Google Firebase Cloud Messaging opens to multiple browsers

Recently, Google said that it is extending Firebase Cloud Messaging’s web support to other web browsers besides Chrome, including Firefox and Opera. The move, enabled by a new JavaScript library, will allow developers to send push notifications from their apps to end-user devices via the browser.

There is no doubt that notifications are very important. Providers of operating systems, hardware, and applications all want their notifications to be informative, but unobtrusive; useful, but rejectable. How to achieve a balanced relationship here is very important. Google says that bringing app-based notifications to its Chrome browser is a huge success. It claims that more than 10 billion notifications are sent to websites every day. Chrome is good to use, but there are many other browsers around the world that probably hold significant market share.

Previously, Firebase Cloud Messaging supported sending messages through Android and iOS apps as well as through Chrome. Developers can now use Firebase to send notifications to most browsers that support the open Push API. This means Chrome mobile and desktop (v50+), Opera mobile (v37+), Firefox desktop and mobile (v44+), etc. all work. Soon, this feature will also be available on Windows 10 PCs supporting Microsoft’s Edge browser, as well as the native browser on Samsung phones.

Google says that the FCM JavaScript library handles complex server-side functions such as payload encryption and service workers. Developers can use the default service worker if they wish, or replace it with Google's. More importantly, Google also revealed that developers using the FCM API can let Google manage payload encryption without changing server settings.

FCM JavaScript library provides tons of customization and fine-tuning capabilities. For example, developers can target a single device, topic, or group. In addition, Android, iOS and web users interested in a specific topic can choose to receive topic-based notifications over the web, giving developers more ability to reach potential end users. This requires using the server-side API.

Google believes that engaging users and discovering the type of content they like should come first. The technical aspects of web notifications are a start, but should not be abused. Please note that it is ultimately the user's choice to receive any type of notifications.