Android ChatHead Tutorial - (1) Setup ChatHead

Source code: Github (branch "step-1")

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Step 1: Setup an Android Project

Android ChatHead requires "SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW" permission which is available since API level 1, so minimum API 7 is fine.

Just next, next next... and create a blank activity :)

Step 2: Add ChatHead Service

If you want to know more details about ChatHead service. Read this article by Pierre-Yves Ricau.
Create a ChatHead Class that extends Service.

/java/com/gbinghan/androidchathead/ChatHeadService.java

Create ChatHead layout file.

/res/layout/service_chat_head.xml

Add ChatHeadService to AndroidManifest.xml

<service android:name="com.gbinghan.androidchathead.ChatHeadService" ></service>

Add SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW to AndroidManifest.xml

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW" />

Your AndroidManifest.xml should look like this.

Step 3: Add a button to launch the service :)

Add OnClickListener in Activity file java/com/gbinghan/androidchathead/MainActivity.java.

        findViewById(R.id.button1).setOnClickListener(new View.OnClickListener() {
            @Override
            public void onClick(View v) {
                Intent intent = new Intent(MainActivity.this, ChatHeadService.class);
                intent.putExtra("title", "Hello");
                intent.putExtra("text", "ChatHead");
                startService(intent);
            }
        });

Add the button in layout file /res/layout/activity_main.xml.

    <Button
            android:id="@+id/button1"
            android:layout_width="wrap_content"
            android:layout_height="wrap_content"
            android:layout_alignLeft="@+id/textView1"
            android:layout_below="@+id/textView1"
            android:text="Button"/>

Step 4: Run!

You should see this on your emulator/device.

Note:
If you use different package name, remember to replace all instance of "gbinghan".


References:
http://www.piwai.info/chatheads-basics/
https://github.com/venator85/ChatHeads/blob/master/src/com/example/chatheads/MainActivity.java