Web browsing and Browser control: what Otto can and cannot do

Created by Ziv Raviv, Modified on Sun, 12 Jul at 6:29 PM by Ziv Raviv

What this does

Some jobs need a real web page, not just words. When you switch on Web browsing, Otto can open pages in a browser on your computer using your own sign-ins: scan a venue's site for contact details, read a lead's event page, or research a company before you reply. On the Connections screen this same tool is called Browser control.

How to switch it on

Web browsing stays off until you turn it on under Tool access. You pick which browser Otto uses:

Web browsing (Chrome): opens a dedicated Chrome window that keeps its own sign-ins between runs, even in the background while a play works. This one needs the free Node.js tool installed first (nodejs.org).
Web browsing (Safari): Mac only. It reads pages already open in your own Safari or Safari Technology Preview, and can open new pages to read.

Once either is on, the Browser control row on the Connections screen reads: "Ready for Otto to use in this app - pages open in a signed-in window, and anything that submits or posts waits for you."

What Otto can do

Open and read ordinary public web pages.
Use your own sign-ins, because pages load in your real browser session. There is no separate profile and nothing extra to store.
Browse, read, and research: lead sites, venue pages, your own website, and your Facebook groups and Messenger once a Web browsing connection is on.

What Otto cannot do on its own

With Chrome, Otto can reach forms, but anything that submits, uploads, or posts always waits for you first.
With Safari it is stricter: there is no click, type, form, or upload tool at all. It can only see what is open, read a page, and open an address.
It never sends email through a website. Outgoing messages stay as drafts inside Booked Solid for your approval, then go out through your own connected email account.

About the older "browser control" wording

You may see this called browser control in a few places. It is the same feature. In this version you turn it on by switching on Web browsing (Chrome) or Web browsing (Safari) under Tool access, and the Browser control row on the Connections screen then shows it as ready.

If it does not work

Chrome will not start: install Node.js from nodejs.org, then switch Web browsing (Chrome) on again.
Safari on a Mac: the first run asks macOS to allow control. Allow it under System Settings > Privacy & Security > Automation, then try again.

Still stuck? Email bookedsolid@kivimedia.freshdesk.com and a person will help.