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July 8, 2004
Gmail Notifier Extension v0.2
*Disclaimer*
This extension was created to see how easy it would be to screenscrape using just XPCOM interfaces and JavaScript.
Using the gmail notifier is against your Gmail agreement, and I won't be held responsible for anyone losing his/her account or becoming the top result for "agreement breaking bastard" on google.
Anyways, version 0.2 (still Firefox only) features a rewritten screenscraping method thanks to Darin's help. It features a statusbar and a toolbar item - you can remove the statusbar by editing the extension's preferences (tools -> extensions, choose the checkmark icon next to the Gmail Notifier entry). It now stores your password if you select a checkbox, no automatic login yet - you need to click on the icon or statusbar item to start the login screen.
New icons courtesy Asa. UI still needs some lovin, but it looks halfway decent.
The new screenscraping method is basically a port of http://tvg.ca/files/gmail.phps into JavaScript/XPCOM.
Posted by doron at July 8, 2004 2:59 PM
Comments
A link would be nice. :)
Posted by: leo at July 8, 2004 3:25 PM
very nice, thank you.
Posted by: mxx at July 8, 2004 4:48 PM
Very nice Doron. Thank you. I am glad that you kept the red icon which is similar to the original. Looks great! I have become a little obsessed comparing your notifier with Gtray as well as GMail agent. I like your notifier the best, it just works without problems. If you can figure out a way to add a system sound when mail arrives, that would be cool. I have a wav of an English butler that announces new mail that I am fond of using. This is just a wonderful extension. Thanks again.
Posted by: observer at July 8, 2004 6:52 PM
Ya iits pretty cool... but im scared to use it...cause of violating the rights thing
Posted by: Fernando at July 8, 2004 9:32 PM
I just want to say that I LOVE it
Posted by: Eddie at July 8, 2004 10:18 PM
This V.0.2 is awesome. I would like to see the auto login feature(Auto login every time Firefox browser start by not have to click on the Gmail icon).
Thanks,
Posted by: Kasteo at July 8, 2004 11:24 PM
yes aulto login would be nice! I agree with that statement
Posted by: Fernando at July 9, 2004 8:21 AM
What part of the Gmail agreement does this break? I really want to use it, but I'm a little scared to take the risk.
Posted by: Joel at July 9, 2004 10:12 AM
Hey, I'd like do propose features request
1) open gmail in new tab/window
2) notification whenever a new mail(s) arrives
Posted by: Hidea at July 9, 2004 10:49 AM
it won't let me log in, it says username / password failed. i can log in to the site normally though, so it's not like i forgot my password.
anyone else have this error? using fx 0.9.1.
Posted by: ed at July 9, 2004 11:26 AM
Great extension. This update is exactly what I was looking for. The only improvement I can suggest is that when the count increases, there be some kind of indication (since a decrease would mean you've checked recent unread mail). Maybe just changing the text to bold or making it blink.
Posted by: steeef at July 9, 2004 1:25 PM
Great utility! I just found it today! Very nice!
Some improvements that I that see can be implemented:
- The option of opening in a new tab/window when clicking on the lower-right corner.
- Perhaps a notification icon that shows up when there is a new email?
- some sort of alert to notify the user (doesn't have to be javascript popup...
Other than that it's great! Look forward to your future updates!
Posted by: Sam at July 9, 2004 3:20 PM
i was rading hte comments why is it that we as users are ne ever happy with a software? the blinking and blod thing well thats just stupid if cant glance and see a 1 or a 0 then your hopless and shouldn't be usung a puter.
Posted by: Fernando at July 10, 2004 12:34 AM
well, you've achieved something ;)
http://tinyurl.com/37fbr
Posted by: quarsan at July 10, 2004 11:48 AM
> http://tinyurl.com/37fbr
haha, that is funny.
my development version now has a context menu with /check now/logout/preferences items, middle click for new tab and a new preference item to determine if clicking once logged in opens in a new tab/new window/current tab.
Posted by: Doron at July 10, 2004 12:32 PM
id love to beta test for you
Posted by: Fernando at July 10, 2004 5:27 PM
I was wondering what agreements it breaks and looking through the agreement I found this. Under prohibited actions it says "Reformat or frame any portion of the web pages that are part of the Gmail Service". I am asuming this is what your were refering to?
Posted by: Novaoblivion at July 10, 2004 5:49 PM
https://gmail.google.com/gmail/help/program_policies.html
"Modify, adapt, translate, or reverse engineer any portion of the Gmail Service"
Also, at least at one point, Gmail stated automatic fetching of data was against the EULA, but can't find it now.
In theory, it would be hard for them to figure you were using the notifier, as its just basic browser networking calls over https.
Posted by: doron at July 10, 2004 8:55 PM
Real Nice ext but the only thing stopping me from using this instesad of Gtray is always having to see the pop up to log in.
Posted by: Jimmy B at July 11, 2004 8:27 AM
it's great...thank you
i'd love to see an autologin feature and maybe being able to set up multiple accounts to check
keep up the great work!
Posted by: sean at July 11, 2004 4:46 PM
could you please look into possibility to have gmail notifier active in all FF windows, ie open FF, login, you have some counter number, but if you open a new window that counter is empty..and if you close the original window you'll have to login again. it would be nice if you could see same number in all FF windows.
Posted by: mxx at July 11, 2004 11:36 PM
Doran,
How about opening a Group for Gmail Notifier Extension at Google Groups Beta http://groups-beta.google.com/ Gtray has a group with almost 300 members. Click my name for the link or copy and paste.
Posted by: oberver at July 12, 2004 1:45 PM
Hey Doron,
Great Work !!! Keep it up ... i was eagerly waiting for this new release :)
I would like to suggest, that a opne Gmail in a new tab will be great add-on for this extension !!!
Cheers !
Parikshit
Posted by: Parikshit at July 13, 2004 8:30 AM