Mastering Edge Lighting Notification in Kotlin: A Comprehensive Guide

Notifications are an integral part of the mobile app experience, and Android’s edge lighting feature takes it to the next level. Imagine being able to grab the user’s attention without interrupting their flow, simply by illuminating the edges of their screen. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of edge lighting notifications in Kotlin, covering the what, why, and how-to of this fascinating feature.

What is Edge Lighting Notification?

Edge lighting notification is a feature in Android devices that illuminates the edges of the screen when a notification is received. This subtle yet attention-grabbing effect is customizable and can be tailored to fit your app’s unique personality. Edge lighting notifications are particularly useful for apps that require immediate attention, such as messaging or productivity tools.

Benefits of Edge Lighting Notification

So, why should you consider implementing edge lighting notifications in your Kotlin-based app? Here are a few compelling reasons:

• Enhanced User Experience: Edge lighting adds a touch of sophistication and modernity to your app’s notification system.
• Increased Engagement: Users are more likely to engage with notifications that stand out from the crowd, and edge lighting does just that.
• Customization Options: Edge lighting can be tailored to fit your app’s unique brand identity, allowing for endless creative possibilities.
• Competitive Advantage: By incorporating edge lighting notifications, you can differentiate your app from competitors and establish a unique selling point.

Implementing Edge Lighting Notification in Kotlin

Now that we’ve covered the benefits, let’s dive into the implementation process. To get started, you’ll need:

• Kotlin 1.4 or higher
• Android Studio 4.1 or higher
• A basic understanding of Android development and Kotlin programming

Step 1: Adding the Necessary Dependencies

In your app’s build.gradle file, add the following dependencies:

dependencies {
  implementation 'androidx.core:core-ktx:1.3.2'
  implementation 'androidx.appcompat:appcompat:1.2.0'
  implementation 'com.android.volley:volley:1.2.0'
}

Step 2: Creating a Custom Notification Class

Create a new Kotlin class that extends the NotificationCompat.Builder class:

import android.app.Notification
import android.app.NotificationChannel
import android.app.NotificationManager
import android.content.Context
import android.os.Build
import androidx.core.app.NotificationCompat

class EdgeLightingNotification(private val context: Context) {

  private val notificationManager: NotificationManager by lazy {
    context.getSystemService(Context.NOTIFICATION_SERVICE) as NotificationManager
  }

  fun showNotification() {
    // We'll get to this part soon!
  }
}

Step 3: Configuring the Notification Channel

In Android Oreo (API 26) and later, you’ll need to create a notification channel to display notifications. Add the following code to your EdgeLightingNotification class:

private fun createNotificationChannel() {
  if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.O) {
    val channel = NotificationChannel(
      "edge_lighting_channel",
      "Edge Lighting Channel",
      NotificationManager.IMPORTANCE_HIGH
    )

    notificationManager.createNotificationChannel(channel)
  }
}

Step 4: Building the Notification

Now, let’s build the notification itself. Add the following code to your showNotification() function:

fun showNotification() {
  createNotificationChannel()

  val notification = NotificationCompat.Builder(context, "edge_lighting_channel")
    .setSmallIcon(R.drawable.ic_notification)
    .setLargeIcon(BitmapFactory.decodeResource(context.resources, R.drawable.ic_launcher))
    .setContentTitle("Edge Lighting Demo")
    .setContentText("This is a demo notification with edge lighting!")
    .setPriority(NotificationCompat.PRIORITY_HIGH)
    .setCategory(NotificationCompat.CATEGORY_MESSAGE)
    .build()

  notificationManager.notify(12345, notification)
}

Step 5: Enabling Edge Lighting

Finally, enable edge lighting for your notification. Add the following code to your showNotification() function:

fun showNotification() {
  // ...

  val notification = NotificationCompat.Builder(context, "edge_lighting_channel")
    // ...

    .setLightColor(Color.WHITE)
    .setLights(0, 1000, 500) // duration, LED on, LED off
    .build()

  // ...
}

Putting it All Together

Now that you’ve implemented edge lighting notification in Kotlin, let’s test it out! Create an instance of your EdgeLightingNotification class and call the showNotification() function:

val edgeLightingNotification = EdgeLightingNotification(this)
edgeLightingNotification.showNotification()

Run your app, and you should see a beautifully crafted edge lighting notification illuminating the edges of your screen!

Customizing Edge Lighting Notification

Edge lighting notifications are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the experience to your app’s unique needs. Here are some ways to customize edge lighting notification:

Changing the Light Color

Use the setLightColor() method to change the color of the edge lighting:

.setLightColor(Color.RED)

Adjusting the Lighting Pattern

Experiment with different lighting patterns by adjusting the duration, LED on, and LED off values:

.setLights(0, 1500, 1000)

Adding a Custom Notification Shade

Create a custom notification shade using the setCustomShade() method:

.setCustomShade(R.drawable.custom_shade)

Using Edge Lighting with Other Notification Features

Combine edge lighting with other notification features, such as vibrations or sound effects, to create a truly immersive experience:

.setVibrate(longArrayOf(0, 100, 100, 100))
.setSound(Uri.parse("android.resource://" + context.getPackageName() + "/" + R.raw.notification_sound))

Best Practices for Edge Lighting Notification

When implementing edge lighting notification, keep the following best practices in mind:

1. Keep it Subtle: Edge lighting should be used to grab attention, not to overwhelm the user.
2. Customize Wisely: Tailor the edge lighting experience to your app’s unique brand and personality.
3. Test Thoroughly: Ensure that edge lighting works seamlessly across different devices and Android versions.
4. Respect User Preferences: Allow users to customize or disable edge lighting notifications if they prefer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, edge lighting notification is a powerful feature that can elevate your Kotlin-based app’s notification system. By following the steps and best practices outlined in this article, you can create a unique and engaging edge lighting experience that sets your app apart from the competition. Remember to keep it subtle, customize wisely, test thoroughly, and respect user preferences.

Device	Edge Lighting Support
Samsung Galaxy S21	Yes
Google Pixel 4	Yes
OnePlus 9 Pro	Yes
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10	No

Edge lighting notification is supported on a wide range of devices, including Samsung, Google, and OnePlus devices. However, it’s essential to test edge lighting on different devices to ensure compatibility.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of edge lighting notification in Kotlin, it’s time to take your app to the next level. Get creative, experiment with different customization options, and push the boundaries of what’s possible with edge lighting notifications!

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