The com.android.server.telecom package plays a crucial role in the Android ecosystem, specifically in managing calls on Android devices. In this context, it handles SIM-based calls, Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) calls, and third-party VOIP calls through the Android Telecom framework. The package’s importance stems from its ability to provide a seamless telephony experience for users and developers alike, enabling smooth call management and supporting various calling use cases.
Understanding Android Telecom Management
The Android telecom framework is responsible for managing all calls on an Android device, regardless of their type. This framework includes various components, such as the telecom server, that work together to enable calling functionality on an Android device.
What is com.android.server.telecom?
Com.Android.Server.Telecom is a built-in Android server that oversees several types of calls on an Android device. These calls encompass SIM-based, VoIP, and 3rd-party VoIP channels. The server utilizes the Android framework and the SIM-card module to establish connections for initiating calls.
The com.android.server.telecom server helps users manage calls with the Android GUI-com.samsung.android.incallui. Once a call has been placed, the in-call settings are handled by another system app called com.Samsung.android.app.telephonyui.
How com.android.server.telecom Functions
The com.android.server.telecom server is responsible for managing various types of calls on an Android device. Once a call is initiated, the server uses the Android framework to establish a connection using the SIM-card module.
The com.android.server.telecom server also allows developers to create standalone calling apps that do not show other calls in their UI using the self-managed ConnectionService API. Additionally, developers can use the Managed ConnectionService API to create a calling solution that relies on the existing device phone application. The InCallService API facilitates the development of a replacement for the device’s default Phone/Dialer app.
The Android Telecom Framework
The Android Telecom framework is the heart of the com.android.server.telecom package. It serves as the central component responsible for managing calls on an Android device. The framework is built to be customizable and extensible, enabling developers to create and integrate their own calling applications with ease.
At a high level, the framework supports four different calling use cases for developers:
- Self-managed ConnectionService API: Allows developers to create standalone calling apps that do not show other calls in their user interface (UI).
- Managed ConnectionService API: Enables the creation of a calling solution that relies on the existing device phone application, ensuring that calls from multiple sources are organized and displayed appropriately.
- InCallService API: Facilitates the development of a replacement for the device’s default Phone/Dialer app, giving developers more control over call management and the UI.
- Both InCallService and ConnectionService API: Developers interested in building a custom user interface that displays all Android calls can combine both APIs to achieve this functionality.
Call Control and Events
Two important components of com.android.server.telecom are CallControlCallback and CallEventCallback, which manage and provide updates on call events.
- CallControlCallback: This component relays call updates from the Telecom framework to the application that require a response. It ensures that the application has the necessary information to make informed decisions based on the call’s current state.
- CallEventCallback: Unlike CallControlCallback, CallEventCallback relays call updates that do not require any action. It helps applications stay apprised of call events without the need to respond or take action immediately.
Concluding Thoughts
The com.android.server.telecom package is a fundamental part of the Android operating system, designed to manage calls and deliver a seamless call management experience for users. Through its various APIs and components like ConnectionService and InCallService, this package enables developers to build diverse telephony apps catered to their requirements while ensuring smooth call handling and a rich user experience.