Apple has acquired the popular task-automation tool Workflow, which creates shortcuts for several actions across various apps without even needing to open them. As a result, the application is now available free of charge from the App Store and more changes could be in store.
Workflow streamlines repetitive tasks by combining various steps in different apps into one single-tap shortcut. The range of actions is virtually infinite and the system is compatible with all the most widely-used applications, including native iPhone apps (Calendar, Contacts, etc.) and third-party apps like Google Maps, Facebook, Twitter, Dropbox, etc. Workflow can be used to automatically convert a web page to a PDF, to share content from your smartphone on social networks, to find local stores or traffic information, as well as creating animated GIFs or homescreen icons for calling a given contact.