Cross-App Task Manager for Mobile Devices

Have you ever thought to yourself, "Self, it sure would be nice if I could automate certain tasks without having to learn how to code or root my device."?  Well, take a look at IFTTT (pronounced like Gift, without the "G").  

IFTTT stands for If This, Then That.  To use it, you create an account and then build recipes.  This is just clever terminology for actions that you wish to automate.  Let's say, for example. on the first day of the month, in the morning, you want to download all of the images from your phone's camera to a desired location (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc).

9 times out of 10 there is a "recipe" or command that has already been developed to do just that. This is a great way to automate routine tasks that you may do either by phone, tablet, or PC.  But when you start thinking across devices and platforms, then you enter the arena known as The Internet of Things.  This is a clear and simple way to dive into the Internet of Things, or, the interconnectedness of devices, as opposed to multiple stand-alone devices.  

For example, some of the "recipes" that already exist for IFTTT users include:

• Text me if the liquor cabinet opens
  
• Notify a neighbor if the smoke alarm goes off
  
• Text me if my plant needs water
  
• Download today's fitbit activity into a health tracking spreadsheet
  
• Turn off my lights with a voice command
  
• Turn off a device after its energy costs more than xxx in a day. 
  

Now, many of these require another connected smart device: Nest thermostat or fire alarm for home; Fitbit, Phillips Hue Smart Bulbs, Wemo/Belkin devices, and the list goes on.  But that should not discourage you from giving IFTTT a try.  I'm sure there are some things in your electronic life that you would like to automate.  Give IFTTT a try on those items, and see how you like it. 

IFTTT is available on iTunes and Google Play for both iOS and Android devices, and can be run from your computer(s) as well.