Android Floating Notifications Hidden Code Discovered By CyanogenMod

The code for the Android operating system made by Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) is overrun with hidden features and one was recently discovered by the custom ROM team CyanogenMod.

CyanogenMod announced last week that it found a feature called ‘Heads Up’ within the code for the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), the Linux-based platform on which the Android operating system is built. The feature makes notifications appear in a text box that floats on to of a user’s current activity as opposed to in the slim notifications bar at the top of a screen. Just like standard notifications, users can respond to Heads Up notifications by swiping to dismiss them or expanding them for further actions. Some consider that the feature may be included in a future iteration of the Android operating system.

CyanogenMod says the Heads Up feature is now included in its latest batch of CyanogenMod 11 “nightly” builds, which are frequently updated custom software based on Android 4.4 KitKat. The team has added its own ‘do not disturb’ filter to the Heads Up feature, which allows users to select the specific apps that they don’t want interrupted by notifications.

Users can try out the Heads Up feature on CyanogenMod 11 nighlies, which are available for several popular devices here.

As always, users should proceed with caution when installing custom firmware onto their devices, keeping in mind that their warranties may be voided. Backing up your device is recommended. CyanogenMod installation requires root access and custom recovery software.

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