Download Manager
We've launched a Chrome extension to accurately estimate download times using various methods. Help us improve by installing our extension—we collect anonymized data to refine these estimations.
Help Us Improve Download Time Estimation!
Have you ever stared impatiently at a download progress bar, wondering if the estimated remaining time is accurate? You’re not alone. Whether downloading files, updating games, or even waiting for elevators and traffic lights, precise estimation of remaining time significantly impacts our daily experience.
Our team recently launched a web extension on Chrome aimed at precisely estimating download times. We’ve implemented different estimation methods, but we want to go further. We aim to systematically evaluate the accuracy and reliability of these estimators—and perhaps create a better one!
Why Is Accurate Estimation So Crucial?
Accurate time estimation reduces user frustration, improves productivity, and enhances user trust. Yet, current estimators often fall short, especially in unpredictable network conditions.
What Are We Doing?
We plan to:
- Conduct a comprehensive study comparing various estimation methods.
- Design new, highly accurate estimation techniques.
- Explore broader implications beyond downloads, such as accurately estimating loading times for game objects, buffering times for YouTube videos, or other critical computer science applications.
How You Can Help
You can help us by trying out our Chrome extension. Install it from the Chrome Web Store—it runs seamlessly in the background, estimating your download times. You can also click the extension to view download progress through a simple popup interface. We collect anonymized data to help improve our estimators, and you can find our privacy policy below.
Your participation will directly contribute to creating better, more accurate estimation tools that benefit countless daily activities. Together, we can reduce uncertainty—one second at a time.
Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy describes how the Download Manager browser extension (“we”, “our”, or “extension”) collects, uses, and shares information about you when you use our browser extension. We are committed to protecting your privacy while providing you with a powerful download management experience.
Information We Collect
Download Information
- Download metadata: File names, sizes, and timestamps of downloads initiated through your browser
- Performance metrics: Download speeds, completion times, and network performance data
Technical Information
- Browser type and OS
- Error logs when the extension encounters problems
Feedback Data
- Information you voluntarily provide through our feedback mechanism
How We Use Information
Core Functionality
The information we collect is primarily used to provide the extension’s core download management features, including:
- Tracking ongoing downloads
- Calculating accurate time estimates using our specialized algorithms
- Providing download statistics
- Implementing pause, resume, and organization features
Research and Improvement
We use anonymized download metrics and performance data to:
- Improve our download time estimation algorithms
- Research network behavior patterns to enhance prediction accuracy
- Optimize the extension’s performance across different connection types
- Develop new features based on observed usage patterns
Data Storage and Security
Local Storage
Most information is stored locally on your device using the browser’s storage API and is not transmitted to our servers.
Cloud Storage
- Data is transmitted securely using HTTPS
- Information is stored in Firebase with industry-standard security practices
- We use anonymous authentication to push data to the cloud
Third-Party Services
Google APIs and Firebase
We use Google APIs and Firebase for optional cloud functionality:
- These services are governed by Google’s Privacy Policy
- Data transmitted to these services is used solely for providing extension functionality and research purposes
- No personal information is shared with third parties for advertising purposes
User Rights and Choices
Data Deletion
- Clearing browser data will remove locally stored information
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes through the extension interface.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:
Email: [ahmadhassansandhu@gmail.com]
Last Updated: March 18, 2025