make my browser blink as indicator

Question

My coworker wrote a quick mvc chat application so we can chat about work stuff without leaving our desks.

What are some ways to indicate to each other a new message has been posted? My first thought was make the browser title bar flash. Anyone know how?

Answer 1

It is not possible to make the browser blink in javascript. A possibility is to set the document title to empty an then write it again with through a period of time with setTimeout()

Answer 2

You could play a tone or other audio clip when a new message displays.

The nice thing about an audible cue is that you are able to keep your eyes on your work until you come to a natural break point to answer the message. Visual cues, in my opinion, are more likely to interrupt your work flow.

Obviously you can make the audible cue as pleasant and non-intrusive as your imagination allows.