Hourly Buzz (Clock Ticker)

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

Overview

The Hourly Buzz app helps users keep track of time by providing a Morse code vibration pattern ("GOD") 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.
   • Handles runtime permission requests for POST_NOTIFICATIONS on Android 13+.
   • Features a "Shake" animation feedback when the vibration is triggered.

2. Scheduling Alarms (AlarmManager):

   • Uses setAlarmClock() (the highest priority alarm API) to ensure reliability even when the device is in deep sleep (Doze mode).
   • Calculates the exact top of the next hour (e.g., 10:00, 11:00) to keep the reminders synchronized with the wall clock.

3. Handling Alarms (VibrationReceiver.java):

   • Acquires a WakeLock to ensure the CPU stays awake long enough to complete the full vibration pattern.
   • Uses VibratorManager (API 31+) and VibrationAttributes (USAGE_ALARM) to bypass "Do Not Disturb" and system silence modes.
   • Posts a high-priority notification with an alarm category.

Key Features & Recent Improvements

• Strong Morse Code Vibration: Features a triple-length Morse code pattern for "GOD" (--. --- -..) at maximum hardware intensity (Amplitude 255), making it easily felt through pockets or clothing.
• Clock-Synchronized Timing: Alarms trigger exactly at :00 minutes of every hour, regardless of when the app was started.
• Deep Sleep Reliability:
  • setAlarmClock: Bypasses Android's Doze mode restrictions that normally delay background tasks.
  • WakeLock Management: Guarantees the vibration pattern finishes even if the screen is off.
• Modern Android Compatibility:
  • Android 13+ Support: Explicitly handles VibrationAttributes and POST_NOTIFICATIONS permissions.
  • VibratorManager: Uses the latest API 31+ methods for modern hardware.

Links & Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the following tools and services that helped in the development and deployment of this app:

• Android Studio & AI Agent: This app was refactored and optimized using Android Studio and its built-in AI Android Developer Agent, which provided expert guidance on modern Android APIs and background reliability.
• Google Play Store: Public Listing
• Internal Test Build: Google Play Console
• App Icon Kitchen: Icon Design - Used for generating adaptive launcher icons.
• Feature Graphic Concept: Claude AI Artifact - Used for visual asset inspiration.
• Privacy Policy & Terms of Use:
  • App Privacy Policy Generator - Used for generating legal documents.
  • Flycricket Hosted Policy - Used for hosting the privacy policy.