Jul 1, 2013

Android phone users who enjoy automating smartphone functions using features like NFC with tags or IFTTT or Tasker for Android for applications have a new option thanks to XDA Developer member Akshay (Aky), who released Cover Algorithm to the Google Play Store. Cover Algorithm uses a smartphone’s sensors as the input to trigger the lock and unlock functions of a device. According to Akshay (Aky) the app can use any of a device’s sensors – light, proximity, accelerometer, magnetic field – to trigger an action. For the trial version that was released, only three actions are available, lock, unlock, and lock/unlock.

Akshay (Aky) gives some examples of use, like keeping a device turned on while one is reading. By placing the device face down on a surface, it will trigger the device to lock and turn off. This could make life easier for those not wanting to fumble around finding the power button. According to Akshay (Aky) this slightly minimizes wear and tear on a device’s buttons and has the benefit of saving a small amount of power by performing a task faster than a person might be able to. Granted, these are probably marginal benefits and most users will just be interested in the increased convenience the app offers.

Although the app focuses on lock and unlock functions, it seems likely it could be expanded to perform other functions. In addition to setting lock and unlock actions, the app has a full set of features for doing things like setting apps to ignore or calibrating the sensors.

The app is free in the Google Play Store for a trial version that will operate until July 7th. Akshay (Aky) says a paid version will be released soon that has no time limitation. You can grab it by hitting one of the download links below.