Terminal Translation Overlay: Select and Translate

Provides in-terminal selection translation and AI explanations for Windows developers

Problem

Developers constantly hit English error messages, logs, or docs in the terminal and have to switch to a browser or translation app. Existing tools like Pot and ttime have stopped updating, leaving Windows without a lightweight solution that supports AI translation and lives in the terminal.

Solution

Build a system-tray translation tool that supports text selection or hotkey activation, calls multiple translation engines (including AI LLMs), and shows results in an overlay near the cursor without interrupting workflow. Optimize specifically for terminal scenarios by correctly capturing selected terminal text.

Users

Windows developers, DevOps engineers, and users who frequently read English technical documentation.

MVP

Global hotkey translates selected text; supports configuring multiple translation engines and AI APIs; overlay shows original and translated text; searchable history; terminal text capture compatible with mainstream terminals (Windows Terminal, PowerShell).

Revenue

Free tier with daily translation limit; one-time purchase or subscription unlocks unlimited translation, AI explanations, and custom glossary.

Why now

Legacy tools have stopped updating, leaving a gap, and AI translation quality is high while API costs are falling; an indie developer can quickly build a lightweight alternative and win through terminal-specific experience details.