iOS 13 shortcuts add "automation", what changes will this bring to the iPhone?

Workflow was originally a third-party efficiency tool. After being acquired by Apple, it was launched as a built-in feature on iOS devices. Apple renamed it "Shortcuts" to better integrate it with the iOS ecosystem. We have recommended many useful "Shortcuts" to you before.

In iOS 13 Beta 2, shortcuts are more powerful, with an added "automation" feature that can automatically run some operations when conditions are met. What changes will it bring to our iPhone?

You are already a mature mobile phone, it's time to learn to operate it yourself

The original shortcut command trigger conditions have two kinds: active operation and calling out with Siri. The automation function goes a step further and can automatically run the operation when certain conditions are triggered. Several default condition settings have been given in the shortcut command: "XX o'clock" and "When the alarm stops" related to the schedule, "When arriving at XX place" and "When leaving XX place" related to the trip, "When turning on airplane mode" and "When connecting to home Wi-Fi" related to settings, etc.

The basic principle is: when "XX" condition is met, "XX" operation is automatically performed. For example, you can set it to automatically play songs from NetEase Cloud Music's private FM when the alarm goes off every morning. Click the + sign to create personal automation, select the alarm, set it as the wake-up alarm, and when the alarm goes off, the condition selection is completed. The next step is to set the operation to be performed. Here, just like setting shortcuts, just select from the given operations.

The operations given in the shortcuts are very rich. If you know a little bit of technology, you can use syntax to implement very complex commands. But don't worry, novices can also choose simple operations through suggestions. For example, the private FM of NetEase Cloud Music has been simplified into one operation, which can be directly clicked. It should be noted that the suggestions in the shortcuts require you to have used the app before to trigger it. If it is a newly downloaded app, remember to run it manually once first.

From active to passive operation

The automation function does not add "operations" to the shortcut commands, but makes the "trigger conditions" smarter, allowing some operations to be "passively executed". Combining these trigger conditions with rich commands can achieve many interesting operations.

For example, I listen to podcasts on my way to and from get off work every day. I can set it to "open Himalaya FM" when "Bluetooth is connected to AirPods". I usually use the speakers at home to listen to music. I can set it to "open NetEase Cloud Music" when "Bluetooth is connected to XX speaker". This is actually automating the operations you have to repeat every day to achieve the purpose of improving efficiency.

When I get home from get off work every day, I will check what I have not done today. I can set it to execute the operation of "getting upcoming reminders" when "connecting to home Wi-Fi".

When I go out, I usually turn on low power mode, and the first thing I do when I get home is to charge my phone. To avoid forgetting, I can set a reminder to "charge my phone" when "low power mode is disabled", and the reminder can be further set to remind me "when I arrive at my home location". This is the result of the combination of shortcut commands and the iOS ecosystem, which connects built-in applications, phone status, and location.

If you always forget to clock in after get off work, you can set "Wait until the alarm goes off" to automatically execute the "Open DingTalk" operation. Opening the App should be the simplest operation in the shortcut command. It can be used to automate many repetitive operations. Mobile applications are always said to be information islands. At least at the operational level, automation functions can bring them closer.

Not just mobile phones, Apple will also launch Mac version shortcuts

After Workflow becomes a built-in shortcut command, more operations can be performed, but this change is not easy to be "seen". Apple's biggest change is to change the "trigger condition". In the Workflow era, it was active, and in the iOS 12 era, it was Siri calling out. iOS 13 supports automation, making the operation "passive".

In addition to the operations on the phone itself, shortcuts can also set up "home automation" and link with HomeKit. Recently, foreign media reported that Apple will also launch a Mac version of shortcuts. Presumably, at that time, the connection between Apple devices will be smoother.