Add option for background playback

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Add an option to initiate playback of the desired app *without* bringing that 
app to the foreground. Call option "Bring app to foreground on Play". Of 
course, this new option should be enabled by default to remain consistent with 
the default behavior of previous versions. 

Original issue reported on code.google.com by johnnyzero2 on 4 Mar 2012 at 2:54

[GoogleCodeExporter]

I tested this option and it will not work with Pandora, XiiaLive , and Google 
Listen. It will probably not work with many others. Does work with Rhapsody and 
Google Music. 

The reason is because many apps do a sanity check to see if they're actually 
opened/focused before they'll handle a play button press. If they're not open, 
they assume that button press is for someone else. 

I don't know how much value this feature has since it won't work with probably 
at least one of a user's apps.

Original comment by harleens...@gmail.com on 4 Mar 2012 at 9:34

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Hi Harleen,

I thought of another possible way of implementing "background playback" that 
would likely work with most apps.

Once playback begins in the desired app, you could then programatically emulate 
a Back button press - perhaps by calling the finish() method or by some other 
means. This would return the user to the previous activity (or homescreen), 
while playback continues in the background. 

Let me know if you think this would be feasible.

best,
JohnB

Original comment by johnnyzero2 on 28 Mar 2012 at 2:23

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Could an exception be made for popular, known culprits if this option is 
selected. Like bring Pandora to the front, XiiaLive (never heard of this one) 
and Listen to the front.

For the rest that aren't fussy like Doggcatcher, Google Music, Mortplayer, 
etc... let them respond to the command.

To the best of my knowledge you wouldn't have to catalogue every music app to 
do this, just target the really popular ones known to have a problem with 
background playback. 

Google Listen isn't really even supported anymore, so to not give a feature 
because Pandora doesn't like it seems annoying.

Original comment by nymusic...@gmail.com on 18 Dec 2012 at 6:42

[GoogleCodeExporter]

But I did want to thank you so much for making this app, it is a true lifesaver.

Original comment by nymusic...@gmail.com on 18 Dec 2012 at 6:43