It is not necessary to leave the app open in the foreground as it will still continue to communicate with the sensor in the background. As long as the app is not closed, the sensor will still communicate with the app.

What is the monitor service?

The foreground monitoring service helps the app continue to function/run when in the background. Because of the nature of Android OS, apps are often stopped in the background. This service keeps the connection between the app and the sensor alive, letting you continue to monitor your instruments even while the app is in the background.

Hiding notification

When the monitor service is running, the user will see the Boveda icon and status bar notification, stating, “Keeping an eye on your valuables” If the user wants the hide this notification, there are 2 ways to do so. On many devices, A user can press & hold the notification and then select, “Details”. The app notifications for Boveda will show and then toggle, “Monitor Service” to off. The user can also go to Settings→ Notifications→ Find Boveda→ toggle Monitor Service to off. This will hide the monitor service notification.