Helios

A browser extension for language learning with subtitle reading, popup dictionary, vocab tracking, and Anki integration

Learning a language should feel exciting, not exhausting. But too often, the process becomes a cycle of flipping between apps, memorizing isolated word lists, and forgetting what you just learned. You may find yourself spending more time managing flashcards than actually reading, listening, and enjoying the language you’re trying to master. Helios is here to change that. Helios is a browser extension designed to make language learning more natural, seamless, and effective. Instead of dragging you out of context, Helios brings the tools you need — a smart popup dictionary, automatic vocab tracking, and effortless Anki integration — directly into your everyday browsing. Whether you’re reading the news, scrolling through blogs, or diving into forums, Helios turns the web itself into your personal classroom. 🚧 The Problem with Traditional Language Learning Most learners face the same hurdles: - Constant app switching — You see a new word in an article, but you have to stop, copy it, and paste it into another app or dictionary. - Fragmented study systems — Your vocab is scattered across browser bookmarks, spreadsheets, and half-finished flashcard decks. - Forgetting what you read — Even if you look up a word, it often vanishes from memory within days. - Loss of flow — Every interruption breaks your immersion, making it harder to read naturally in your target language. It’s no wonder so many learners give up, feeling like they’re working harder on managing their study tools than actually learning. Helios was built with one goal: to keep you in the flow of learning, while making sure nothing you discover gets lost. Here’s how Helios helps: 1. 🔍 Smart Popup Dictionary Just hover or click on any word or phrase you don’t know, and Helios instantly shows you a clear definition, pronunciation, and example sentences. - No switching apps - No breaking immersion - Works across most websites It’s like having a personal tutor who whispers translations right when you need them — without interrupting your reading. 2. 📖 Seamless Vocab Tracking Every word you look up is automatically saved into your personal word bank. - Review what you’ve learned anytime - See usage frequency and contexts - Organize vocab by tags or difficulty No more losing track of that word you “definitely thought you’d remember.” Helios keeps everything tidy, so your progress builds naturally over time. 3. 🎯 Anki Integration Already use Anki for spaced repetition? Perfect. Helios connects directly with Anki, sending your saved words, example sentences, and definitions straight into your decks. - Zero copy-pasting - Automatically formatted flashcards - Study on desktop or mobile This means the words you encounter while browsing today can show up in your next Anki review session tomorrow — reinforcing learning exactly when your brain needs it. 4. 🌍 Learn in Context Unlike apps that feed you random word lists, Helios encourages you to learn from real content you care about. Whether it’s your favorite news outlet, blogs, or even social media, you’re exposed to words in their natural context. - Better comprehension - More memorable learning - A sense of real progress Because when you connect vocabulary to things that actually interest you, it sticks. 5. ✨ Built for Everyday Use Helios isn’t just another study app. It’s designed to blend into your browsing, becoming part of your normal day. - Lightweight and fast - Works out-of-the-box with minimal setup - Privacy-friendly: your data is yours Learning becomes something you do alongside your daily web use — not a separate chore you have to schedule. 🧠 Why Helios Works Helios is built on proven language learning principles: - Comprehensible input — The more you understand, the more you learn. Helios gives you just enough help to keep reading flowing. - Spaced repetition — By sending words to Anki, you see them again just as you’re about to forget them, locking them into long-term memory. - Context-based learning — Seeing words in real sentences makes them stick far better than memorizing lists. - Low-friction immersion — The less you have to interrupt your reading, the more likely you’ll stay engaged and motivated. It’s not about working harder — it’s about learning smarter. To use Helios with video content you will need a subtitle player called asb player which can be downloaded here: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/asbplayer-language-learni/hkledmpjpaehamkiehglnbelcpdflcab and a tutorial on how to set it up is available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYsf-NOVoYc