Google Chrome To Feature Desktop Notifications
A design document posted at Google’s Chromium development site suggests that a system for desktop notifications would allow Google Chrome to notify when downloads are done, web sites need one’s attention and let extension developers creatively grab attention.
There are no screencasts to ogle or experimental tests to try out, but it definitely looks like a system will be put in place to allow placing “toasts” on a user’s screen when certain events happen. Interestingly, the documentation suggests that if the Growl system is installed on a Mac, and a Linux system is using DBus desktop notifications (a.k.a. libnotify), Chrome will route its notifications through those channels. No indication what will be implemented in Windows or non-Growl-ed Macs, but it’s an intriguing signal of things to come.
Desktop Notifications [Chromium Developer Documentation via TechCrunch]
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Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)
I love chrome, and ditched FF for it, but one thing I do miss is when I had my browser minimized while I was doing something else, and FF would let me know when my download is done. It will be nice when chrome supports that.
barcodejames
@OCEntertainment: Yes, I am quite fond of Windows toasts. uTorrent uses them flawlessly, and I don't know why more 3rd party developers don't follow suit.
Again, uTorrent's use of Windows' notification system is a real pleasure
burnblue
about damn time!!
sinkingshriek
@phillychuck: "Would U Like to ENLARGE your Manhood? Click here for more Info!"
@OCEntertainment: I admit that Linux rules the pack on notifications because of the FreeDesktop specification, but Growl is almost standard fare for Mac users.
Use Jetpack already!
@OCEntertainment: I agree. The growl like notifications added to Ubuntu are fantastic. I hated tip balloons. They are incredibly annoying and have a bad habit of not going away when they are supposed to. They can also only show one at a time. Ubuntu notifications work great, and they have a method for programs to leave a message in a message box if necessary, which allows for the majority of the functions of a top balloon with 100% more style and usability. =
No Snarl support in windows? :(
Lovely program.
@OCEntertainment: Yes, I love my Ubuntu notifications, it's a shame Firefox still needs a small plugin to work with them.
Schendje
Oh great, browser exploits and ads popping up in my taskbar now...
Hopefully this (and other software packages) will push OS makers to start developing some central notification systems into their OS. Don't get me wrong, Growl is great, but it's third party. And Windows, what do they even have? Those bubbles? Can third-party developers even use those (easily)?
Much like with multiple desktop spaces, Linux is kinda leading the pack on this feature, and its' definitely a handy one.
*nudge nudge*