Workflow for iOS aims to simplify automation of complex multi-step tasks
A newly launched iOS application dubbed "Workflow" enables users to drag and drop combinations of more than 100 different actions to create automated and complex workflows.
As part of a "launch special," Workflow is currently on sale for $2.99, which is 40 percent off the planned regular price. Unlike IFTTT, which restricts users to one action per service, Workflow allows for multiple actions and services to be connected, creating more elaborate automated processes.
Upon launching Workflow, users are given a tutorial to build an automation for creating an animated GIF with three photos taken from the iPhone camera. Once the pictures are taken, Workflow assembles them into a GIF and the image can be exported as desired, or saved to the Photos app.
Workflow ties heavily into the extensions capabilities baked into iOS 8 by Apple, allowing third-party applications to tie seamlessly into the automator tool. As a result, it requires a device running iOS 8.0 or later.
Among the more than 100 actions possible with Workflow are options related to native iOS apps Contacts, Calendar, Maps, Music, Photos, Camera, Reminders, Safari and Safari. It also ties into AirDrop, Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, Evernote, and iCloud Documents, among others.
And by using Safari home screen icon bookmarks, Workflow even provides a workaround that allows users to add automated tasks to their iPhone's home screen for quick access.
Examples of tasks that can be accomplished with Workflow, as noted by developer DeskConnect, include:
As part of a "launch special," Workflow is currently on sale for $2.99, which is 40 percent off the planned regular price. Unlike IFTTT, which restricts users to one action per service, Workflow allows for multiple actions and services to be connected, creating more elaborate automated processes.
Upon launching Workflow, users are given a tutorial to build an automation for creating an animated GIF with three photos taken from the iPhone camera. Once the pictures are taken, Workflow assembles them into a GIF and the image can be exported as desired, or saved to the Photos app.
Workflow ties heavily into the extensions capabilities baked into iOS 8 by Apple, allowing third-party applications to tie seamlessly into the automator tool. As a result, it requires a device running iOS 8.0 or later.
Among the more than 100 actions possible with Workflow are options related to native iOS apps Contacts, Calendar, Maps, Music, Photos, Camera, Reminders, Safari and Safari. It also ties into AirDrop, Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, Evernote, and iCloud Documents, among others.
And by using Safari home screen icon bookmarks, Workflow even provides a workaround that allows users to add automated tasks to their iPhone's home screen for quick access.
Examples of tasks that can be accomplished with Workflow, as noted by developer DeskConnect, include:
- Add a home screen icon that calls a loved one
- Make PDFs from Safari or any other app
- Get directions to the nearest coffee shop in one tap
- Tweet the song you're listening to
- Get all of the images on a Web page
- Send a message including the last screenshot you took
Comments
I want to live in my OS not in my Apps.
Did you read the whole article? It clearly says you can launch a workflow from a home screen icon.
If you follow along with the tutorials there are two ways to save the automations, one is through Safari as a separate icon, and the second is to use action extensions (the ones that pop up within other apps when you select the box with the up arrow).
Here is a nice overall summary of the program that provides much more information:
http://www.macstories.net/reviews/workflow-review-integrated-automation-for-ios-8/
Note that this is v1.0 (it is brand spanking new), but even out of the box it has considerable functionality. By the time they get to v3+ this thing is going to be amazing...
If you follow along with the tutorials there are two ways to save the automations, one is through Safari as a separate icon, and the second is to use action extensions (the ones that pop up within other apps when you select the box with the up arrow).
Here is a nice overall summary of the program that provides much more information:
http://www.macstories.net/reviews/workflow-review-integrated-automation-for-ios-8/
Note that this is v1.0 (it is brand spanking new), but even out of the box it has considerable functionality. By the time they get to v3+ this thing is going to be amazing...
Apple buyout and fully integrated into iOS....
Whereas Workflow is rather good for personal use, I still can't get how to use the one effectively within multiple departments of our company.
I'm looking for a workflow solution that will make our office work more effective. Many advised us to try https://pyrus.com/ and https://asana.com/ though I tried the one within my small team and it doesn't look to have enough workflow functionality. Any thoughts on Pyrus?