Larry Nocella

Tag: dev

  • Read It Later – a free browser extension

    Read It Later – a free browser extension

    When I browse the net, I often see tons of articles that I want to read later. This used to be handled by a wonderful browser extension called Pocket, but that extension has shut down. (Pocket RIP – Rest In Pixels?) 

    Anyway, I built an extension that did what I liked best about Pocket. It’s called, “Read It Later.”

    Users can quickly save a webpage link that won’t crowd your usual bookmark bar. The extension will save as many articles as you like so when you get time to read, you can do that and just as quickly delete it.  

    It’s a super-fast bookmarking tool. I’ve found it useful for sites that you want to temporarily bookmark and it doesn’t crowd up your favorites bookmark bar.

    Install it on your Chrome or Edge browser using the links below. It’s free. There’s no sign-in and no ads. All your data is saved locally. 

    I hope you find “Read It Later” useful! 

    Chrome Extension

    Edge Extension

    Video Demo on YouTube (60 seconds) 

  • Micro-Upskill Your Brain with a Word Game!

    Micro-Upskill Your Brain with a Word Game!

    Want to get smarter and have fun doing it?

    I like the idea of small, fun, good habits. You barely notice the time spent and before you know it, you’ve improved. But if I’m going to grab your attention, I need to call this idea something cute, something the marketing folks would love. Make it sound exciting, new, thrilling, even.

    Let’s go with “Micro-Upskilling.”

    Do simple videogames really improve your brain? I don’t know for sure. I’ve seen plenty of apps and sites make that claim.

    My skepticism kicks in: Are these things genuinely improving my IQ as they promise, or are they just really simple, low-tech games? In other words, is there a scientific basis for this? Or is it just another way to increase engagement and keep you on the site/app?

    Shucks, I don’t know. I just wanted to make something fun.

    Using my current vibe-coding tool of choice, Replit, I developed a word game that helps you micro-upskill your vocabulary. It’s called 8 Letters, 30 Seconds, 1 Guess.

    If you work on a computer, you likely spend time opening browser tabs. After installing this app, each time you open a new tab in your browser, you get a new 8 letter word to guess. The game is like paper and pencil game Hangman or TV show Wheel of Fortune. But the words in 8 Letters, 30 Seconds, 1 Guess are more difficult. After the 30 seconds, if you choose, with a single click you learn more about the word.

    You can add the extension to your browser (Chrome or Edge) or you can just play it on its site. It’s free, no ads, no sign up, no data saved. Thanks for playing. Hope your micro-upskilling is TE-RIF-C!

    8 Letters 30 Seconds 1 Guess

    Chrome Store | MS Edge Store | Just Play No Install