Tag: Automation

I like the idea of automating things and getting one thing to control another. I experiment with a lot of stuff like that.

IFTTT’s new Maker channel

Posted by on in Tech, The Internet of Things, Wearable ComputingLeave a comment

I’ve liked IFTTT (or IF as apparently they’re now called) since right back when they started. They’ve gone from strength and delivered some really interesting and useful functionality for connecting the internet in simple ways. They’ve also supported a lot of IoT (internet of things) devices, and now, with the new Maker channel they’re supporting anything you want to use to connect to the internet.

This is a big deal I think. It means all manner of devices can use the IFTTT service with an HTTP post request. I’ve already tried it with my twine device and it works really well. I’m thinking about how to use it with my Pebble Time too. The possibilities are limitless. However, for me, what will be really important is how to make it truly useful. Without that, it is just tinkering for tinkerings sake, and whilst that’s fun, from my perspective it doesn’t get you anywhere.

So, whilst I’ll be trying it out, I’ll mainly be looking for some really useful ways to use the new channel. If I find any that I think are worth sharing, I will.

Getting to grips with Editorial workflows 

Posted by on in Mobile Applications, Tech, Work, WritingLeave a comment

I’ve been using Editorial for a while now and never really got to grips with using the workflow functionality in it. That is up until now. I found an actual use for workflows. I won’t bore you with what I’m using workflows for, but I’ve start using it in some very simple ways. Just using simple dialogues and markdown to record information.

It works. It saves me time, and it’s useful. That’s a good combination as far as I’m concerned. I’m hoping that I’ll continue to find new ways to make use of Editorial’s workflow as it has loads of capabilities, and as yet I’m just scratching the surface of what it can do.

So, hopefully you’ll be hearing more about my use of Editorial workflows in the not too distant future. Who knows, I may even share a few!

What to do with a wemo switch?

Posted by on in The Internet of ThingsLeave a comment

I’ve had this WEMO switch for ages now, and I got it working doing things like switching on a light depending on twitter hashtags using IFTTT. That’s all fine, and quite good fun, but essentially not too useful. So I’ve been thinking about what I could use it for that would be a really good and useful application of the device.

So far, nothing. No ideas at all. Which is a shame as I think it’s a good idea and should have a use. I just haven’t found it as yet.

IFTTT becomes IF and launches 3 new apps

Posted by on in Mobile Applications, TechLeave a comment

I’m always interested in seeing what IFTTT do. Now they’ve become IF, or at least their main app has become IF and the interface has changed too. If that wasn’t enough though they’ve launched another three apps as well. I’m not entirely sure that I get the idea behind these three new ‘Do’ apps. Perhaps I need to spend a bit more time with them though, to really get what they’re trying to achieve.

What I’d really like to see them do is …

  • Multiple accounts for a channel, so being able to use more than one twitter account
  • Set times for when a channel runs, so control the frequency, like running something twice a day or every 10 minutes
  • Support for chaining

Let’s see if they do anything like that.

Workflow App Updated

Posted by on in Mobile Applications, TechLeave a comment

This is an already excellent app. I seem to use it almost daily. Now in version 1.1 the developers have made it even better.

Here are a few of the things that have been added:

  • Duplicate workflows to make your own versions
  • Record Audio
  • Post to Tumblr
  • Add to Pocket
  • Add to Instapaper
  • Create Day One Entry
  • Make Video from GIF

Also they’ve said that more is coming soon, including syncing workflows between devices.