If you’re looking for a new, advanced browser to replace Google Chrome, you’re in luck: The Browser Company is releasing the Windows version of their new browser, Arc, by the end of 2023. The company says it can give you “a more personal Internet” and a quieter online experience, which is certainly a bold proposition.
The browser comes with AI features known as Arc Max which will be powered by OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 and Anthropic AI models according to TechCrunch. Anthropic is a company focused on AI safety and research, and has its own flagship AI chatbot, Claude. Amazon recently made a $4 billion investment in Anthropic (similar to Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI), so it’s quickly becoming a big deal in the world of AI.
The browser company was founded in 2019 and is made up of ex-employees from some of the biggest names in tech, such as Instagram, Tesla, Medium, Google (particularly Google Chrome), and others.
The Arc browser was initially released for some platforms in April 2022, with the intention of challenging Google Chrome’s dominance of the web browser market. In fact, Arc is built on Google’s Chromium engine, but with some interesting tweaks, such as allowing more customization and a user interface similar to File Explorer in Windows 11.
Speaking of which, the Arc Browser currently only exists for macOS and iOS, but Windows users can try it out for themselves later this year, and by then it should include some cool-sounding new AI tools, like the ChatGPT-powered AI -assistant.
Some of the functions that Arc Max can do include analyzing the page in a pinned tab and generating a new title that is easier to read. Likewise, it can quickly rename downloaded files based on the analysis of the files’ contents. When you’re browsing the web and come across hyperlinks, Arc Max will generate a summary preview when you hover over it and press Shift.
Worth getting excited about?
These types of functions and features will apparently be opt-in, meaning you’ll have to go to Arc’s command bar (Cmd + T on the Mac keyboard) and enter “Arc Max”. A list of features opens that you can enable. The command bar is actually similar to the search function on the Windows taskbar, where you can type what you’re looking for, and that will bring up the relevant function. For example, you can type “ChatGPT” into Arc’s command bar and then talk to ChatGPT.
These are just a few examples of Arc’s functionality: There are many AI-powered features and tools such as web apps and extensions. Arc strives to make them a smooth part of your browsing experience, so you experience minimal interruptions. The Verge recently interviewed The Browser Company about the Arc browser and was told that a lot of prototype testing was being done to make the AI features as intuitive as possible. Some of the experiments include automatic annotation creation that follows immediately after the text is selected, and a “Next” button that would lead to an exploration page with suggestions. TechCrunch compares the latter with StumbleUpon, a useful app that I personally miss.
As reported by TechCrunch, The Browsing Company laid out its plans for the new browser in a recent live announcement. CEO Josh Miller told the audience that all features are still a work in progress and will initially be kept in the browser for 90 days. During this period, Arc’s developers collect feedback on the features and decide where to take them based on that feedback.
High expectations for a new browser experience
Honestly, I’m excited to try this browser. It sounds like it will be a pretty unique experience and I’m always open to trying new ways to surf the web. Browsers are a big part of many people’s lives, and it’s not easy to manage to set up a new browser. That said, Arc does enough to keep my attention and give it a try. If you feel the same, then you can sign up for the windows waitlist.
As promising as Arc is, it will have a big challenge competing with Google Chrome, by far the most popular web browser in the world. While Arc’s new AI tools could certainly set it apart from fellow Chromium-based rival Chrome, Microsoft’s Edge browser, which is also Chromium-based, is winning over users (albeit slowly), mainly thanks to its own AI features.
The arrival of Arc finally coming to Windows 10 and Windows 11 will certainly help, if anything, as it will open up a whole new (and large) audience. Will that, along with the AI features, be enough to put a dent in Chrome’s popularity? I’m not sure, but more choice is always welcome.