Growl For Windows Updates, Adds Gmail Notifications

@FabianArmstrong: The big advantage is that, in theory, other notifications besides gmail can be added.

However, if all you need is email, IM, facebook, myspace, twitter, and linkedin notifications, Digsby is definitely the way to go.

aj_robins

@Swizzler121: I haven't had time to check much of Snarl out. From what I saw in the short time I set G4W up, it didn't really look much different than the current G4W project. With the Snarl plugin for G4W, is there really a reason to use Snarl over Growl? What's it do better?

I use Meebo Notifier for my mail update notifications. :)

What advantages does this have over running digsby gmail notifications?

FabianArmstrong

just FYI this isn't offical growl stuff. a much more mature windows rendition of growl is called snarl, and is in its 3rd or 4th version, you can learn more about it here: [www.fullphat.net]

@2-7offsuit is ioos: It's not bad. However, since no apps natively support Growl yet, you have to install extra applications and add-ins for every single piece of software. That part, I don't like.

Overall, it's nothing anywhere near the OS X version, but having networked Growl support on windows machines is enough for me.

@2-7offsuit is ioos: Likewise. I installed this when it was featured previously, but uninstalled pretty quickly. It just couldn't do enough yet. I'm willing to give it another go if they've added some more applications.

I was excited when it was featured earlier in the month, but it just wasn't nearly as good as Growl for osx. Is it really worth trying again already?

Interesting.

@shadoblak: plus one. i will punch this program in the eye and then repeat to make it look like a raccoon...and i'm not talking about the cute mario/tanooki one either.

get yer shit together, i did not spend hard earned monopoly money on this app for nothin.

The standard GMail Notifier does the same thing, but with almost 10 times less resources... though Google could finally update the thing, it's old as hell. Heard the Mac got it slick...

As for Growl it would be cool - if all the apps would be using it, probably along with the OS. Otherwise, not so much. Maybe it needs time, I don't know.

Last time I tried this it seemed to me, the biggest waste of resources I've seen for some time.

A fair amount of things have notifications/ballons.

I still don't get it tbh. Not seeing the usefulness.

Brent James Millard

Meh, wasn't impressed overall and downloading the gmail app made Firefox stop the download and Nod32 pop up with a malware warning. Don't know what that's about

shadoblak

@phlyingpenguin: Even Growl on OSX is giving me grief... It says it should automatically recognise applications, but it recognises nothing!

Some more time and a larger focus on implementing support for apps than telling people it's already a 100% notification engine

This works and it's decent, but there's one key flaw... especially with Gmail. Loading from the Bottom right sucks because the bottom right often has important info. In Gmail, all your chat windows dock to the bottom right of the screen, so this blocks chats. I have the same prob with Twhirl.

MichaelBrazell

Tried it. Its pretty lame - hardly anything supports it, the gmail notifications are rather too speedy and as I run the google toolbar I get visual clues anyway and Digsby does it way better anyhow.
Maybe Windows users don't need to emulate Macs after all.

idodialog

I think I'll pass on this one, getting a bad vibe from the comments.

If someone could throw my way a slick and simple Windows 7/Vista gadget for gmail thats not fugly and insecure I would greatly appreciate it. Been looking forever for something like that. Saw a couple of Adobe Air apps that could do the trick but not enough comments and feedback make me weary about the security of said apps.

as the developer of Growl for Windows, the single biggest complaint i get is that "it doesnt support enough apps". actually, GFW supports any app that sends it a notification, just like Growl on Mac. not that many *apps* support GFW yet, but i am working hard on it. when Lifehacker featured it earlier this month, i think only 4 apps had support, now that list is 3x the size only a few weeks later (not to mention the command line interface, Snarl support, and all of the programming interfaces in a number of languages).

of course, there is still a loooong way to go. unless everyone's favorites apps work with GFW, then people will still find a failing in it. but apps cant integrate with GFW unless it exists in the first place, so i took it upon myself to create it. it is a slow process to get other projects on board, but i believe that with time, it can be just as ubiquitous as the Mac version that inspired it.

if you gave GFW a try, then i appreciate your support. whether you loved it or hated it, real user's constructive criticism is what is helping make the app better with each iteration.

briandunnington

@MichaelBrazell: most (but not all) of the displays allow you to choose which corner of the screen the notification is shown in. some (like the Visor display) aren't restricted to a corner at all, so you should be able to find a setup that doesnt block other things you have going on.

briandunnington

@2-7offsuit is ioos: List of supported apps here:
[www.growlforwindows.com]

Looks pretty bare, they got songbird and iTunes on there...wheres Winamp?

MrTaco

As soon as a Delphi API comes out I'll give it a try. I already use snarl in a couple of my small programs.

I am very glad to hear it's New or improved features, which are:

> Supports new GNTP (Growl Notification Protocol) for
> cross-platform compatibility
> Supports images in notifications
> Keyboard shortcuts for closing last notification and
> closing all notifications
> History feature that records all notifications
> Missed notifications summary
> Bonjour support enables automatic discovery of other Growl instances on your network (PC or Mac)
And much more.