Workflow for iOS aims to simplify automation of complex multi-step tasks

As part of a "launch special," Workflow is currently on sale for $2.99, which is 40 percent off the planned regular price. Unlike IFTTT, which restricts users to one action per service, Workflow allows for multiple actions and services to be connected, creating more elaborate automated processes.

Upon launching Workflow, users are given a tutorial to build an automation for creating an animated GIF with three photos taken from the iPhone camera. Once the pictures are taken, Workflow assembles them into a GIF and the image can be exported as desired, or saved to the Photos app.

Workflow ties heavily into the extensions capabilities baked into iOS 8 by Apple, allowing third-party applications to tie seamlessly into the automator tool. As a result, it requires a device running iOS 8.0 or later.

Among the more than 100 actions possible with Workflow are options related to native iOS apps Contacts, Calendar, Maps, Music, Photos, Camera, Reminders, Safari and Safari. It also ties into AirDrop, Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, Evernote, and iCloud Documents, among others.

And by using Safari home screen icon bookmarks, Workflow even provides a workaround that allows users to add automated tasks to their iPhone's home screen for quick access.

Examples of tasks that can be accomplished with Workflow, as noted by developer DeskConnect, include:

• Add a home screen icon that calls a loved one
• Make PDFs from Safari or any other app
• Get directions to the nearest coffee shop in one tap
• Tweet the song you're listening to
• Get all of the images on a Web page
• Send a message including the last screenshot you took

Once an automated task has been created within Workflow, users can launch them from within the app, or via other apps using a Workflow Action Extension, in addition to the aforementioned home screen shortcut.