Smartphone automation has always been a thing in the enthusiast world of Android, going as far back as Tasker in the early Android days. While it's still probably the de facto automation app, this kind of thing hasn't really blown up with your average consumer.
That's starting to change, however, with Apple launching Siri Shortcuts a couple years ago, Samsung creating Bixby Routines, and now Google getting the game with Rules. These device features allow you to set up specific automations (like silencing your phone when you show up at work) that run in the background without user input. There's a ton of potential here, and Google Rules looks like it's beginning to hit some Pixel phones.
Google Rules
While Google Rules is still in its infancy, this will very likely end up being a core part of Android that allows native automations and shortcuts to be run on a smartphone. As of right now it's exclusive to Pixel phones and is only rolling out to select Pixel models, but it'd make perfect sense for this to end up being a basic Android feature in the next few versions of Google's mobile operating system.
So what exactly can you do with Google Rules? Well, as it stands, not a lot.
According to Android Police who was originally tipped off about the new setting appearing, there are very limited triggers and actions. You can turn of your volume or turn on do-not-disturb mode when you arrive at specific locations or connect to certain wifi networks, but that's about as far as it goes right now.
That's not to say that it won't grow, but it's certainly a sign that Google's going to start slow and build things out instead of jumping in with their whole hand showing, for better or worse. Bixby Routines offers some pretty cool automations that control other settings on your phone, and I imagine Google Rules is looking very closely for inspiration and features that need to be brought over to the Pixel line.
If you have a Pixel 4, let us know if you're already seeing this available. If not, keep an eye out. It might happen sooner than you think.
source: Android Police
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