Ubuntu Tips n Tricks: TechSource: How to Get Android Notifications on Your Desktop Browser (Chrome)

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

TechSource: How to Get Android Notifications on Your Desktop Browser (Chrome)

How to Get Android Notifications on Your Desktop Browser (Chrome)

Posted: 14 Apr 2014 05:53 PM PDT

If your work involves using the web browser a lot, then you know how irritating it is to have your smartphone breaking your workflow every now and then. What's even more annoying is that every time the phone beeps, you have to get up from your chair, find the phone, unlock it, slide down the notification panel and voila, it's a WhatsApp message from that annoying friend who keeps forwarding silly jokes. Damn!

We've all been there. We all wish that there were some ways you wouldn't have to get up from your chair every time your phone rings. We all wish that you could somehow keep your smartphone on silent while you work but still stay updated with what's important. We've all wished and guess what? It's coming true. The Play Store houses some fabulous apps that let you keep up with your Android notifications right from your web browser. So, if you are a Chrome user, use the following guide to get some peace of mind.

Method 1: Use Pushbullet

Pushbullet is a fabulous application that more than just mirrors your Android notifications. It's a full-fledged app that allows you to send files, links, images, and even to-do list from your phone to your desktop and back. Whatever notifications show up on your phone will also show up on your Chrome as desktop notifications. Here's how to use it:

Step 1:

To get Pushbullet working, first you have to do is install the Pushbullet application on your Android smartphone. Download HERE.

Step 2:

Then, install the Chrome extension. Download HERE.

Step 3:

Go to https://www.pushbullet.com and pair your devices. And voila! Your devices can now work hand in hand. Now sit back and relax as your smartphone notifications show up on your Chrome desktop.

Alternative Method: Use Krome

If you are looking for another way to achieve the same result, then Krome is your best bet. Krome is a paid application that uses Google's Cloud Messaging system to securely mirror your Android notifications to your Chrome browser. One of the cool things Krome does and Pushbullet doesn't is that it allows you to reply to SMSes right from the notification itself. This means that you click a notification and type the message below it. Cool! huh?

To start using Krome, install the following extension from the Webstore HERE:

Then, purchase and install the Android app from the Google Play Store HERE.

Once installed, follow the simple instructions to pair your smartphone with your browser. Though worth the price, it doesn't match up to the sheer number of features Pushbullet features. But again, if you're looking for an app that just mirrors your notifications and does it well, then by all means go for Krome.

Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.