Pop-up dictionary for any website

Problem Context

Language learners use Language Reactor to save new words from Netflix/YouTube into Anki for flashcard practice. But they can’t use it on other sites—like piracy platforms—because the tool only works on approved domains. This limits their learning to a small set of videos, forcing them to manually look up words or skip vocabulary entirely.

Pain Points

Users waste hours manually copying words into Anki or searching dictionaries. They also miss out on learning from movies/shows on unsupported sites, which are often cheaper or more accessible. Workarounds like screen recording and re-uploading to YouTube are clunky and don’t guarantee the tool will work.

Impact

The workflow breaks, slowing down vocabulary retention. Learners either give up on unsupported content or spend extra time on manual work, reducing their overall language progress. Frustration builds when a paid tool (Language Reactor) doesn’t cover their full learning needs.

Urgency

This is a daily pain for active learners. Without a fix, they either stick to Netflix/YouTube (limited content) or abandon Language Reactor entirely. The problem can’t be ignored if they want to maximize their learning efficiency and access diverse content.

Target Audience

Language learners who use Language Reactor + Anki, especially those who watch movies/shows on piracy sites, language exchange platforms, or lesser-known educational videos. Also includes power users who rely on pop-up dictionaries for immersion learning across all websites.

Solution Approach

A browser extension that acts as a proxy for Language Reactor, enabling its pop-up dictionary on any website—including piracy sites—by injecting iframes or using a local proxy server. The extension detects when Language Reactor fails to load and automatically reroutes requests through a compatible interface, making the tool work everywhere.

Key Features

1. Seamless Integration: No need to reinstall Language Reactor—just enable the extension and it bridges the gap automatically.
2. Cloud Sync: Saves words to Anki in real time, even on unsupported sites.
3. Custom Shortcuts: Lets users define hotkeys for quick word lookups without clicking.

User Experience

Users install the extension in one click, then enable it in their browser. When they watch a movie on a piracy site, the extension detects Language Reactor’s failure and activates its proxy mode. They hover over words as usual, and the pop-up dictionary appears—just like on Netflix. Words save to Anki instantly, with no extra steps.

Differentiation

Unlike manual workarounds (e.g., screen recording), this tool works instantly and requires zero setup. It’s also better than native browser features (e.g., right-click translate) because it integrates directly with Anki, making vocabulary retention automatic. The proxy logic is proprietary, so no other tool can replicate it without reverse-engineering.

Scalability

Starts with a freemium model (basic proxy for 3 sites, paid for unlimited). Later, add premium features like OCR for subtitles, cloud-backed word banks, or multi-language support. Can also expand to other language tools (e.g., LingQ, Clozemaster) via partnerships.

Expected Impact

Users save 5+ hours/week on manual work and unlock access to unlimited learning content. Their vocabulary grows faster because they can practice with any video, not just Netflix/YouTube. The tool becomes a ‘must-have’ for serious learners who rely on Language Reactor but need more flexibility.