The popular automation program Tasker has just added one major new feature: the ability to retrieve Tasker tasks directly from the Google Assistant. For the time being, this is English only, but you can only activate your tasks by name when you tell the assistant to “start” or “do” a specific task in Tasker. Even stronger and more flexible, you can also use Tasker’s Pattern Adjustment to perform operations with variables. But unlike AutoVoice, it only works on the device on which Tasker is installed – probably your phone.

It’s a bit complicated (as most Tasker things are), but if you use Tasker pattern matching, you can have commands to pass on specific variables as input for more complex instructions, such as issuing a specific command after waiting a certain time or if other conditions are met. This is not the most user-friendly process, but if you are computer-oriented, it offers a lot of potential for Assistant assignments.

It may also remind you of AutoVoice of Join, other apps by João Dias, the developer now behind Tasker. AutoVoice has hit the news twice in the last few years due to Google’s repeated and incorrect removal of Play Store. If you are unfamiliar, AutoVoice Tasker can also integrate with Google Assistant, but in a different and much more advanced way. This new integration does it explicitly not replaces AutoVoice and may not work on other Assistant devices like your Google Home, but it does make it a little simpler and easier to activate ‘basic’ Tasker tasks from your phone.

The complete change log for the latest update of Tasker v 5.11.14, which includes the new Assistant functionality, is just below:

  • Warning removed that the “Assistant Action” event is not working as it is working now

  • Video Aid for Assistant Actions Added

  • Firmware with App Factory on some devices in some situations

  • Fixed link to Russian translation forum

  • Create ‘alert’ in javascript and return which button was pressed

  • Created a BT Connected opportunity to select BT devices during setup

  • The “GenerateUUID ()” function has been added to the “Tasker function” action

  • Users have made it possible to use a custom redirect URL in HTTP Auth action by entering it directly there

  • Fixed issue where sometimes a notification would appear that Tasker was not authorized if this was not the case

  • Fixed license check in Tasker in some situations

  • Only use location permission in the “Test Net” action if it is really necessary

  • Allows the Parameter input fields of the “Execute task” action to contain more than one input line

  • Fix error where the wrong extension can sometimes be used in the destination file if you copy files to external SD card in capital letters

  • Fixed using Project / Profile / Task Variables in Javascript in some situations

  • Do not use non-monitored built-in variables in the “variable state” state. Accidentally allowed

  • Correct invalid variable names in plugins in some situations

  • Fix “Steps Taken” Event on Some Devices

  • Fixed minor crashes

The update to v5.11.14 is now starting in the Play Store. If you want to download it early, you can also get it here at the developer’s dropbox link.