iOS Persistent, but not annoying, background task indicator?

[ArtOfWarfare]

I'd like to make a multiplayer game with a matchmaking service. It might take awhile to find a match, so I want to allow users to use other apps while they wait, but I want to ensure that they don't forget that a search is in progress (it would be bad for it to find a match and tell them, only for them to say they forgot and never mind - it would irritate the person on the other end of the match).

What can I do to have something persistent on screen letting them know a search is in progress? I know that there's the red audio recording status bar and a blue video chat status bar and green phone call status bar... Is there something like that I can use?

 

[ViviUO]

I'd like to make a multiplayer game with a matchmaking service. It might take awhile to find a match, so I want to allow users to use other apps while they wait, but I want to ensure that they don't forget that a search is in progress (it would be bad for it to find a match and tell them, only for them to say they forgot and never mind - it would irritate the person on the other end of the match).

What can I do to have something persistent on screen letting them know a search is in progress? I know that there's the red audio recording status bar and a blue video chat status bar and green phone call status bar... Is there something like that I can use?

Have you considered a today screen widget in notification center? This is the only non-intrusive way I can think of that would be kosher with Apple.

Or maybe a notification when a match is ready?

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

Have you considered a today screen widget in notification center? This is the only non-intrusive way I can think of that would be kosher with Apple.

Or maybe a notification when a match is ready?

Hm... That could work.

Alternatively, now that I'm revisiting this problem, I'm thinking I could just have a local notification every 10-15 minutes to remind you that you're still searching for a match and that if you're no longer interested in playing, you should cancel your search.

And then of course the notification when the match is ready.

 

[ViviUO]

That would work great, but keep in mind users can turn notifications off for your app.