How can a service listen for touch gestures/events?

Question

I\'m wondering how apps like SwipePad and Wave Launcher are able to detect touch gestures/events simply through a service. These apps are able to detect a touch gestures eve

Answer 1

I've searched through many SO threads, but for security reasons, I don't think this is possible for all packages on the system. It certainly is for your own app though.

WindowManager

 WindowManager.LayoutParams params = new WindowManager.LayoutParams(
            ViewGroup.LayoutParams.WRAP_CONTENT,
            ViewGroup.LayoutParams.WRAP_CONTENT,
            WindowManager.LayoutParams.TYPE_SYSTEM_ALERT,
                    WindowManager.LayoutParams.FLAG_NOT_FOCUSABLE |
                    WindowManager.LayoutParams.FLAG_NOT_TOUCH_MODAL |
            WindowManager.LayoutParams.FLAG_WATCH_OUTSIDE_TOUCH,
            PixelFormat.TRANSLUCENT);

Floating / Overlay layout

floatyView = ((LayoutInflater) getSystemService(Context.LAYOUT_INFLATER_SERVICE)).inflate
            (R.layout.floating_view, null);

    floatyView.setOnTouchListener(new View.OnTouchListener() {
        @Override
        public boolean onTouch(View v, MotionEvent event) {
            Log.d(TAG, "event.x " + event.getX());
            Log.d(TAG, "event.y " + event.getY());
            if (event.getAction() == MotionEvent.ACTION_UP) {
                v.performClick();
            }
            return false;
        }
    });

Layout