IFTTT (pronounced ift as in lift) is a service that lets you create actions based on the simple statement: if this, then that. Users create "recipes" based on that statement to automate tasks. The best part is that you don't need to be a programmer to use it. IFTTT has an easy user interface and is really only limited by your imagination.
Channels are the basic building blocks of IFTTT. Examples of channels are Facebook, Email, Weather, Time or an Android device. You will find all the big names supported such as the major social networking sites, sync services like Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive, along with the popular blog platforms, RSS feeds and notetaking applications like OneNote or EverNote. But that isn't all, the service currently supports 115 channels and counting.
Some applications bridge into the physical world. Because IFTTT can send direction to services like WeMo light switch, SmartThings, Phillips Hue and FitBit, you can set up triggers to take action on your devices or have actions on your devices trigger back to you.
So, how might you use it? Here is a sampling of "recipes" for IFTTT.
• When I post a status to Twitter, publish it on LinkedIn.
• If SMS message with #FB, post to Facebook Status.
• If date+time = Jan 1, 12:01 post Happy New Year.
• If bad weather (via NOAA Severe Weather RSS), send me an SMS.
• If I tweet, add row to spreadsheet.
• Lost phone? Send IFTT a tagged email = call my phone.
• Send your iPhone screenshots to OneNote or Evernote.
• If overnight freeze, send SMS to cover plants.
• If Saga shows I'm at a restaurant, add location to calendar.
• If FitBit says I slept less than 7 hours, send SMS to go to bed earlier.
• If 6pm, turn on the lights (via WeMo).
• If item I want shows up on Craigslist, e-mail me.
IFTTT changes the game for automation. This is not only helpful personally, but also for organizations managing events, Facebook pages and multiple streams of social media. Wondering you might automate? Give it a try.
