[android] How to make a launcher

I have been developing for quite a time and I am now trying to make an app that will replace the original home (e.g. HTC sense).

I need the app to open when the the user hits the home button on their phone.

So basically it is a home replacement.

Does any one know how to go about this?

They're examples provided by the Android team, if you've already loaded Samples, you can import Home screen replacement sample by following these steps.

File > New > Other >Android > Android Sample Project > Android x.x > Home > Finish

But if you do not have samples loaded, then download it using the below steps

Windows > Android SDK Manager > chooses "Sample for SDK" for SDK you need it > Install package > Accept License > Install

Just develop a normal app and then add a couple of lines to the app's manifest file.

First you need to add the following attribute to your activity:

            android:launchMode="singleTask"

Then add two categories to the intent filter :

            <category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
            <category android:name="android.intent.category.HOME" />

The result could look something like this:

    <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
    <manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
        package="com.dummy.app"
        android:versionCode="1"
        android:versionName="1.0" >

        <uses-sdk
            android:minSdkVersion="11"
            android:targetSdkVersion="19" />

        <application
            android:allowBackup="true"
            android:icon="@drawable/ic_launcher"
            android:label="@string/app_name"
            android:theme="@style/AppTheme" >
            <activity
                android:name="com.dummy.app.MainActivity"
                android:launchMode="singleTask"
                android:label="@string/app_name" >
                <intent-filter>
                    <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
                    <category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
                    <category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
                    <category android:name="android.intent.category.HOME" />
                </intent-filter>
            </activity>
        </application>

    </manifest>

It's that simple!