EdgeLink

EdgeLink is a lightweight Desktop Window Manager implementation for Android. It runs as a system service to provide a floating window environment, allowing apps to run in resizable, freeform containers on top of the standard Android UI.

Designed for LineageOS and AOSP-based ROMs, it mimics features found in Samsung DeX or Motorola Ready For, but implemented natively using Android's VirtualDisplay and WindowManager APIs.

Features

• Floating Windows: Run apps in freeform windows with resize handles and maximize/restore controls.
• Edge Sidebar: A global slide-out launcher accessible from anywhere (customizable position).
• Smart Task Management:
  • Single Focus Mode: Minimizes background windows automatically to keep the workspace clean.
  • Bubble Stacking: Minimized apps stack vertically on the screen edge.
  • Pinning: Keep frequently used apps at the top of the sidebar.
• Dynamic Orientation: Automatically adjusts window sizes for Portrait and Landscape modes.
• Overlay Support: Works on top of fullscreen apps (e.g., YouTube, VLC).

Architecture

EdgeLink is not a standard launcher; it is a privileged system application.

1. Service-Based: EdgeLinkService runs in the background and manages the WindowManager views.
2. Virtual Displays: It creates a unique VirtualDisplay for each floating app to render the content off the main stack.
3. Input Injection: Uses TouchInjector to pass touch events from the overlay window into the virtual display.

Integration Guide

Since EdgeLink requires INJECT_EVENTS and MANAGE_ACTIVITY_TASKS permissions, it must be installed as a system app (priv-app). It cannot be installed as a standard APK on a non-rooted device.

1. Add to Source Tree

Clone the repo into packages/apps/EdgeLink:

git clone https://github.com/nasyx-rakeeb/EdgeLink packages/apps/EdgeLink

2. Update Device Makefile

Add the package and its permissions to your device's makefile (e.g., device/xiaomi/veux/device.mk):

# EdgeLink Desktop Mode
PRODUCT_PACKAGES += \
    EdgeLink \
    privapp_permissions_edgelink

3. Build

Build your ROM as usual. The Android.bp file handles the compilation and permission XML copying.

m bacon

Usage

1. Open Sidebar: Swipe the handle (default: left edge) to open the launcher.
2. Launch App: Tap an app in the sidebar to open it in a floating window.
3. Minimize: Tap the - icon in the window header. The app will shrink to a bubble on the right edge.
4. Maximize: Tap the bubble to restore the window.
5. Resize: Drag the handle in the bottom-right corner of a window.
6. Pin Apps: Go to Settings -> App Management -> Pin Apps to keep favorites at the top of the sidebar.

Settings

A dedicated Settings panel is included to customize:

• Sidebar Position (Left/Right).
• Handle Size, Opacity, and Vertical Offset.
• Panel Transparency and Height.

Requirements

• Android 13+ (Tested on LineageOS 23).
• platform signature keys (or whitelisted priv-app permissions).

License

MIT License