A concept called Bionic Reading aims to increase readability of text for humans. This extension auto-converts text into Bionic.

Latest Version

Version
1.0.1
Update
May 30, 2022
Size
28.22KiB
Developer
Category
Users
56
Rating
1 ★
Manifest Version
3
Web Store Status
Languages Support
English (UK)
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Permissions
ActiveTab
Scripting
Notifications
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Bionic Reader Extension Extension

This was created for fun by a passionate developer after reading an example of this in use on LinkedIn. The code for this extension is open source.

Right now, it supports:
- automatic generation of bionic text on websites matching a list the extension has hardcoded for additional privacy
- native notifications
- toggling 'bionic' status on, \"custom\" or off after it's been rendered on a page (helps see the difference at a glance and it may not always look ideal!)

(Custom overrides the default styling of the text in an attempt to increase legibility, this could be user configurable in future!)

There are currently 32 supported sites, but I cannot list them here because the platform automatically rejects the submission (due to 'keyword spam').

NOTE: I have noticed some of these websites will quickly override custom styles the extension applies, which can impact the functionality of the extension. I'm sure a workaround could be sought for this, but they are probably using some script to monitor changes to HTML in the DOM I'd imagine (e.g. BBC news does this, however the text override styling still works).

Please feel free to contact me if you have ideas for new features.

I don't want anything for doing this nor can I commit much/any real time to it necessarily going forward. Would love for it to be embraced by other developers!

Repository is here, developers feel free to get involved: https://github.com/Quasso/bionic-reader-extension
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Source Manifest.json

{"update_url": "https://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx", "name": "Bionic Reader Extension", "description": "A concept called Bionic Reading aims to increase readability of text for humans. This extension auto-converts text into Bionic.", "version": "1.0.1", "manifest_version": 3, "permissions": [ "activeTab", "scripting", "notifications" ], "action": { "browser_action": { "default_title": "Bionic Reader", "default_popup": "popup.html", "icons": { "16": "./assets/compiled/icon-16.png", "32": "./assets/compiled/icon-32.png", "48": "./assets/compiled/icon-48.png", "128": "./assets/compiled/icon-128.png" } } }, "background": { "service_worker": "background.js" }, "content_scripts": [ { "run_at": "document_end", "matches": [ "https://*.technologyreview.com/*", "https://*.wired.com/*", "https://*.linkedin.com/*", "https://*.medium.com/*", "https://*.economist.com/*", "https://*.nytimes.com/*", "https://*.wsj.com/*", "https://*.wikipedia.org/*", "https://*.bbc.com/news/*", "https://*.bbc.co.uk/news/*", "https://*.bloomberg.com/*", "https://*.theepochtimes.com/*", "https://*.foxnews.com/*", "https://finance.yahoo.com/*", "https://news.yahoo.com/*", "https://*.theguardian.com/*", "https://*.washingtonpost.com/*", "https://*.cnbc.com/*", "https://*.express.co.uk/*", "https://*.usatoday.com/*", "https://*.buzzfeed.com/*", "https://*.thesun.com/*", "https://*.nypost.com/*", "https://*.businessinsider.com/*", "https://*.forbes.com/*", "https://*.indepedent.co.uk/*", "https://*.abc.net.au/*", "https://*.news.com.au/*", "https://*.mirror.co.uk/*", "https://*.indiatimes.com/*", "https://*.huffingtonpost.com/*", "https://*.nbcnews.com/*" ], "css": [ "bre.css" ], "js": [ "content-script.js" ] } ]}
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How to download and manually install Bionic Reader Extension extension for Chrome

Looking for a way to install Bionic Reader Extension extensions for Chrome, you can search for them in the Chrome Web Store, clicking the "Add to Chrome" button, and following the straightforward process.

However, you may need to install Bionic Reader Extension extensions manually, this article outlines two simple methods to effortlessly install Bionic Reader Extension extensions, whether they come as unpacked folders in compressed formats like .zip or as .crx files.

Method 1: Download Bionic Reader Extension extension and manually install through Drag &Drop

If you ever need to manually install a Bionic Reader Extension extension for Chrome, don't worry, it's a simple process. Just follow these easy steps, and you will have your extension ready to use in no time.

Step 1: Download the Bionic Reader Extension Extension by clicking the "Download CRX" button on the website.

Look for the Bionic Reader Extension extension you wish to install. Go to the website and download the Bionic Reader Extension extension package, which is usually a .CRX file and comes in a zipped file. Here ".crx" file is the format for Bionic Reader Extension extension that contains all the data.

Step 2: Extract &Arrange Files

Once the file is downloaded, extract that file into its own folder. Similarly, give that extension files a permanent home. In other words, keep it in a folder that you don't accidentally delete it because these files will be needed to make that extension work.

Step 3: Go to the Chrome Extensions Page

Open Google Chrome and in the address bar, type chrome://extensions; it will open the Google Chrome extensions page. Make sure that "My extensions" is selected in the sidebar.

Step 4: Drag and Drop the Extension

Now, go to the folder where you extracted the Bionic Reader Extension extension and drag &drop the extension file from there anywhere onto the extension page within Google Chrome.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

Once you drag and drop the extension file, follow the steps that Google Chrome takes you through. Similarly, if the extension file is of .crx file format, you will be required to review the permissions and then add the extension.

Now, you can manage that added extension as you would like to with any other Chrome extension that you added through Chrome Webstore. Its icon will also appear in the Google Chrome Menu on the right side of the address bar once you activate it.

Method 2: Download Bionic Reader Extension extension for Chrome and install in Developer Mode

This is another method to install Bionic Reader Extension extension manually, but the twist is that here, you install by enabling the developer mode option provided in Google Chrome. This mode is commonly used for testing extensions or running unpublished tools.

Step 1: Download the Bionic Reader Extension extension file

Select and download the Bionic Reader Extension extension by clicking the 'Download CRX' button on the website.

Step 2: Extract the downloaded contents

Convert the file to a ZIP file if it is in CRX format then extract the Bionic Reader Extension extension zip file or folder that you downloaded. Make sure you extract it using the same folder name and keep it safely in another folder, so you don't delete it by mistake. The extracted folder will be needed to keep your Bionic Reader Extension extension running.

Step 3: Open Chrome Extension Setting Page

In the address bar of Google Chrome, type chrome://extensions and open the Chrome Extension Page.

Step 4: Enable Developer Mode

After opening the Chrome Extension page, look at the top right side, and you will find the toggle option of "Developer mode."Simply enable that developer mode option.

Step 5: Load the Unpacked Extension

Once you enable the developer mode option, you will see the menu of Load Unpacked, Pack Extensions and Update. From that, select the option "Load unpacked."

Step 6: Select the Extension Folder

Once the pop-up opens upon clicking Load unpacked, select the Bionic Reader Extension extension directory and click on the "Select Folder "button.

Step 7: Confirm and Install

After you select an extension folder of a Google Chrome extension you're installing manually, confirm its installation for the final time and let the installation complete.

Conclusion

Here we've made a step-by-step guide on How to manually install Bionic Reader Extension extension in 2 ways. We hope this guide proves helpful.

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