Hourly Buzz (Clock Ticker)

A simple Android application that provides a discreet vibration reminder every hour available at Google Play Store.

Overview

The Hourly Buzz app is designed to help users keep track of time by providing a short vibration at the top of every hour. It features a simple interface to start and stop the hourly vibration service.

How it Works

The app utilizes core Android components to achieve its functionality:

1. Main Interface (MainActivity.java):

   • Provides "Start" and "Stop" buttons to control the hourly vibration service.
   • Displays informative messages to the user based on the service's status (e.g., "Hourly vibration started," "Hourly vibration is already started," "No service running to stop").
   • Handles runtime permission requests for SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM on Android 12 (API 31) and newer. If the permission is not granted, the app guides the user to the system settings.

2. Scheduling Alarms (AlarmManager):

   • When the "Start" button is pressed (and the service isn't already running), the app uses AlarmManager to schedule an alarm that will trigger at the next exact hour.
   • For devices running Android Marshmallow (API 23) and above, it uses setExactAndAllowWhileIdle() for precise timing, crucial for an hourly reminder.
   • For older devices (pre-Marshmallow), it uses setRepeating() to schedule the alarm.
   • The SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM permission is declared in the AndroidManifest.xml and requested at runtime on Android 12+ to ensure alarms can be scheduled reliably.

3. Handling Alarms (VibrationReceiver.java):

   • This BroadcastReceiver is triggered when the AlarmManager's scheduled alarm goes off.
   • Upon receiving the alarm event:
     • It triggers the device's vibrator (requires android.permission.VIBRATE, declared in AndroidManifest.xml).
     • (Optional) It can display a notification to the user. On Android 13 (API 33) and newer, this requires the POST_NOTIFICATIONS permission. The app currently checks for this permission before attempting to post a notification. (Note: A runtime request for this permission still needs to be implemented in MainActivity if notifications are a critical feature).
     • For devices on Android Marshmallow and above, it then reschedules the next alarm for the subsequent hour using setExactAndAllowWhileIdle(). This rescheduling also checks for the SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM permission on Android 12+. Rescheduling is skipped for pre-Marshmallow devices as setRepeating handles this.

Key Features & Recent Improvements

• Reliable Hourly Vibrations: Utilizes AlarmManager for timely hourly reminders.
• Simple User Interface: Easy-to-use "Start" and "Stop" buttons.
• Informative Feedback:
  • The "Start" button now correctly indicates if the service is already scheduled ("Hourly vibration is already started").
  • The "Stop" button accurately informs the user if there's no service running ("No service running to stop").
• Modern Android Compatibility:
  • Exact Alarm Scheduling: Includes runtime checks and guidance for the SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM permission on Android 12 (API 31) and newer, essential for the app's core functionality.
  • Notification Handling: Added checks for POST_NOTIFICATIONS permission in the VibrationReceiver for Android 13 (API 33) and newer before attempting to display a notification.
• Accurate Rescheduling:
  • Refined alarm rescheduling logic in VibrationReceiver to more accurately target the next exact hour.
  • Rescheduling logic in the receiver is now correctly skipped for pre-Marshmallow devices as setRepeating handles this.

Links

• Internal Test Build: https://play.google.com/console/u/0/developers/8049225430376012149/app/4975802997404127867/tracks/4698124399982310016?tab=releaseDashboard
• App Icon Kitchen: https://icon.kitchen/i/H4sIAAAAAAAAAz2OOw7CMBBE7zK0FIgGkRZxAtIhCn%2FWiYWDI3%2F4JMrdWTuIZrUzoxm9GU%2FhMkU0M7QI97angdAY4SJtYbr2M7JEondC1eVpIPM0sZbdyTsf2Ngc1f4gd9X7dVSNqsGlHNib61B9EZMdR0dYyuzZGFKJKRCV53iLVED0n0R2l16sszaotTZ4nV1Bv0I8dPBWc8%2F6yPdFErflC8EdnrzdAAAA
• Feature Graphic Concept: https://claude.ai/public/artifacts/26e20c0a-5ee6-40d4-8a47-e653edce33f0
• Privacy Policy & Terms of Use:
  • Generator: https://app-privacy-policy-generator.firebaseapp.com/
  • Hosted Policy: https://doc-hosting.flycricket.io/clock-ticker-terms-of-use/dd349453-bb77-4a1e-8076-9b467e40ac44/terms