Send accessibility event not linked to view

Question

We're looking to send an accessibility event (which would be picked up by TalkBack etc.) which isn't linked to a view.

For example, how could I send an accessibility event (e.g. talkback saying "Data downloaded") when a AsyncTask has finished?

Answer 1

It looks like the current version of TalkBack ignores announcements if AccessibilityEvent.getSource() returns null, so you're best off using a Toast. This had the added benefit of providing consistent feedback to users whether or not they are using TalkBack.

Toast.makeText(context, /** some text */, Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show();

Normally, though, you could manually create an AccessibilityEvent and send it through the AccessibilityManager.

AccessibilityManager manager = (AccessibilityManager) context
        .getSystemService(Context.ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE);
if (manager.isEnabled()) {
    AccessibilityEvent e = AccessibilityEvent.obtain();
    e.setEventType(AccessibilityEvent.TYPE_ANNOUNCEMENT);
    e.setClassName(getClass().getName());
    e.setPackageName(context.getPackageName());
    e.getText().add("some text");
    manager.sendAccessibilityEvent(e);
}