What is an Accelerator?
An Accelerator is a type of browser extension or add-on designed to enhance user productivity by providing quick, context-sensitive access to web or client applications directly from a webpage. Instead of having to copy and paste text or manually open a new tab or application, users can select text, links, or other data on a page and instantly perform actions with that data using Accelerators.
Key Features of Accelerators:
- Contextual Action: Accelerators work based on the user’s current selection — it can be text, a link, or even the entire page. For example, a user can highlight a word and right-click to get a definition or translation instantly.
- Lookup Service: This is one of the common uses, where the Accelerator fetches additional information related to the selected content. For example, getting a word’s definition, checking stock prices, or looking up an address on a map.
- Send Service: Accelerators can send selected content directly to another application. For instance, sending a selected email address or text snippet to a webmail client, messaging app, or social media platform.
- Seamless Integration: They integrate into the browser’s context menu (right-click menu), toolbar, or other UI elements for easy access without disrupting the user’s browsing experience.
Examples of How Accelerators Are Used:
- Highlight a phrase on a webpage and use an Accelerator to translate it immediately without leaving the page.
- Select an address and open it in a mapping service like Google Maps.
- Select a product name and search for reviews or prices across different websites.
- Send a phone number to a VoIP application or messaging service.
- Lookup definitions or encyclopedic information for terms encountered while reading.
Technical Background:
Accelerators were notably introduced by Microsoft in Internet Explorer 8 as a way to enable these quick, contextual services directly from the browser. They are built using standard web technologies like XML and JavaScript and can be created by developers to connect the browser to any online or offline service.
Benefits of Using Accelerators:
- Efficiency: Reduces the need to manually switch between tabs or apps.
- Convenience: Provides instant access to relevant tools and services without extra steps.
- Customization: Users can add or remove Accelerators based on their preferences or needs.
- Enhances Productivity: Speeds up common tasks like searching, emailing, translating, or mapping.