TasKiller
by Dan @ Appnoodle
Aug 3, 2009 4:55 AM –
Install
The full version of TasKiller let you close (kill) your running applications in one click, Switch between apps and have unlimited ignored apps in your ignore list. Free memory and keep your android fast.
Price: Free, €0.70
Update: In our opinion, this app maybe near extinction as phones with Android 2.2 or higher do a great got of managing memory and tasks themselves. The use of these types of apps on Android 2.2+ devices are actually counter-productive, so consider wisely.
Most people who come to Android from a desktop environment find it a bit odd that you’re not required to shut down applications once you’ve finished using them. This is because Android terminates apps automatically when internal memory is getting low. Until that point they remain resident.
Sometimes though, it’s helpful to force close apps you’re not using to free memory, extend battery life and improve performance. You can do this via the settings menu on the phone with the following method:
Settings -> Applications -> Manage applications -> (wait for list to load…) -> (select app) ->Force Stop
Not exactly convenient then…
The alternative is to download TasKiller from the market and use that instead.
Features
Nothing too complicated here. On firing up the app you’re presented with a colour coded list of running apps which you can click to close.
- White – application is in memory but not consuming CPU resources
- Grey – background service
- Yellow – app is active and using the CPU
A long click on a list item pops up a menu option to open the app or set to ignore (so it doesn’t appear in the list). There’s a prominent kill all button too within the app or you can add the TasKiller Android widget to your home screen. One click of the widget and all your (non-ignored) apps are terminated in one go. Handy.
There are free and paid for versions of TasKiller although the only difference appears to be the limit of 2 apps you can have in your ignore list in the free version.
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TasKiller Main
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TasKiller Menu
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TasKiller Display/Ignore
Usefulness
Very useful app to have on your phone but particularly if you’re a power user.
Ease of Use
TasKiller is very simple to use.
Frequency Used
Useful several times a day.
Interface
Nothing spectacular but it does the job.