Android treats memory differently than a desktop computer. When leaving an app, it is paused rather than killed, so that so that returning to it later is faster. If Android needs more memory, it will automatically close apps that have been paused but have not been used recently. Because Android manages memory automatically, “task killer” apps are not necessary. Google has blocked “task killer” apps for Android 2.2 and later.

While it is not possible to “kill” apps on Android, the Shortcut plug-in can be used to simulate this behavior by bringing the Android Home screen to the foreground. To do this, simply create a new Shortcut setting, choose Menu → Filter → All. Pick the “Launcher” app. When the setting is fired, it will bring the Home screen to the foreground, pausing whatever application was previously on the screen.

With Locale 1.0, there is always a notification at the top of the screen displaying the currently active situations.

This is implemented by the Locale Google Voice Plug-in, available on the Android Market.