Dashly

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Dashly is a browser extension (specifically for Chromium-based browsers like Microsoft Edge) that replaces the default new tab page with a highly customizable, widget-based productivity dashboard. It operates entirely client-side within the user's browser environment.
2. Core Value Proposition: Dashly exists to provide users with a single, efficient, and private starting point for their browsing sessions, consolidating essential productivity tools (task management, notes, information feeds, timers) and quick access (bookmarks, search) into one locally stored, ad-free, and customizable interface, eliminating distractions and cloud dependencies.

Main Features

1. Encrypted Todo List & Notes Widget:
   • How it works: Users create tasks and notes directly within dedicated widgets. All text content entered into these widgets is encrypted locally within the browser using AES-256 encryption before being stored in the browser's localStorage or IndexedDB. Decryption occurs on-the-fly only when accessed by the user within the extension's secure context. No data leaves the user's device.
   • Technology: Client-side AES-256 encryption/decryption (likely using Web Crypto API), browser local storage APIs (localStorage or IndexedDB).
2. Customizable Bookmark Management:
   • How it works: Users add, edit, and delete bookmarks, organizing them into custom-named categories (folders). These bookmarks and categories are fully draggable via HTML5 Drag and Drop API, allowing precise arrangement on the dashboard grid. Right-click context menus provide quick edit/delete actions. Bookmark data is stored locally.
   • Technology: HTML5 Drag and Drop API, browser local storage APIs, DOM manipulation for UI updates.
3. Integrated Information Widgets (Weather, World Clock, Market, RSS):
   • How it works: These widgets fetch real-time or near-real-time data from third-party APIs. The Weather widget typically uses location services (browser geolocation or IP-based) to get local forecasts. The World Clock allows adding multiple time zones. The Market widget connects to financial data APIs (e.g., for stock/crypto prices). The RSS widget parses XML feeds from user-provided URLs. Data is cached locally for performance but refreshed periodically.
   • Technology: Fetch API or XMLHttpRequest for data retrieval, JSON/XML parsing, Geolocation API (optional), browser local storage for caching feed URLs and settings.
4. Pomodoro Timer Widget:
   • How it works: A configurable timer implementing the Pomodoro Technique. Users set durations for focused work sessions and breaks. The timer runs client-side using the browser's setInterval or Web Workers for background timing, providing visual and optional auditory notifications. Session history may be stored locally.
   • Technology: JavaScript timing functions (setInterval, setTimeout), Web Audio API for sounds (optional), browser local storage for settings/history.
5. Daily Inspirational Quote Widget:
   • How it works: Fetches a new motivational or inspirational quote daily from a predefined API or local database. The quote is displayed within the widget and typically refreshes once per 24 hours, storing the last fetched quote locally.
   • Technology: Fetch API, browser local storage for caching the daily quote.
6. Bulk Search & Custom Search Categories:
   • How it works: Users define custom search categories (e.g., "Code Search" for Stack Overflow/GitHub, "Shopping" for Amazon/Ebay). Selecting a category and entering a query allows executing a simultaneous search across all pre-defined engines within that category, opening results in multiple new tabs. Search engine URLs and category definitions are stored locally.
   • Technology: URL templating, dynamic tab creation using window.open or browser tabs API, browser local storage for engine configurations.
7. Local Data Export & Import:
   • How it works: Provides functionality to export all Dashly configuration data (bookmarks, todos, notes, widget settings, layout) as a single JSON file to the user's device. The import function allows loading a previously exported JSON file to restore the entire Dashly state, facilitating backups or migration between browsers/devices. Data remains entirely local during this process.
   • Technology: JavaScript File API (Blob, URL.createObjectURL), JSON serialization/deserialization, browser file picker.
8. Theme Support & Drag-and-Drop Interface:
   • How it works: Offers multiple visual themes (light, dark, etc.) selectable by the user, altering CSS variables dynamically. The entire dashboard layout is constructed using a grid or absolute positioning system where every widget, bookmark icon, and category header is a draggable element. Position coordinates are saved locally after every drag operation, ensuring the layout persists between sessions.
   • Technology: HTML5 Drag and Drop API, CSS Grid/Flexbox/Positioning, CSS Variables (Custom Properties), browser local storage for layout coordinates and theme selection.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Fragmented productivity tools and distracting default browser start pages lead to inefficiency and wasted time. Users juggle separate apps for tasks, notes, bookmarks, and information feeds, often encountering ads or irrelevant content on new tabs.
2. Target Audience:
   • Privacy-conscious professionals (developers, writers, researchers) needing a focused start page.
   • Students managing tasks, schedules, and research.
   • Remote workers coordinating across time zones.
   • Traders/investors requiring quick market glances.
   • Anyone seeking an ad-free, customizable, and efficient browser homepage replacement.
3. Use Cases:
   • Starting the workday: Immediately seeing tasks, schedule (via clock), and key news/RSS feeds.
   • Quick task/note capture: Jotting down ideas or todos without leaving the browser or opening another app.
   • Focused work sessions: Using the integrated Pomodoro timer directly from the new tab.
   • Efficient navigation: Accessing categorized bookmarks or performing bulk searches across specific sites.
   • Monitoring: Keeping track of markets, global times, or weather without dedicated apps/tabs.
   • Secure note-taking: Storing sensitive information locally with encryption.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike many dashboard extensions or start pages, Dashly operates entirely offline after initial setup (excluding data-fetching widgets) and stores all user data (todos, notes, bookmarks, layout) locally within the browser. This contrasts sharply with cloud-based alternatives (Notion homepages, some startpage services) that require accounts, subscriptions, and store data on external servers. Its combination of locally encrypted data, a comprehensive widget set (including Pomodoro and encrypted notes), and deep customization via drag-and-drop is unique.
2. Key Innovation: The core innovation is the integration of robust, locally-executed features (especially client-side AES-256 encryption for todos/notes) within a single, highly customizable browser extension dashboard, all without any backend server dependency or data sharing. This provides enterprise-level privacy and security (data never leaves the device) in a consumer-friendly productivity tool accessible directly from the new tab.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Dashly free and does it collect my data? Dashly is a free browser extension. It does not collect any personal data. All information (todos, notes, bookmarks, settings) is stored exclusively locally within your browser on your device using encryption for sensitive content. No data is sent to any cloud servers or shared with third parties.
2. How does Dashly's local data storage and encryption work? Dashly saves all your data directly within your browser's local storage mechanisms (localStorage or IndexedDB). Crucially, the text content of your todos and notes is encrypted using the strong AES-256 algorithm before being saved. This encryption/decryption happens entirely within your browser; your data never leaves your computer unencrypted, ensuring maximum privacy for sensitive information.
3. Can I customize the Dashly dashboard layout and widgets? Absolutely. Dashly is built around customization. Every widget (Todos, Notes, Bookmarks, Weather, Clock, Pomodoro, Market, RSS, Quotes) can be freely moved around the dashboard using intuitive drag-and-drop. You can also add, remove, and categorize bookmarks, choose different themes, and configure which widgets are visible, creating a personalized productivity dashboard tailored precisely to your workflow.
4. Which browsers support the Dashly extension? Dashly is designed for Chromium-based browsers. It is officially available on the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store. It should also be compatible with other Chromium browsers like Google Chrome, Brave, and Vivaldi, as long as they support the required Web APIs (Drag and Drop, Web Crypto, etc.), though installation might require manual sideloading if not listed on their respective stores.
5. How do I backup or transfer my Dashly data to a new computer? Dashly includes a local export/import function. You can export your entire Dashly configuration (including todos, notes, bookmarks, layout, settings) as a single JSON file to your device. To migrate or restore, simply import this JSON file into Dashly on the new browser or computer, and your complete dashboard state will be restored. This process keeps your data entirely local.