StackOverflow2013

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copied!<p>To create an overlay view, when setting up the <code>LayoutParams</code> you need to set the type to <code>TYPE_SYSTEM_OVERLAY</code> and use the flag <code>FLAG_WATCH_OUTSIDE_TOUCH</code>. This presents a problem because as the Android documentation states: </p> <blockquote> <p>you will not receive the full down/move/up gesture, only the location of the first down as an <code>ACTION_OUTSIDE</code>.</p> </blockquote> <p>In order to receive the full array of touch events you need to use the <code>TYPE_SYSTEM_ALERT</code> type, but this causes the overlay to take over the screen and stop interaction with other elements. The solution is to use both <code>TYPE_SYSTEM_OVERLAY</code> and <code>TYPE_SYSTEM_ALERT</code> and switch between them by changing the type of the <code>LayoutParams</code> as needed.</p> <p>This is accomplished by:</p> <ol> <li>Watch for the <code>ACTION_OUTSIDE</code> motion event.</li> <li>When it occurs, test if it occured within the overlay.</li> <li>If it did, switch the <code>LayoutParams</code> type to <code>TYPE_SYSTEM_ALERT</code></li> <li>Once the interaction with the overlay is complete, switch back to <code>TYPE_SYSTEM_OVERLAY</code></li> <li>Repeat</li> </ol> <p>The one thing to keep in mind is that the <code>ACTION_OUTSIDE</code> motion event is always passed on to the rest of the elements on the screen. So, for example, if the overlay is on top of a button, that button will also receive the motion event and there is no way to stop it.</p> <p>Also make sure you add the <code>SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW</code> permission to the mainifest file.</p> <p>I've posted the complete solution here:<br> <a href="http://www.jawsware.mobi/code_OverlayView/" rel="noreferrer">http://www.jawsware.mobi/code_OverlayView/</a> <strong><em>(UPDATED)</em></strong></p> <p>It includes all the source code and a link to download the entire example project.</p> <hr> <p><strong>Update for Android 4.0 - 1/3/2013</strong></p> <hr> <p>To create an overlay view, when setting up the LayoutParams <strong>DON'T</strong> set the type to <code>TYPE_SYSTEM_OVERLAY</code>.</p> <p>Instead set it to <code>TYPE_PHONE</code>.</p> <p>Use the following flags:</p> <p><code>FLAG_NOT_TOUCH_MODAL</code></p> <p><code>FLAG_WATCH_OUTSIDE_TOUCH</code></p> <p><code>FLAG_NOT_TOUCH_MODAL</code> << I found this one to be quite important. Without it, focus is given to the overlay and soft-key (home, menu, etc.) presses are not passed to the activity below.</p> <p><strong><em>Also, the previous link (above) has been updated to reflect this update.</em></strong></p>

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