title: Best Way to Frequently Poll a Server from an Android App
body: <p>I have an Android app which needs to poll a web server at 2 second intervals.  </p>
  
  <p>So I would like to know what the best way to do this would be. My first thought was to use an AlarmManager but I believe this is no good for anything more frequent than about 5 minute intervals. I have also considered using a service but I am concerned this will drain the battery. Are there any options I haven't considered? What is the best way to poll a server very frequently without killing the battery?</p>
  
  <p>I also know that GCM is the ideal way to sync with a server but unfortunately it is not an option at this time.</p>
  
  <p>Edit: ok, it seems from your comments that it is as I feared and there's no good solution for this. I will probably implement it in a service and press for a push mechanism instead. Thanks for your help.</p>