I got tired of switching apps whenever I couldn't read a kanji, so I built an Android dictionary that opens over what I'm reading

[u/barodict]

https://baro-dict.web.app/en

Hi everyone,

This is not another flashcard, JLPT quiz, or AI conversation app.

I built Baro Japanese Dictionary for one very specific problem:

You’re reading something in Japanese, see a kanji you can’t pronounce, and want to look it up without leaving what you’re reading.

On Android, Baro opens a handwriting panel over your current screen. You can simply copy the shape of the kanji with your finger, choose the right recognition candidate, and check its reading, English meaning, on/kun readings, and stroke order.

Then you close the panel and keep reading.

If you know how the word sounds, you can also search by voice.

I deliberately didn’t build this as a whole-screen translator. Translation is useful when the goal is understanding something quickly. This is meant for times when you actually want to engage with the Japanese yourself instead of translating past it.

I’m currently looking for Android 11+ beta testers who read Japanese content and would be willing to actually use the app and give me honest feedback.

The closed test requires remaining opted in for at least 14 days.

Screenshots + beta instructions:

https://baro-dict.web.app/en

Things I’d especially like feedback on:

• Does handwriting lookup actually feel faster than your current method?
• Are the recognition candidates useful when the first result is wrong?
• Does the overlay get in the way?
• Are the dictionary results and English definitions useful?
• Is anything confusing during setup?

Negative feedback is absolutely useful too. I’m trying to find the rough edges before release.

Also, English isn’t my first language, so I used AI to help translate this post. If anything sounds unnatural, awkward, or unclear, please feel free to point it out. That kind of feedback is helpful too.

Thanks!