A simple model of mashup technology for combining services and connected devices is now becoming popular. This model is frequently known as 'task automation' based on ECA (Event-Condition-Action) rules. The most popular online services that follow this approach are Ifttt and Zapier. In addition, this model is being followed by several mobile frameworks, such as on{x}, Automateit or Tasker, to automate how the phone deals with the incoming Internet events and phone sensors. This article outlines the features and components of task automation services, and proposes a generic architecture that supports the current challenges. Finally, as task automation services are a growing trend, this article surveys their characteristics, comparing existing platforms and discussing their evolution and future tendencies.