Creating and handling an app timeout in Android

Question

I was wondering what would be the best way to handle an application timeout, such as PayPal. I want the user to select between 1, 5, or 15 minute timeout period, so when they op

Answer 1

I would use a heartbeat timer while the app is running and active and keep track of the current time (or last activity time - either one). When the app goes into the background from the user hitting the home button (or exits - not sure how you handle the back button) - remember the value by saving it to shared preferences. When the app starts or resumes you can compare the current time to the saved time and if the delta is more than "x" then you can direct the user to a login screen. Make sure you are paying attention to onPause, onResume, onStop, onDestroy events in your main activity. I would personally user System.currentTimeMillis for the timestamp and then compare the millis and divide appropriately based on your time (seconds, minutes, etc.).