MIDP 3: Screen Saver and Auto Start MIDlets

Now you can make screen saver MIDlets. You can also set your MIDlets to be started during mobile start up.This is a surprising addition to the MIDP 3.0. Now you can create a MIDlet which will run when the device is idle for a specified amount of time.

To make a MIDlet into a screen saver MIDlet you will just need to add the following line in your JAD file or manifest file.

MIDlet-Category-1: screensaver

This line instructs the AMS(Application Management software) that the MIDlet is of category “screensaver”.

Screen Saver registration process

When Screen Saver MIDlet is installed following chronology of events happen

The AMS checks if any other screen saver is already registered.
If another screen saver is registered the user is prompted that there is already a screen saver configured and whether the user wants to change his screen saver.
If there is no screen saver then the user is prompted whether he wants to set a new screen saver.
In both the above cases screen saver is set only when the user agrees to it.
Finally after the screen saver is set the user is notified accordingly.

This screen saver functionality in MIDlets adds a new entertaining service to existing bouquet of MIDlet services. After this if the MIDP Expert Group asks me “What is your next wishlist?” I would say “Themes MIDlet”.

Auto Start MIDlets

MIDP 3.0 addresses the long requested functionality of auto start up of a MIDlet when the device is switched on. This functionality was already given by some device vendors. What the MIDP Expert group now brings to table a generic standard which has to be followed by all the vendors.

To make a MIDlet into a auto start up MIDlet you will just need to add the following line in your JAD file or manifest file.

MIDlet-Category-1: autostart

Get set to create your robotic MIDlet………………

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