Real-Time Updates
Fanfare provides near real-time updates so consumers typically see current information within seconds. This is important for high-demand scenarios where queue positions change rapidly, auctions have competing bids, and availability can shift quickly.What Updates in Real Time?
Queue Positions
Consumers see their position update as the line moves:- Current position in line
- Estimated wait time
- When they’ll reach the front
Auction Bids
Bidders see competition instantly:- Current high bid
- Whether they’ve been outbid
- Time remaining
- Bid extensions when activity is high
Draw Entries
Participants see confirmation:- Entry confirmation
- Total entries (if shown)
- Time until selection
Countdowns
Timing updates automatically:- Time until experience opens
- Time until draw selection
- Time remaining to complete checkout
The Consumer Experience
Waiting in a Queue
Bidding in an Auction
Multiple Browser Tabs
When consumers have multiple tabs open, state stays synchronized:- Join a queue in one tab → other tabs show the same position
- Receive access in one tab → other tabs update immediately
- Place a bid in one tab → reflected across all tabs
How It Works (Simplified)
Fanfare uses efficient techniques to keep consumers updated:Adaptive Frequency
Update frequency adjusts based on context:| Situation | Update Frequency | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Actively in queue | Frequently | Position changes often |
| Waiting for draw | Less frequently | Fewer changes expected |
| Has checkout access | Occasionally | Just tracking expiration |
| Tab in background | Reduced | Save resources |
What Consumers Experience
Smooth Updates
- Position changes smoothly, not abruptly
- Countdown timers stay accurate
- No page refresh needed
Clear Notifications
- “It’s your turn!” when they reach the front
- “You’ve been outbid!” when someone bids higher
- “2 minutes remaining” as checkout time runs low
Reliable State
- Refresh the page → still see correct position
- Close and reopen → session continues
- Multiple devices → stays in sync
Handling Edge Cases
Connection Issues
If a consumer’s connection drops:- Updates pause temporarily
- Reconnection happens automatically
- Latest state is fetched when connection returns
- Consumer sees accurate information
High Traffic
During peak demand:- Updates continue to flow
- The system is designed to handle load spikes
- Consumers see their current positions
Tab Visibility
When a browser tab is hidden:- Updates slow down (saves battery/data)
- Returns to full speed when tab is visible
- Immediate refresh when consumer returns
What to Expect
Smooth Experience
Fanfare handles updates automatically, so you can expect:- Positions update without refreshing the page
- Countdown timers stay accurate
- Notifications appear when status changes (outbid, your turn, etc.)
If Something Seems Off
Occasionally, a connection hiccup may delay updates:- Refresh the page to get the latest status
- Check your internet connection
- Updates resume automatically when reconnected
For Technical Teams
If you’re building a custom integration, see SDK Reference for implementation details on handling loading states, stale data, and manual refresh controls.Related Concepts
- Queue Distribution — Queue positions and wait times
- Auction Distribution — Real-time bidding
- Draw Distribution — Entry status and selection notifications