Microsoft launched a beta of an app that allows users to programme their Android devices so they respond to a range of pre-determined triggers.

Called on(X), the app and supporting website allows users to push JavaScript code – or ‘rules’ – to their phone which make it respond to triggers such as weather updates, time, news items, wi-fi status, battery life or location.

The resulting actions caused by the triggers could include opening an app or URL, showing a notification, sending a text message or accessing a web service.

The on(X) website features a list of predefined triggers and actions called ‘recipes.’ An example of a recipe is using the phone’s location tool to remind a user to buy some milk when they arrive home. All rules can be deleted or turned on and off.

Users can download the app from the on(X) website and can log in to the website and app using their Facebook credentials. 

Microsoft’s Israeli Information Platform and Experiences division developed the app and program manager Shira Weinberg told TechCrunch that the less strict security model of Android makes it suitable for early technology previews. More mature versions of on(X) are therefore likely to appear on Microsoft’s Windows Phone and Windows 8 platforms.