Aura Start

Tracking since May 12, 2026.

Changelog

• Jun 19, 2026
  description

  Aura Start replaces the Chromium new tab page with clean groups of links, local-first storage, and export-first data ownership.
  
  Create groups, save links, search by title, URL, description, tags, and supported modifiers, and move faster with Command Palette, a visible palette button, and browser-assigned keyboard shortcuts that handle Latin and Cyrillic keyboard layouts where implemented. Aura Start includes Import from A Fine Start export codes, Full Backup JSON, Browser Bookmarks HTML, Markdown, CSV, and A Fine Start-compatible export code. Restore points help protect destructive actions, and Duplicate Finder scans local links read-only before any user-confirmed deletion.
  
  Aura Start has no required account, no analytics, no tracking, no ads, and no backend. Optional Google Drive backup/sync is off by default and uses only the hidden Google Drive appDataFolder scope for Aura Start's own `aura-start-sync.json` file. After the user connects Google Drive, local changes are backed up automatically. On first run, users can also restore an existing Aura Start Drive sync file; if no file exists, Aura Start shows a clear error and leaves local data unchanged.
  
  Aura Start is open-source under the MIT License. It is an independent project and is not affiliated with A Fine Start.
  
  What's new in 1.2.2
  - Fixed Google Drive authentication issues in the Chrome Web Store version.
  - Improved detection of Google Chrome, Chromium, Helium, ungoogled Chromium, and other Chromium-based browsers.
  - Chrome Web Store installs now use the native Chrome Identity OAuth flow when supported.
  - Chromium variants that do not support Chrome's built-in Google sign-in can use the Web OAuth fallback.
  - Improved detection of unpacked developer-mode installs versus Chrome Web Store installs.
  - Fixed Google Drive OAuth redirect URI handling to avoid redirect_uri_mismatch / invalid_request errors.
  - Improved OAuth validation for release builds and Chrome Web Store ZIP packaging.

  Aura Start replaces the Chromium new tab page with clean groups of links, local-first storage, and export-first data ownership.
  
  Create groups, save links, search by title, URL, description, tags, and supported modifiers, and move faster with Command Palette, a visible palette button, and browser-assigned keyboard shortcuts that handle Latin and Cyrillic keyboard layouts where implemented. Aura Start includes Import from A Fine Start export codes, Full Backup JSON, Browser Bookmarks HTML, Markdown, CSV, and A Fine Start-compatible export code. Restore points help protect destructive actions, and Duplicate Finder scans local links read-only before any user-confirmed deletion.
  
  Aura Start has no required account, no analytics, no tracking, no ads, and no backend. Optional Google Drive backup/sync is off by default and uses only the hidden Google Drive appDataFolder scope for Aura Start's own `aura-start-sync.json` file. After the user connects Google Drive, local changes are backed up automatically. On first run, users can also restore an existing Aura Start Drive sync file; if no file exists, Aura Start shows a clear error and leaves local data unchanged.
  
  Aura Start is open-source under the MIT License. It is an independent project and is not affiliated with A Fine Start.
  
  What's new in 1.2.7
  - Adjusted Google Drive Web OAuth redirect handling for Chrome Web Store builds.
  - Release sync now uses the root `chromiumapp.org` redirect URI without a trailing slash.
  - This should fix the remaining `redirect_uri_mismatch` issue in the Chrome Web Store version.
  - Kept Google Drive sync limited to the hidden `appDataFolder` scope.
  - No new permissions were added.
  - No changes to user data format or storage schema.

• Jun 6, 2026
  description

  Aura Start replaces the Chromium new tab page with clean groups of links, local-first storage, and export-first data ownership.
  
  Create groups, save links, search by title, URL, description, tags, and supported modifiers, and move faster with Command Palette, a visible palette button, and browser-assigned keyboard shortcuts that handle Latin and Cyrillic keyboard layouts where implemented. Aura Start includes Import from A Fine Start export codes, Full Backup JSON, Browser Bookmarks HTML, Markdown, CSV, and A Fine Start-compatible export code. Restore points help protect destructive actions, and Duplicate Finder scans local links read-only before any user-confirmed deletion.
  
  Aura Start has no required account, no analytics, no tracking, no ads, and no backend. Optional Google Drive backup/sync is off by default and uses only the hidden Google Drive appDataFolder scope for Aura Start's own `aura-start-sync.json` file. After the user connects Google Drive, local changes are backed up automatically. On first run, users can also restore an existing Aura Start Drive sync file; if no file exists, Aura Start shows a clear error and leaves local data unchanged.
  
  Aura Start is open-source under the MIT License. It is an independent project and is not affiliated with A Fine Start.
  
  What's new in 1.2.1  
  - Fixed Google Drive authentication in the Chrome Web Store build (I hope).  
  - Aura Start now uses Chrome’s native extension OAuth flow in Google Chrome.  
  - Added a safer OAuth fallback for Brave, Edge, Opera, and other Chromium-based browsers where Chrome’s native Google sign-in flow may fail.  
  - Fixed Google Drive login errors including `redirect_uri_mismatch` and `Custom URI scheme is not supported on Chrome apps`.  
  - Prevented the release build from accidentally using the wrong OAuth flow when the native Chrome flow should be used.  
  - Added extra validation/tests around Google Drive OAuth flow selection and store packaging.

  Aura Start replaces the Chromium new tab page with clean groups of links, local-first storage, and export-first data ownership.
  
  Create groups, save links, search by title, URL, description, tags, and supported modifiers, and move faster with Command Palette, a visible palette button, and browser-assigned keyboard shortcuts that handle Latin and Cyrillic keyboard layouts where implemented. Aura Start includes Import from A Fine Start export codes, Full Backup JSON, Browser Bookmarks HTML, Markdown, CSV, and A Fine Start-compatible export code. Restore points help protect destructive actions, and Duplicate Finder scans local links read-only before any user-confirmed deletion.
  
  Aura Start has no required account, no analytics, no tracking, no ads, and no backend. Optional Google Drive backup/sync is off by default and uses only the hidden Google Drive appDataFolder scope for Aura Start's own `aura-start-sync.json` file. After the user connects Google Drive, local changes are backed up automatically. On first run, users can also restore an existing Aura Start Drive sync file; if no file exists, Aura Start shows a clear error and leaves local data unchanged.
  
  Aura Start is open-source under the MIT License. It is an independent project and is not affiliated with A Fine Start.
  
  What's new in 1.2.2
  - Fixed Google Drive authentication issues in the Chrome Web Store version.
  - Improved detection of Google Chrome, Chromium, Helium, ungoogled Chromium, and other Chromium-based browsers.
  - Chrome Web Store installs now use the native Chrome Identity OAuth flow when supported.
  - Chromium variants that do not support Chrome's built-in Google sign-in can use the Web OAuth fallback.
  - Improved detection of unpacked developer-mode installs versus Chrome Web Store installs.
  - Fixed Google Drive OAuth redirect URI handling to avoid redirect_uri_mismatch / invalid_request errors.
  - Improved OAuth validation for release builds and Chrome Web Store ZIP packaging.

• May 31, 2026
  description

  Google Drive sync currently doesn't work! I will fix it in next update
  
  Aura Start replaces the new tab page with a clean local-first start page for organizing your own groups of links.
  
  Create groups, add links, search across titles, URLs, descriptions, and tags, reorder groups and links with drag and drop, and keep your start page under your control.
  
  Aura Start works locally by default. It does not require an account, backend, analytics, tracking, browser history access, browser bookmarks access, full Google Drive access, or paid data access. Your links belong to you.
  
  Optional Google Drive sync is available if you want cloud backup across Chromium profiles or devices. It is disabled until you connect Google Drive, uses only Google's Drive app data permission, stores one hidden `aura-start-sync.json` file in your private Google Drive appDataFolder, and does not read or modify your normal visible Drive files.
  
  Key features:
  
  - User-created link groups
  - Local storage with `chrome.storage.local`
  - Optional Google Drive sync through hidden Drive appDataFolder
  - Automatic Google Drive sync after local changes when connected
  - Google Drive restore on connect when a hidden sync file exists
  - Light, dark, and system themes
  - English, Russian, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, and Ukrainian interface languages
  - Compact mode and configurable columns
  - Search across title, URL, description, and tags
  - Explicit edit mode: drag-and-drop and inline edit controls stay disabled until you turn editing on
  - Drag and drop for groups and links
  - JSON backup import with validation, merge, replace, and restore point protection
  - JSON import preserves the current Google Drive connection
  - A Fine Start export-code import for migration
  - A Fine Start export-code export for moving data back if needed
  - Restore points before destructive actions
  - Export as JSON, Browser Bookmarks HTML, Markdown, CSV, and A Fine Start export code
  - Fully open-source under the MIT License (https://github.com/communism420/Aura-Start)
  
  Aura Start was inspired by the simplicity and bookmark-grouping idea of A Fine Start. It is an independent project, not affiliated with A Fine Start.
  
  What's new in 1.1.0
  - Added optional Google Drive sync and backup.
  - Aura Start still works locally by default; Google Drive is only used after the user connects it.
  - Sync uses Google Drive app data storage for Aura Start backup data.
  - Local changes now sync automatically when Google Drive is connected.
  - When connecting Google Drive, Aura Start restores an existing sync file if found or creates one if none exists.
  - Added a Google Drive status marker in the top-right header.
  - Added one clear action to delete the Google Drive sync file and disconnect the account.
  - Improved header layout so action buttons stay on one line across languages.
  - Improved Export menu layout so export formats are always shown one per row.
  - Updated Chrome Web Store screenshots, promo images, documentation, and privacy policy for the new sync behavior.

  Aura Start replaces the Chromium new tab page with clean groups of links, local-first storage, and export-first data ownership.
  
  Create groups, save links, search by title, URL, description, tags, and supported modifiers, and move faster with Command Palette, a visible palette button, and browser-assigned keyboard shortcuts that handle Latin and Cyrillic keyboard layouts where implemented. Aura Start includes Import from A Fine Start export codes, Full Backup JSON, Browser Bookmarks HTML, Markdown, CSV, and A Fine Start-compatible export code. Restore points help protect destructive actions, and Duplicate Finder scans local links read-only before any user-confirmed deletion.
  
  Aura Start has no required account, no analytics, no tracking, no ads, and no backend. Optional Google Drive backup/sync is off by default and uses only the hidden Google Drive appDataFolder scope for Aura Start's own `aura-start-sync.json` file. After the user connects Google Drive, local changes are backed up automatically. On first run, users can also restore an existing Aura Start Drive sync file; if no file exists, Aura Start shows a clear error and leaves local data unchanged.
  
  Aura Start is open-source under the MIT License. It is an independent project and is not affiliated with A Fine Start.
  
  What's new in 1.2.1  
  - Fixed Google Drive authentication in the Chrome Web Store build (I hope).  
  - Aura Start now uses Chrome’s native extension OAuth flow in Google Chrome.  
  - Added a safer OAuth fallback for Brave, Edge, Opera, and other Chromium-based browsers where Chrome’s native Google sign-in flow may fail.  
  - Fixed Google Drive login errors including `redirect_uri_mismatch` and `Custom URI scheme is not supported on Chrome apps`.  
  - Prevented the release build from accidentally using the wrong OAuth flow when the native Chrome flow should be used.  
  - Added extra validation/tests around Google Drive OAuth flow selection and store packaging.

• May 24, 2026
  description

  Aura Start replaces the new tab page with a clean local-first start page for organizing your own groups of links.
  Create groups, add links, search across titles, URLs, descriptions, and tags, reorder groups and links with drag and drop, and keep everything stored locally in your browser profile.
  Aura Start does not require an account, backend, analytics, tracking, forced cloud sync, browser history access, browser bookmarks access, host permissions, or paid data access. Your links belong to you.
  
  Key features:
  - User-created link groups
  - Local storage with `chrome.storage.local`
  - Light, dark, and system themes
  - English, Russian, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, and Ukrainian interface languages
  - Compact mode and configurable columns
  - Search across title, URL, description, and tags
  - Explicit edit mode: drag-and-drop and inline edit controls stay disabled until you turn editing on
  - Drag and drop for groups and links
  - JSON backup import with validation, merge, replace, and restore point protection
  - A Fine Start export-code import for migration
  - Restore points before destructive actions
  - Export as JSON, Browser Bookmarks HTML, Markdown, CSV, and A Fine Start export code
  - Fully open-source under the MIT License (https://github.com/communism420/Aura-Start)
  
  Aura Start was inspired by the simplicity and bookmark-grouping idea of A Fine Start. It is an independent project, not affiliated with A Fine Start.
  
  What's new in 1.0.1
  - Changed link behavior on the Aura Start page: links now open in the same tab instead of creating a new tab.
  - This makes Aura Start behave more like a regular browser start page.

  Google Drive sync currently doesn't work! I will fix it in next update
  
  Aura Start replaces the new tab page with a clean local-first start page for organizing your own groups of links.
  
  Create groups, add links, search across titles, URLs, descriptions, and tags, reorder groups and links with drag and drop, and keep your start page under your control.
  
  Aura Start works locally by default. It does not require an account, backend, analytics, tracking, browser history access, browser bookmarks access, full Google Drive access, or paid data access. Your links belong to you.
  
  Optional Google Drive sync is available if you want cloud backup across Chromium profiles or devices. It is disabled until you connect Google Drive, uses only Google's Drive app data permission, stores one hidden `aura-start-sync.json` file in your private Google Drive appDataFolder, and does not read or modify your normal visible Drive files.
  
  Key features:
  
  - User-created link groups
  - Local storage with `chrome.storage.local`
  - Optional Google Drive sync through hidden Drive appDataFolder
  - Automatic Google Drive sync after local changes when connected
  - Google Drive restore on connect when a hidden sync file exists
  - Light, dark, and system themes
  - English, Russian, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, and Ukrainian interface languages
  - Compact mode and configurable columns
  - Search across title, URL, description, and tags
  - Explicit edit mode: drag-and-drop and inline edit controls stay disabled until you turn editing on
  - Drag and drop for groups and links
  - JSON backup import with validation, merge, replace, and restore point protection
  - JSON import preserves the current Google Drive connection
  - A Fine Start export-code import for migration
  - A Fine Start export-code export for moving data back if needed
  - Restore points before destructive actions
  - Export as JSON, Browser Bookmarks HTML, Markdown, CSV, and A Fine Start export code
  - Fully open-source under the MIT License (https://github.com/communism420/Aura-Start)
  
  Aura Start was inspired by the simplicity and bookmark-grouping idea of A Fine Start. It is an independent project, not affiliated with A Fine Start.
  
  What's new in 1.1.0
  - Added optional Google Drive sync and backup.
  - Aura Start still works locally by default; Google Drive is only used after the user connects it.
  - Sync uses Google Drive app data storage for Aura Start backup data.
  - Local changes now sync automatically when Google Drive is connected.
  - When connecting Google Drive, Aura Start restores an existing sync file if found or creates one if none exists.
  - Added a Google Drive status marker in the top-right header.
  - Added one clear action to delete the Google Drive sync file and disconnect the account.
  - Improved header layout so action buttons stay on one line across languages.
  - Improved Export menu layout so export formats are always shown one per row.
  - Updated Chrome Web Store screenshots, promo images, documentation, and privacy policy for the new sync behavior.

• May 24, 2026
  host_permissions

  (empty)

  https://www.googleapis.com/*

• May 24, 2026
  permissions

  storage

  storage, identity

• May 17, 2026
  description

  Aura Start replaces the new tab page with a clean local-first start page for organizing your own groups of links.
  Create groups, add links, search across titles, URLs, descriptions, and tags, reorder groups and links with drag and drop, and keep everything stored locally in your browser profile.
  Aura Start does not require an account, backend, analytics, tracking, forced cloud sync, browser history access, browser bookmarks access, host permissions, or paid data access. Your links belong to you.
  
  Key features:
  - User-created link groups
  - Local storage with `chrome.storage.local`
  - Light, dark, and system themes
  - English, Russian, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, and Ukrainian interface languages
  - Compact mode and configurable columns
  - Search across title, URL, description, and tags
  - Explicit edit mode: drag-and-drop and inline edit controls stay disabled until you turn editing on
  - Drag and drop for groups and links
  - JSON backup import with validation, merge, replace, and restore point protection
  - A Fine Start export-code import for migration
  - Restore points before destructive actions
  - Export as JSON, Browser Bookmarks HTML, Markdown, CSV, and A Fine Start export code
  - Fully open-source under the MIT License (https://github.com/communism420/Aura-Start)
  
  Aura Start was inspired by the simplicity and bookmark-grouping idea of A Fine Start. It is an independent project, not affiliated with A Fine Start.

  Aura Start replaces the new tab page with a clean local-first start page for organizing your own groups of links.
  Create groups, add links, search across titles, URLs, descriptions, and tags, reorder groups and links with drag and drop, and keep everything stored locally in your browser profile.
  Aura Start does not require an account, backend, analytics, tracking, forced cloud sync, browser history access, browser bookmarks access, host permissions, or paid data access. Your links belong to you.
  
  Key features:
  - User-created link groups
  - Local storage with `chrome.storage.local`
  - Light, dark, and system themes
  - English, Russian, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, and Ukrainian interface languages
  - Compact mode and configurable columns
  - Search across title, URL, description, and tags
  - Explicit edit mode: drag-and-drop and inline edit controls stay disabled until you turn editing on
  - Drag and drop for groups and links
  - JSON backup import with validation, merge, replace, and restore point protection
  - A Fine Start export-code import for migration
  - Restore points before destructive actions
  - Export as JSON, Browser Bookmarks HTML, Markdown, CSV, and A Fine Start export code
  - Fully open-source under the MIT License (https://github.com/communism420/Aura-Start)
  
  Aura Start was inspired by the simplicity and bookmark-grouping idea of A Fine Start. It is an independent project, not affiliated with A Fine Start.
  
  What's new in 1.0.1
  - Changed link behavior on the Aura Start page: links now open in the same tab instead of creating a new tab.
  - This makes Aura Start behave more like a regular browser start page.

Permissions & access

Permissions

storageidentity

Host access

https://www.googleapis.com/*

Screenshots