Microsoft Proposes Enhancements to Notifications API for Incoming Calls

Microsoft has introduced an exciting proposal to upgrade the Notifications API, enabling web applications to send incoming call notifications with enhanced functionality. In a recent blog post, the company shared plans to improve VoIP experiences on the web by allowing customizable call notifications.

Currently, the Notifications API lacks certain capabilities, such as assigning high-priority status to notifications, associating ringtones, or customizing notification buttons. Microsoft’s proposal aims to address these limitations, offering developers greater control over how incoming call notifications are presented.

Key Features of the Proposal

Under the new proposal, developers will be able to use a new “scenario” property in the existing options parameter to mark notifications as incoming calls. The “scenario” property will support values like incoming-call and default, with potential future scenarios like alarms or reminders.

For incoming-call scenarios, notifications will be given higher priority and allow button customizations, such as:

• Close: Dismiss the notification
• Audio: Answer the call in audio mode
• Video: Answer as a video call

This functionality will bring web apps closer to what native platforms offer. For instance:

• On Android, CallStyle notifications display caller information prominently with “Answer” and “Decline” buttons.
• On iOS, CallKit integrates VoIP apps into the native Phone interface.

Preventing Abuse

Microsoft has addressed potential concerns about misuse. For example, web apps will be limited to using ringtones only in their Progressive Web App (PWA) versions. Additionally, users can disable notifications for specific apps if they encounter ringtone abuse.

Try It Out and Share Feedback

Microsoft is inviting feedback on this proposal. You can share your thoughts by opening a new issue in this GitHub repository.

If you’d like to test the feature before providing feedback, follow these steps:

1. Launch Microsoft Edge on Windows using the following command:
   

   msedge.exe --enable-features=IncomingCallNotifications
   

   
   
2. Visit the calls notification sample app.
3. Install the app by clicking the “App available” button in the address bar.
4. Accept notifications from the sample app by clicking the Permission button.
5. Click “Show an incoming call notification” to see the feature in action.

This proposal is part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance digital experiences, coming just weeks after the launch of Edge 132, which introduced features like an improved price tracker and vital security updates.

Microsoft’s initiative aims to make web-based VoIP applications as seamless and efficient as those on native platforms. If you’re a developer or a tech enthusiast, now is the perfect time to explore these changes and share your feedback!