Update Changelog Summarizer

WHAT IT DOES

Update Changelog Summarizer is an AI-powered browser extension that automatically scans the current webpage for update changelogs, release notes, version history, and update descriptions. It detects changelog-related elements by examining class names, IDs, data attributes, and text patterns for keywords like "changelog", "release", "version", "update", "release notes", "whats new", "new features", "fixes", "improvements", "enhancements", "bug fixes", or "patches". The extension captures the software name, version number, release date, and categorized changes including new features, fixes, improvements, and known issues. Using AI, it generates a plain-language summary of what's new in the update, highlighting the most important changes, with options for length (short, medium, or detailed). The user can review and copy the summary before using it. The extension maintains a summary history database with generated summaries, software names, version numbers, and timestamps. All data is stored locally in your browser using GM_setValue, ensuring your summary history persists across page reloads and browser sessions. This helps users quickly understand what has changed in software updates without reading through lengthy changelog entries, making it easier to decide whether to update or what to expect from a new version.

WHERE IT RUNS

This extension runs on any webpage that displays update changelogs, release notes, version history, or update descriptions – including software download pages, app update notes, GitHub releases, project documentation, product blogs, and any page containing changelog information. The extension intelligently adapts to different page structures and supports a wide range of common changelog display patterns. No manual configuration is required per site; the extension automatically detects changelog details using a flexible pattern matching system. This makes it ideal for users who want to quickly understand software updates without reading lengthy release notes.

HOW TO USE

Simply install the extension and navigate to any page displaying update changelogs or release notes. The extension automatically detects changelog details and shows a floating summarizer button (📋) in the bottom-right corner. Click the button to open the changelog summarizer panel. The panel displays the extracted software name, version number, release date, and categorized changes for review. Select your preferred summary length (Short, Medium, or Detailed), then click "Generate Summary" to have the AI create a plain-language summary of what's new in the update. Review the summary, edit it if needed using the "Edit Summary" button, and click "Copy Summary" to copy it to your clipboard. A floating button (📋) appears in the bottom-right corner of the page – click this to open the panel from anywhere. Use the settings section to set your default summary length preference. The panel also shows your summary history with software names, version numbers, and timestamps. The "Clear All History" button removes all tracking data when needed.

ONE TECHNICAL SECTION – WHY IT WORKS

The extension uses a combination of DOM scraping and AI text generation. The changelog detection uses a comprehensive set of CSS selectors targeting common changelog-related class patterns, IDs, and data attributes. A TreeWalker examines text nodes for changelog-related text patterns, capturing information that may not be wrapped in typical changelog elements. The software name is extracted using pattern matching on text like "[Software] Changelog" or from the page title. The version number is extracted using regex patterns for semantic versioning (e.g., 1.2.3). The release date is extracted using date patterns. The change categorization uses a weighted keyword system that identifies five change types: new features, fixes, improvements, known issues, and other changes. The categorization also detects bullet points and numbered lists. The AI backend is called via GM_xmlhttpRequest with a prompt that instructs the AI to generate a plain-language summary in the selected length. The AI response is displayed for user review and editing. Summary history is stored locally with timestamps and length preferences. A MutationObserver detects dynamic content updates and re-scans only when new changelog elements appear, balancing real-time accuracy with system performance.

THE PANEL – DRAG / PER-SITE POSITION / SNAP / COLLAPSE / RESIZE / ESCAPE

The changelog summarizer panel includes a draggable title bar, allowing you to position it anywhere on screen for convenient access during update review. The extension remembers your preferred position per website, so the panel opens in the same location each time you return to that domain. The panel supports snap-to-edge behavior – when dragged near screen edges, it gently snaps into place for a tidy workspace layout. You can collapse the panel down to just its title bar by clicking the collapse button, keeping it accessible without taking up screen space. The changelog details, summary, and history are contained within a scrollable body, ensuring all content remains accessible even on smaller screens. Pressing the Escape key closes the panel instantly, returning you to your software review workflow.

PLEASE NOTE

This extension requires the free BotGentz extension to be installed and enabled and an active BotGentz subscription, as it relies on BotGentz's userscript injection and GM_* API shims for cross-browser compatibility, and the AI backend is powered by a third-party AI service with usage limits. AI-generated summaries should be reviewed before use – they are informational drafts, not technical documentation. Websites frequently update their HTML structures and class names, which may cause changelog detection to break temporarily – we actively maintain the matching patterns and release updates regularly. The extension stores all summary data, changelog details, and history exclusively in your local browser storage (GM_setValue); no data is ever transmitted to any external server except for the AI backend call. The AI backend receives only the changelog details text you have extracted from the page, and does not store or retain your data beyond processing the request. You are responsible for backing up your summary history data if you switch browsers or clear your storage. Use this tool responsibly to stay informed about software updates.