Apple acquired the iOS app in 2017, renamed it as links and integrated it into iPhones in iOS 12 in iOS 12 in iOS 12. Since then, the company has improved its automation app, which makes it more powerful and has integrated it deeper into iOS. Seven years since the debut of abbreviations, Android is still missing a native alternative. Google Assistant Routines do not count. They are not so powerful or flexible.
Thanks to Android's openness, you will find several powerful automation apps in the Play Store. Among them I prefer macrodroid, which is a great equivalent to the shortcuts app of the iPhone for Android users.
Macrodroid is not like links, but that works in his favor
The shortcuts app of the iPhone and similar automation apps for Android share a common problem: they are not easy to use. Apple made progress in the beginner-friendly link app, but only power users feel comfortable. Most common users see the interface, are confused by the options and end the app.
Macrodroid does not change that. It is as complex as using the shortcuts app of the iPhone. Each “macro” is automation that requires a trigger and an action. Based on the trigger (for example, your phone that is connected to a Wi-Fi network) macrodroid performs an action. You can add a restriction to a trigger, e.g. B. during a certain time or when the battery of your phone is above a certain level.
Macrodroid OTP steaker
The automation section in the iPhone's shortcuts app works similarly. You first choose a trigger (e.g. if your phone establishes a connection to Airpods) and then decide the executive action. You can choose one of your existing abbreviations or create a new one.
The shortcuts app has a more user-friendly interface than macrodroid. It also reveals the actions of an app and makes understanding easier. However, Macrodroid makes up for this again with its more powerful actions and triggering.
Action blocks make it easier to create similar macros
One advantage of macrodroid's approach is his support for promotional blocks, with which you can be related to the group -related actions. You can reuse this block over several macros.
For example, if several macros have to carry out the same tasks (e.g. switching off mobile data and the reduction of the volume), you do not have to recreate these actions every time. Instead, create an action block and link where this is necessary, time and simply keep your automation.
Many of my macros trigger music playback in YouTube music and change the telephone volume to 100%. Instead of repeating these actions in every macro, I created an action block with these actions. The best thing is that when I have optimized this action block, the changes automatically reflect on all macros that link it.
Macrodroid start screen
You can also create “links” in the iPhone's shortcuts app. Imagine as actions that you want to trigger manually. Since macrodroid uses a trigger action model for automation, create a macro with a manual trigger such as a widget tap or a link to carry out an action if necessary.
This is relatively simple and you can add every macro to the start screen of your phone as an abbreviation by pressing it for a long time and selecting the “Create Start Account” option.
I have several macros as a link on my start screen. The last picture with my wife in the telegram is divided into the last picture. Another sends a text to my friend when I'm almost ready to go to the gym.
Macrodroid trumps links with its plugin support
Like the shortcuts app of the iPhone, macrodroid has a template gallery. From here you can explore new and first -class macros created by other users and can be downloaded and used on your phone. You can also publish your own macros for other users in this shop.
What distinguishes macrodroid from abbreviations is the compatibility with Tasker and area scheme -Plugins. Tasker is the most powerful and most popular automation app for Android, which is able to support its extensive plugin support.
However, the steep learning curve of Tasker is a challenge. In comparison, macrodroid is easier to use. With Tasker Plugin support, you can expand the functionality of macrodroid and create more powerful macros without dealing with the relatively complicated interface from Tasker.
Macrodroid – device automation
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Price: free
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Use macrodroid to get into the world of Android automation
If you are spared on Android due to your complexity of automation apps, Macrodroid does not change. It is almost as complex as Tasker, the contact point for automation app for Android, if not more.
The modes and routines of Samsung in One UI 7 offer a user experience closer to the iPhone shortcuts app and are easier to use. However, it is not so powerful and there is no support for script options.
If you are serious about automation and want full control over your Android experience, Macrodroid is worth the effort. However, be prepared for a light learning curve.