Llama: Automate Android Settings with Location
Llama: Location-Based Automation for Android
Llama is an intelligent application designed for Android devices, capable of automating tasks triggered by your current location.
The app uniquely leverages cell tower data for location detection, rather than relying on GPS.
Benefits of Cell Tower Location
By utilizing cell towers, Llama minimizes battery consumption compared to GPS-based location services.
In certain scenarios, Llama can even contribute to extending your device’s battery life.
Beyond Location: Versatile Triggers
Llama’s functionality extends beyond just location-based actions; it supports automation based on a variety of triggers.
It shares similarities with Tasker, a well-known application for automated task execution.
Llama vs. Tasker: A Comparison
- Cost: Llama is available at no charge, while Tasker requires a purchase.
- Interface: Llama offers a more streamlined and user-friendly interface.
- Root Access: A majority of Llama’s features are accessible without requiring root access to your Android device.
This makes Llama a more accessible option for users who prefer not to root their phones.
Configuring Llama for Location Awareness
The Llama application is available for installation through the Google Play Store. Once installed, the initial step involves training Llama to identify the specific geographical areas of importance to you. The app includes two default locations, designated as "Home" and "Work," but these require user training for accurate recognition.
Furthermore, you have the flexibility to define and add custom locations, such as "School" or the residences of friends. The possibilities for location customization are extensive.
To initiate the training process for a particular location, navigate to the Areas tab within the Llama app. Then, perform a long press on the desired location (for instance, "Home") and select the "Start Learning Area" option.
Successful training necessitates your physical presence at the location in question. Llama will then actively monitor the surrounding cell towers for a duration you determine, establishing a correlation between those towers and the specified location.
Replicate this procedure for each location you wish Llama to recognize, progressively building its understanding of your frequented areas.
Limitations to Consider
It’s important to acknowledge that Llama’s performance may be suboptimal in rural environments. This is due to the limited number of cell masts serving a broad geographical area.
Even within urban settings, Llama doesn't provide exceptionally precise location control. For example, if your home and workplace are in close proximity and share the same cell towers, Llama might incorrectly identify both as a single area.
Leveraging Llama Profiles
Llama is supplied with a number of pre-set events and profiles for immediate use. An event defines an automated action, such as altering your ringtone upon exiting a designated Home area, or activating a particular profile when arriving at a Work area.
As a standard configuration, Llama will switch to the Normal profile when you depart from either your Home or Work locations. Furthermore, the Quiet profile is automatically engaged during nighttime hours or while you are at your workplace.
The Profiles tab can be accessed by tapping on it. From there, a profile can be modified by a long press followed by selecting “Edit Profile.”
Profile Customization
Profiles enable adjustments to settings like phone volume levels, the selected ringtone, and vibration patterns. However, functionalities like enabling or disabling Wi-Fi require the creation of dedicated events to be automated.
Specific settings can be tailored to your preferences within each profile. This allows for a highly personalized automation experience.
Leveraging Llama for Automated Actions
The core functionality of Llama resides in its event system. This allows for the automation of various phone settings based on specific triggers. For instance, you can configure events to deactivate Wi-Fi upon exiting your home, conserving battery life during commutes.
Furthermore, Llama enables automatic adjustments to your phone's profile settings. You could, for example, activate vibrate mode automatically upon arriving at work by modifying the existing Quiet profile. The possibilities extend to receiving notifications upon full charge, disabling mobile data overnight, or launching a wallet application when near a store.
These examples merely represent a starting point; the true potential of Llama is limited only by your creativity.
Creating a Location-Based Wi-Fi Event
Let's illustrate with a practical example: disabling Wi-Fi when leaving your designated "Home" area and re-enabling it upon return. Begin by navigating to the Events section and tapping the "+" button located at the screen's bottom.
Assign a descriptive name to the event. Then, utilize the "Add Condition" button to specify "Leave Area – Home." Subsequently, employ the "Add Action" button to select "WiFi – Off." This configuration establishes an event that will deactivate your phone’s Wi-Fi connectivity when you depart from your Home area.
It’s important to remember that events often require paired actions for complete functionality. If you set an action to disable Wi-Fi upon leaving your Home area, a corresponding action should be created to re-enable it when you return.
To achieve this, create a new event, adding the "Enter/In Area – Home" condition, and then the "Wi-Fi On" action.
Consider extending this logic to other locations, such as your Work area, to further customize your phone’s behavior. The possibilities for automation are extensive.
Are you discovering innovative applications for Llama? Or do you find Tasker’s capabilities more appealing, despite its cost and increased complexity? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.