Drift

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Drift is a Chrome browser extension (technical category: productivity tool for AI interactions) that automatically opens a scrollable side window when generative AI platforms (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) process user queries.
2. Core Value Proposition: It eliminates unproductive wait times during AI response generation by providing curated, distraction-controlled browsing, reclaiming user attention and preventing accidental deep-scrolling sessions.

Main Features

1. AI-Triggered Window Activation:
   • How it works: Monitors DOM changes on configured AI sites (ChatGPT/Claude/Gemini) using browser API listeners. After a user-set delay (2–30 seconds), a floating button appears. Clicking it launches a separate window via Chrome’s windows.create API.
   • Tech: Custom DOM mutation observers, Chrome runtime messaging for cross-window synchronization.
2. Customizable Feed Integration:
   • How it works: Users assign any URL (default: Instagram Reels) as the drift content. Window dimensions/position are adjustable via CSS viewport units. Supports "soft focus" (semi-transparent) or "full focus" modes.
   • Tech: Local storage for settings persistence, iframe embedding for external content.
3. Auto-Minimization on Response Completion:
   • How it works: Tracks AI response finalization through real-time DOM text-node analysis. Triggers window minimization using Chrome’s windows.update API, refocusing the original AI tab instantly.
   • Tech: Content script injection, regex-based response completion detection.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Prevents "attention drift" during AI latency periods, where users lose focus or waste time in unstructured browsing.
2. Target Audience:
   • Developers debugging code via AI assistants.
   • Researchers/writers awaiting long-form AI-generated content.
   • Students multitasking between AI queries and study breaks.
3. Use Cases:
   • Scrolling news feeds while ChatGPT generates Python scripts.
   • Watching YouTube shorts during Claude’s essay drafting.
   • Monitoring social updates as Gemini processes data analysis.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike generic distraction blockers (e.g., StayFocusd), Drift proactively fills dead time without requiring manual tab switching. Competitors like "Shighra" lack AI-response detection.
2. Key Innovation: Context-aware triggering/closing tied to AI response states—enabled by low-level DOM monitoring—ensures zero user intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Drift work with local AI models like Llama?
   No, Drift currently supports web-based AI platforms (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) due to DOM dependency.
2. Can Drift access my AI prompts or responses?
   Drift operates locally without data collection; it detects response states via DOM changes, not content.
3. How does Drift impact system performance?
   Lightweight (550KiB), with optimized listeners only active on configured sites. Auto-close timers prevent resource drain.
4. Is Drift compatible with all websites for side-window content?
   Yes, any HTTPS URL works, but interactive sites (e.g., login-required feeds) may need manual authentication.
5. Can I use Drift on multiple monitors?
   Yes, window positioning supports multi-screen setups via pixel-coordinate calibration in settings.