It took a while, but automation tools are now baked into most smartphones.They're actually pretty good, too—with one exception.While Samsung Modes & Routines (even iPhone Shortcuts) are excellent, Google’s Pixel “Rules” are embarrassingly lackluster.
Despite being a long-time Pixel user, I’d never really explored the “Rules” feature until recently.I bought some NFC tags and was hoping to put them to use around my house.The frustration of trying to set up anything made me realize just how behind Pixel phones are in the automation department.
The power of Samsung Modes & Routines Underrated and super impressive It’s no secret that Samsung Galaxy phones are stuffed to the brim with features, for better or worse.Part of that “worse” is how easy it is to miss some of the best stuff.Modes & Routines is firmly one of those things that not enough people know about.
I’ll start with the “Routines” half of “Modes & Routines,” which is essentially an “if this, then that” automation system.Apps like Tasker and Macrodroid, even Pixel Rules, use the same concept.However, as excellent as those apps are, they’re not built into the system level, which means they’re somewhat limited.
Related Don’t ignore your Samsung Galaxy’s smartest feature A hidden tool you'll actually use.Posts 5 By Cory Gunther Modes & Routines doesn’t have those limitations, and that’s where its true power shows.It can fully dig into hardware-related actions and actions inside Samsung apps.
You can create routines based on things like Android Auto, connecting to mobile hotspots, DeX desktop mode, Bluetooth accessories, battery level, device theme, app activity, and so much more.I really can’t adequately explain just how much is possible with Modes & Routines.Depending on your ecosystem, you can do some wild stuff.
For example, you could create a routine that turns off any lights you forgot at home when you get to work.In my case, I can control lights by tapping NFC tags.The “Modes” half of “Modes & Routines” is similar to the iPhone’s Focus Modes, which are pretty great in their own right.
Think of Modes as souped-up Do Not Disturb.They include specialized settings for who and what can send notifications, as well as completely custom wallpapers and home screen layouts.The inability of Google Pixel Rules Automation without a purpose As I said, it’s genuinely difficult to put into words how powerful Modes & Routines can be.
I could include a dozen screenshots and still not scratch the surface.I have the exact opposite problem with Google’s Pixel Rules.It has exactly eight possible routines, and even that might be generous.
Like Modes & Routines, Rules is essentially an “if this, then that” automation system.The problem is that there isn't much to “if” or “that.” Here’s the full, exhaustive list of triggers: Wi-Fi network Location Not impressed? Well, here’s the full list of actions that can be paired with those triggers: Turn on Do Not Disturb Set device to silent Set device to vibrate Set device to ring Needless to say, this is a far cry from Modes & Routines (and iPhone Shortcuts).The original quest that sent me down this path—smart home automations with NFC tags—is practically impossible with a Pixel phone.
I can’t tie into the SmartThings app, and Google Home doesn’t include NFC as a trigger for routines.That’s just one specific example, but even something as basic as launching a music app when Bluetooth headphones are connected isn’t possible with Rules.Of course, you can use those aforementioned apps for that, but a native solution would be nice.
Pixel phones also have nothing like Samsung’s Modes.The “Focus Mode” on a Pixel phone is nothing more than a smaller version of Do Not Disturb.You can’t create multiple modes, each with its own wallpapers and home screen setups.
A big hole in the Pixel ecosystem I tend to prefer Pixel phones for their simplicity, but every once in a while, it becomes a nuisance.The Rules feature is so barebones that it may as well not even be included.These are the types of “quality of life” things that put Samsung Galaxy phones and iPhones a step above.
I’d love to see Google do more with Rules in the future.Perhaps Android 17 will address this shortcoming? One can hope.Related Android beats iPhone in customization, but it can’t match this one feature As an Android veteran of over 15 years, nothing has ever made me seriously consider switching to an iPhone.
However, there’s one feature that I often feel jealous about.It’s called “Focus Mode,” and if you think you know what it does, you’re probably wrong.Posts By Joe Fedewa
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