What it does
PageLens is a free downloadable browser plug-in that is currently in an open beta testing mode. Basically, once you’ve registered and downloaded the plug-in, you will be able to highlight any word or phrase on any webpage, right click, and instantly choose between a number of options that will enable you to find out more about the word without having to leave the current webpage. Current options provided by PageLens include: Wikepedia links to the word or phrase, related videos, chats, discussions, games and more. Think of PageLens as a way of finding out more about an unfamiliar term or phrase without having to leave the page you are currently reading.
In their own words
“PageLens was founded on the idea that when we come across an unfamiliar word, name, phrase or concept on a webpage, we’re too busy or too afraid of getting side-tracked to go look it up in real time. With present solutions, we’d have to leave the page, do a search, sift through the results, and find the answer to our original inquiry. Generally, not worth the effort. PageLens helps give context to what you’re reading by providing instant answers using a browser-based solution. With a single click, you can read, see, hear, write, or chat about any topic on any webpage. By highlighting the word or phrase of interest and right clicking, the PageLens player does it all for you! Once you have your answer, just close the PageLens player and continue doing what you were doing without ever missing a beat.”
Why it might be a killer
This is a great tool with a lot of potential because it allows you to find out a wealth of information about a term without having surf away from your current page.
Some questions
Interestingly, they seem to lack a basic search function which would seem like a good basic tool to include in the future. The business model could also use some clarification although it is almost certainly one that involves targeted advertising that reflects your searching behavior.
Updates
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