Media Apps

This section explains how to separate a media player app into a media controller (for the UI) and a media session (for the actual player). It describes two media app architectures: a client/server design that works well for audio apps and a single-activity design for video players. It also shows how to make media apps respond to hardware controls and cooperate with oher apps that use the audio output stream.

Media Apps Overview

An introduction to media sessions and media controllers and how they are used in audio and video apps.

Working with a Media Session

A media session hides the details of the code that implements a player/recorder and provides a standard interface for communicating with your UI via media controllers.

Building an Audio App

How to build an audio app using a media browser client activity containing a media controller and a media browser service containing a media session.

Building a Video App

How to build a video app in a single activity with a media session and a media controller.

Responding to Media Buttons

How an app handles events from transport buttons on peripheral hardware.

Handling Changes in Audio Ouput

How to notice when the volume controls change, the headphones are unplugged, and some other apps wants to play audio.