> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stork-sms.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Real-Time Features > Instant communication with real-time updates across all connected clients Stork SMS Real-Time Features Stork SMS provides instant communication with real-time updates across all connected clients. ## Typing Indicators ### How It Works When a user types in the message input field, other participants see a visual indication of typing activity. ### Technical Implementation * **Trigger**: Activated after 1 second of typing * **Duration**: Shows for 3 seconds after last keystroke * **Network**: Uses WebSocket connections for instant updates * **Privacy**: Only visible to chat participants ### Visual Design * **Animation**: Three animated dots (...) * **Position**: Below the last message * **Color**: Subtle gray to avoid distraction * **Sound**: Optional typing sound effect ### User Experience 1. Start typing in any chat 2. Other user sees "Username is typing..." 3. Indicator disappears when you stop 4. Automatic cleanup after timeout ## Online Status ### Presence Detection Real-time tracking of user availability: * **Green Dot**: User is currently active * **Last Seen**: Time since last activity (coming soon) * **Away Status**: After 5 minutes of inactivity (coming soon) * **Offline**: No active connection ### How It Works 1. **Connection Monitoring**: Tracks WebSocket connection state 2. **Activity Detection**: Updates on user interaction 3. **Heartbeat System**: Regular pings to maintain status 4. **Graceful Degradation**: Handles connection interruptions ### Privacy Controls * Status visible only to chat participants * No global online status (by design) * Option to hide status (coming soon) * Anonymous mode planning ## Read Receipts ### Receipt Types #### Sent (✓) * Message successfully sent to blockchain * Transaction confirmed * Available for recipient to receive #### Delivered (✓✓) * Message received by recipient's client * Decrypted successfully * Ready to be viewed #### Read (✓✓ in blue) * Message viewed by recipient * Timestamp recorded * Notification cleared ### Implementation Details * **Real-time Updates**: Instant status changes * **Persistent State**: Survives page refreshes * **Batch Updates**: Efficient for multiple messages * **Retroactive**: Updates previous messages when read ### Privacy Options * Read receipts enabled by default * Disable option coming soon * Per-chat settings planned * Maintain delivery receipts even when read receipts disabled ## Message Synchronization ### Cross-Device Sync * **Instant Updates**: Messages appear on all devices * **Order Preservation**: Maintains message sequence * **Conflict Resolution**: Handles simultaneous sends * **Offline Queue**: Stores messages when disconnected ### Sync Process 1. Message sent from Device A 2. Server receives and stores message 3. Real-time broadcast to all participants 4. Device B receives and displays instantly 5. Read status syncs back to Device A ## Connection Management ### Connection States #### Connected * Full functionality available * Real-time updates active * Green status indicator #### Connecting * Attempting to establish connection * Yellow status indicator * Queues outgoing messages #### Disconnected * No active connection * Red status indicator * Switches to offline mode #### Reconnecting * Automatic retry with exponential backoff * Preserves unsent messages * Syncs missed updates on reconnection ### Reliability Features * **Auto-reconnection**: Handles network interruptions * **Message Queue**: Prevents message loss * **State Recovery**: Restores chat state after reconnection * **Duplicate Prevention**: Ensures messages aren't sent twice ## Real-Time Notifications ### Notification Types #### New Message * **Visual**: Unread indicator in sidebar * **Sound**: Customizable alert tone * **Browser**: Push notification (coming soon) * **Badge**: Unread count display #### Mention Notifications (Coming Soon) * **@username**: Direct mentions * **Highlight**: Message highlighting * **Priority**: Higher notification priority * **Sound**: Distinct mention sound ### Notification Settings * **Global Toggle**: Enable/disable all notifications * **Per-Chat Mute**: Silence specific conversations * **Sound Selection**: Choose notification sounds * **Do Not Disturb**: Time-based muting (coming soon) ## Performance Optimization ### Efficiency Measures * **Debouncing**: Reduces typing indicator spam * **Batching**: Groups read receipt updates * **Compression**: Minimizes data transfer * **Caching**: Stores frequently accessed data ### Scalability * **WebSocket Pooling**: Efficient connection management * **Regional Servers**: Reduced latency (coming soon) * **Load Balancing**: Distributes connection load * **Horizontal Scaling**: Handles growing user base ## Technical Architecture ### WebSocket Implementation ```javascript theme={null} // Simplified connection flow 1. Establish WebSocket connection 2. Authenticate with JWT token 3. Subscribe to chat channels 4. Receive real-time updates 5. Handle reconnection logic ``` ### Event Types * `presence_update`: Online status changes * `typing_start`: User starts typing * `typing_stop`: User stops typing * `message_new`: New message received * `message_read`: Message read status update ### Best Practices #### For Users * Maintain stable internet connection * Allow browser notifications * Keep app tab active for best performance * Report any sync issues #### For Developers * Handle all connection states * Implement proper error recovery * Cache data appropriately * Monitor WebSocket health