IFTTT applet, I can trigger a vibration alert whenever my smartphone detects a speed higher than 60 km/h. This feature acts as an additional safety guard for cyclists who might be engrossed in their phone while riding, ensuring they're aware of their speed and potential hazards.

Music on the Go

Music is a great companion for almost any activity, including commuting, exercising, and studying. I've automated music playback with my Bluetooth speaker or earphones using IFTTT. Setting up an IFTTT recipe to play music when I connect my speaker or earphone is straightforward and ensures that I always have the right tunes in my ears. Whether I'm multitasking or simply enjoying my free time, the automated playlist is there to enhance my experience.

Photo Backups: Cloud to the Rescue

Another crucial automation is the automatic backup of my photos to Google Photos. Using IFTTT and Tasker, I can set up a seamless process that shoots a quick notification and starts uploading my photos to the cloud the moment they are taken. This prevents the risk of data loss and ensures that I have a reliable backup of my precious memories. The integration with cloud storage services like Google Photos makes it easy to manage and access photos from anywhere.

Kept Awake for Reading Sessions

When I immerse myself in knowledge through apps like Wikipedia, Quora, or Medium, keeping my phone’s display on can be an annoyance. However, I've automated this process to keep the display on for a specified duration after reading starts. Tasker allows me to set up a profile that activates a display keep-alive mode whenever I start reading. This automation not only enhances my reading experience but also ensures I don’t miss out on important notifications, social media updates, or incoming calls.

Conclusion and Thank You

From transforming my Amiga into a HAL 9000-like entity to enhancing modern-day smartphone functionality, automation has been a game-changer. With the help of IFTTT and Tasker, I've streamlined numerous personal and professional tasks, making my life more efficient and enjoyable. Whether it's logging calls, managing speed alerts, or ensuring photo backups, the power of automation is undeniable.

Thank you to the developers of IFTTT and Tasker for creating these invaluable tools. Thanks to them, we can bring our visions of an automated future into reality.