Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome to the PokeTab FAQ section! Here, you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our extension. Whether you’re looking to customize your settings, understand how to track your favorite Pokémon, or troubleshoot any issues, this section provides detailed information to help you get the most out of PokeTab. Explore the topics below to learn more about the features, privacy policy, terms and conditions, and support options available to enhance your browsing experience with PokeTab.

How does PokeTab Work?

PokeTab leverages the Pokémon API and more to provide a rich, interactive experience for Pokémon fans. Each Pokémon is displayed with its unique color scheme, enhancing the visual appeal of your browsing environment. PokeTab also displays current weather, date, and time, and stores data locally to ensure smooth performance. Customize your experience with dark mode, background animations, and selective data display.

What APIs does PokeTab use?

PokeTab integrates with several powerful APIs to deliver an enriched experience:

PokeApi: Fetches detailed Pokémon data.
IP API: Determines weather location based on your IP address.
Open Weather API: Provides current weather conditions.

How do we determine the colors?

We utilize Node Vibrant to analyze all 1025 Pokémon. Initially, colors were rendered per Pokémon and stored for future use. Now, they are instantly selected from a pre-stored JSON file for faster performance.

How is the data stored?

Pokémon Data: Stored locally and refreshed monthly via PokeApi.
IP & User Location: IP is checked only when it changes to update location data.
Weather Data: Updated hourly to keep you informed.
Time & Date: Sourced directly from your device.
Pokémon Images: Not stored to save space.
User Settings: Stored in Chrome storage for a personalized experience.
Party Counters & Levels: Managed in a local database.

Do we sell your data?

Absolutely not. All data is stored locally on your device, and we have no access to it.

Will my data be deleted if I uninstall PokeTab?

Yes, all local data will be erased upon uninstallation, and we cannot retrieve it.

What does the party feature do?

It’s a fun mini-game where you track encounters with your favorite Pokémon, forming a team of up to six, just like in the games.

Can I view shiny Pokémon?

Yes, there’s a hidden way to view shiny Pokémon. Happy hunting!

What are the odds of encountering a shiny Pokémon?

The chances are low at 5%, making shiny encounters a delightful surprise.

What visual options are available?

PokeTab offers a range of visual customization options to enhance your experience. Here’s a detailed look at each setting:

Dark Mode

Description: Switch to a darker theme to reduce eye strain, especially useful during nighttime or prolonged usage.

How to Enable: Toggle the dark mode switch in the settings menu.

Why Use It?: Dark mode can help reduce eye fatigue and save battery life on devices with OLED screens.

Background Animations

Description: Add animated backgrounds for a lively and dynamic browsing experience.

How to Enable: Toggle the background animation switch in the settings menu.

Why Use It?: Animations can make the browsing experience more engaging and visually appealing.

Displayed Pokémon Data

Description: Choose what information to display about each Pokémon, such as name, number, species name, description, and type.

How to Enable: Select the data points you want to display in the settings menu.

Why Use It?: Customizing displayed data allows you to focus on the Pokémon details that matter most to you.

How do I access the settings?

Click the Pokéball icon in the top right corner of the page to access settings.

Can I view specific Pokémon?

No, encounters are random to keep the experience exciting.

How do I encounter more Pokémon?

Press the “Walk into tall grass” button in the bottom left corner to discover more Pokémon.

Will PokeTab work offline?

Yes, but with limited functionality. Images will not render offline.

Detailed Explanation of Settings:

What is Dark Mode, and how does it benefit me?

Dark Mode provides a dark theme for PokeTab, reducing the amount of light emitted by your screen while maintaining the minimum color contrast ratios required for readability. It’s easier on the eyes, particularly in low-light environments, and can save battery life on devices with OLED screens.

How do Background Animations enhance my experience?

Background Animations bring life to your browsing experience by adding dynamic, animated elements to your Pokémon backgrounds. This makes the interface more engaging and visually stimulating, adding an extra layer of fun to your interactions with PokeTab.

What Pokémon data can I choose to display?

You can customize which Pokémon data points are shown, including:

Name: The Pokémon’s official name.
Number: The Pokémon’s Pokédex number.
Species Name: The category to which the Pokémon belongs (e.g., Seed Pokémon).
Description: A brief description of the Pokémon.
Type: The Pokémon’s elemental type(s) (e.g., Water, Fire).

How do I change the displayed Pokémon data?

In the settings menu, you can toggle each data point on or off based on your preference. This allows you to personalize the information you see about each Pokémon.

Can I save my favorite Pokémon?

Currently, PokeTab does not support saving favorite Pokémon. Encounters are random to keep the experience fresh and exciting.

Can I change the search engine used by PokeTab?

Yes, you can choose your preferred search engine from the settings menu, including options like Google, Bing, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo.

How do party counters and levels work?

Party counters track how many times you’ve encountered each Pokémon. Each encounter earns you experience points (XP), and as you gain XP, your Pokémon’s level increases. This feature adds a fun, game-like element to PokeTab.

Is my data shared with anyone?

No, all data is stored locally on your device. We do not have access to or share your data with any third parties.

How often is the Pokémon data updated?

PokeTab checks for new Pokémon data from PokeApi once every month to ensure you have the latest information.