The AromaOtt Web Helper is an optional browser extension for computers. When a playlist's provider refuses streams from our server but accepts your home connection, the helper fetches the stream from your own internet connection and passes it to the web player in the same tab. It works only on the AromaOtt player pages and stores nothing on disk.
Why would I need it?
Some providers refuse streams that come from data centres but accept home connections. For a playlist that plays on your device, the Android app simply connects to the provider itself. A web page cannot always do that:
- Most providers use plain http addresses, and a secure https page like aromaott.com is not allowed to load http video.
- Browser players also need the provider to allow other websites to read its streams, which most providers do not.
A browser extension is not bound by these page rules, so it can fetch the stream for the player. You only need it if you watch on a computer in Chrome, Edge, Brave or another Chromium browser (or Firefox, once its version is published) and the player shows that it plays through our server, or that the provider refused it.
What exactly does it do?
- You start a title of a playlist that plays on your device.
- The player hands the helper that title's stream address, signed by our server for that page.
- The helper fetches it from your own connection, along with the parts the stream's playlist names, and passes the video back to the player in the same tab.
So the provider sees your IP address and your browser, as it would if you used the app at home.
What does it not do?
- It does not work on any site other than the AromaOtt player at https://aromaott.com.
- It does not fetch anything our server did not sign for that page, so other pages and scripts cannot use it as a proxy.
- It stores nothing on disk: the addresses of your current playback stay in the browser's memory and go when you close the tab. No logins, no history.
- It sends nothing to AromaOtt or anyone else. No analytics, no ads, no code loaded from outside.
- It refuses addresses on private or local networks.
How do I install it in Chrome, Edge or Brave?
- Open aromaott.com/web-helper on your computer and select Download the helper.
- Unzip the downloaded file.
- Open chrome://extensions (in Edge: edge://extensions) and turn on Developer mode.
- Choose Load unpacked and select the unzipped folder.
- Reload the AromaOtt player and start your title again.
The helper is not in a browser's extension store; you install it from aromaott.com.
Why does it ask for permission?
The first time a title needs it, the player shows The AromaOtt Web Helper needs your permission to reach your provider, with Allow access. Selecting it opens the helper's small window, where your browser asks you to allow that one provider address. If your provider sends its streams on to other addresses, the helper asks for access to all sites instead, because it cannot know those addresses in advance; it still fetches only signed addresses. After you allow it, playback starts again by itself.
You can also choose Play through our server instead.
What about Firefox, Safari and phones?
- Firefox: a Firefox version is prepared and will be offered once it is published in Firefox's add-on catalogue.
- Safari on Mac, iPhone and iPad: no helper needed. When the player offers it, choose Open in the HTTP player.
- Android phones, tablets and TVs: the AromaOtt app plays these playlists on the device without any helper.
The player shows the helper link only to browsers that can install it.
How do I remove it?
Open the browser's extensions page and remove AromaOtt Web Helper. The player then goes back to playing through our server where it can, or tells you to use the app.