Auto-Update Notifications

The desktop application automatically checks for new versions and notifies you when updates are available, ensuring you always have access to the latest features and improvements.

Note: This feature was added in Version 0.9.0 (November 2025). Updates are delivered via Google Drive and require manual installation.

Overview

The auto-update notification system solves the problem of users missing important application updates. Previously, users had no automated way to know when new versions were available on Google Drive, often resulting in outdated installations.

Key Benefits:

Automatic detection - Checks for updates every 6 hours
Desktop notifications - Native Windows notifications alert you when updates are available
Direct download links - Click the notification to open the Google Drive download page
Non-intrusive - Notifications don't interrupt your workflow
User control - You decide when to download and install updates

How It Works

The update system operates in the background, checking Google Drive for new installer versions at regular intervals.

Version Checking

The application checks for updates at two specific times:

On startup - 30 seconds after launching the app (to avoid notification spam)
Every 6 hours - Recurring checks while the app is running

During each check, the app queries the Google Drive API for files matching the pattern AI Photo Training Setup *.exe and compares the version number in the filename with your currently installed version.

Notification Display

When a new version is detected, you'll see a native Windows desktop notification with:

Title: "Update Available"
Message: "Version X.X.X is available. Click to download."
Action: Clicking opens your default browser to the Google Drive download page

Important: You must be connected to the internet for update checks to work. The app will silently skip checks if you're offline.

Download Process

The update notification provides a convenient workflow:

You receive a desktop notification about a new version
Click the notification to open your browser
The Google Drive download page opens automatically
Download the new installer (typically named AI Photo Training Setup 0.X.X.exe)
Close the AI Photo Training app
Run the new installer to update
Launch the updated application

Tip: Your existing data (photos, ratings, settings, badges) is preserved during updates. The installer only replaces the application files.

User Experience

What to expect:

Scenario	Behavior
First Launch	After 30 seconds, checks for updates. If available, shows notification.
Long Session	Checks every 6 hours. Maximum 4 checks per 24-hour period.
Already Updated	No notification shown. Silent background check confirms you're current.
Offline	Check skipped. No notification or error message.
Notification Click	Opens browser to Google Drive. App continues running normally.

Technical Details

For developers and advanced users interested in how the system works:

Version Storage Locations:

package.json - Root application version
frontend/package.json - Frontend application version
frontend/src/pages/LoginPage.jsx - Version display in footer
frontend/src/components/Sidebar.jsx - Version display in sidebar

API Integration:

Endpoint: GET /api/check-updates
Implementation: backend/app.py
Frontend Function: checkForUpdates() in frontend/src/App.jsx
Notification API: api.showNotification() (Electron IPC)

Configuration:

// Initial check on app startup (after 30 seconds)
setTimeout(() => checkForUpdates(), 30000);

// Recurring check every 6 hours
setInterval(() => checkForUpdates(), 6 * 60 * 60 * 1000);

Troubleshooting

Not receiving update notifications?

Issue	Solution
No notifications appear	Check your internet connection Verify Windows notification settings allow AI Photo Training notifications Ensure you're using version 0.9.0 or later Wait at least 30 seconds after app launch for first check
Notification appears but clicking does nothing	Check if a browser window opened in the background Ensure you have a default web browser configured Manually visit Google Drive to check for updates
False update notification	Your version number may be out of sync. Check Help → About for your current version.
Too many notifications	This shouldn't happen (6-hour interval), but you can temporarily close the app to stop checks.

Pro Tip: If you prefer not to use auto-updates, you can still manually check for new versions by visiting the Google Drive folder directly. The notification system is non-intrusive and won't force you to update.

Related Documentation: Installation • First-Time Setup • Troubleshooting