Android Question How to listen (monitor) Clipboard changes

[somed3v3loper]

Hi all ,

I am trying to make an application that listen to clipboard changes but do not know how exactly to do it .
I think B4A does not have any built-in function or way to do so .

So I am trying to get ClipboardManager as I read that it has listening ability .

This is one of my many attempts

    Dim myClipboard As JavaObject
    myClipboard.InitializeStatic("android.content.Context")
      myClipboard.RunMethod("getSystemService",Array As String("CLIPBOARD_SERVICE"))

This code raises the error

java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: expected receiver of type android.content.Context, but got java.lang.Class<android.content.Context>

Please help me I am still novice especially in Java and Android APIs and if there is some intent for clipboard that would be better

Thanks in advance

 

[NJDude]

There's a clipboard library, search the forums.

 

[somed3v3loper]

There's a clipboard library, search the forums.

It is just for seting,getting clipboard text and checking if there is a text .

I need to monitor clipboard so when the user copies any text my application (background service) gets notified.

 

[NJDude]

I see.

 

[stevel05]

If you are using B4a 3.8 + you can use JavaObject to set the listener, see the attached example which uses the clipboard library to get the clipboard contents.

 

[somed3v3loper]

Thank you very much Stevel
I added it to service to monitor clipboard even if activity is closed but can we know how long will it be listening to clipboard changes ? Will OS kill it after some time ?
I want it to be always listening.

 

[Erel]

Will OS kill it after some time ?

Yes. See this thread: Creating a sticky service - long running background tasks

 

[somed3v3loper]

Yes. See this thread: Creating a sticky service - long running background tasks

Thanks Erel .

EDIT : I started an empty notification and will see if it will make Listener runs longer without adding a notification on status bar.

 

[somed3v3loper]

Can we have a similar solution for android 2.3?
Thanks in advance

 

[stevel05]

Unfortunately there doesn't appear to have been a listener exposed for the clipboard prior to Api 11.

 

[somed3v3loper]

Unfortunately there doesn't appear to have been a listener exposed for the clipboard prior to Api 11.

Any workaround ? Babylon works even on 2.3 so there should be some way .

 

[stevel05]

What is Babylon? It may use native libraries, which I'm afraid is beyond me.

 

[somed3v3loper]

What is Babylon? It may use native libraries, which I'm afraid is beyond me.

here :

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.babylon.translator&hl=en

 

[stevel05]

Does that listen for additions to the clipboard? You can get the standard cut and paste functionality on pre api 11 with this library: http://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/clipboard-library.7382/

 

[somed3v3loper]

Does that listen for additions to the clipboard? You can get the standard cut and paste functionality on pre api 11 with this library: http://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/clipboard-library.7382/

This library does not allow monitoring clipboard changes and yes Babylon listen to what is being copied to clipboard .
I really appreciate your help and still looking for some solution .

 

[stevel05]

As it is using notifications, it is possible that the clipboard is being monitored by code in a service. You cold poll the clipboard to see if the text has changed. I'm not sure what effect it would have on the battery life if it was on all the time though.

 

[somed3v3loper]

As it is using notifications, it is possible that the clipboard is being monitored by code in a service. You cold poll the clipboard to see if the text has changed. I'm not sure what effect it would have on the battery life if it was on all the time though.

Thanks a lot Stevel
I think I will go with checking Clipboard every some seconds but I hope we can get better solution.