Chrome Extension Feature Enhancement

Wireframe and Github issue.

Currently, our Chrome extension has basic recording functionality with background and effects support. However, several valuable features available in the desktop application are missing from the Chrome extension, creating an inconsistent user experience. User feedback and competitive analysis indicate demand for these additional capabilities.

Problem Statement

Users of our Chrome extension lack access to important recording features that are available in the desktop version, including:

  • Countdown timer control

  • Recording control bar visibility options

  • Camera customization (size, shape, mirroring)

  • Advanced recording controls

This feature gap forces users to switch between the desktop app and Chrome extension depending on their needs, creating friction in the user experience.

High Priority Features (Must Have)

1. Countdown Timer Control

Description: Allow users to show/hide countdown timer before recording starts

  • Current State: Not available in Chrome extension

  • Proposed Solution: Add toggle setting to show/hide countdown (rename current setting from "show countdown" to "hide countdown" and disable by default)

  • User Value: Provides preparation time and professional recording start

  • Technical Feasibility: High - relatively simple implementation

2. Control Bar Visibility

Description: Option to hide recording control bar during recording

  • Current State: Control bar always visible

  • Proposed Solution: Add "hide control bar" setting that completely hides controls during recording

  • User Impact: When enabled, users must use extension popup for recording controls (one-click finish recording)

  • User Value: Cleaner recording interface, removes UI elements from final video

  • Technical Feasibility: High - straightforward UI toggle

Medium Priority Features (Should Have)

3. Camera Mirroring

Description: Ability to flip/mirror camera feed horizontally

  • Current State: Not available in Chrome extension

  • Proposed Solution: Add camera flip toggle in settings

  • User Value: Natural self-view for users, consistent with desktop app

  • Technical Feasibility: Medium - requires camera stream manipulation

  • Competitive Reference: Available in Loom and Vimeo Record

4. Camera Size Adjustment

Description: Allow users to increase/decrease camera bubble size

  • Current State: Fixed camera size

  • Proposed Solution: Size adjustment controls in extension settings

  • User Value: Customizable camera prominence in recordings

  • Technical Feasibility: Medium - requires dynamic sizing implementation

5. Camera Shape Options

Description: Multiple camera shape options (circle, square, etc.)

  • Current State: Single default shape

  • Proposed Solution: Shape selection in extension settings

  • User Value: Visual customization and branding consistency

  • Technical Feasibility: Medium - CSS styling with shape options

Competitive Analysis

Loom

  • ✅ Recording countdown toggle

  • ✅ Recording controls visibility

  • ✅ Camera flip functionality

  • ❌ Unclear settings labels ("off/on" ambiguity)

BerryCast Record

  • ✅ Camera flip, shape, and size controls

  • ✅ Integrated camera controls

  • ❌ Camera doesn't follow across tabs

  • ❌ Controls only in camera window vs. settings page

Conclusion

These enhancements will significantly improve the Chrome extension's value proposition and user experience. By focusing on high-impact, technically feasible features first, we can quickly deliver value while building toward a more comprehensive feature set that matches or exceeds competitor offerings.