ARC: A New Web Browser That Shapes Itself to How You Use the Internet
If you are looking for a new web browser that is different from the usual ones, you might want to check out ARC, a browser that adapts to your needs and preferences. ARC is a browser that was created by The Browser Company, a New York-based startup that aims to rethink the fundamentals of how we use the web. ARC was first released to the public around April 2022, after a closed beta test. ARC is available for macOS and iOS, and will soon be released for Windows and Android.
In this article, I will share with you what makes ARC unique, how it works, and what are its pros and cons. I will also show you a video that I recorded using ARC, so you can see it in action. You can watch the video on YouTube, Facebook, or Spotify, or you can read the article below.
What makes ARC unique?
ARC is not your typical web browser. It is designed to be clean, calm, and personal, and to shape itself to how you use the internet. ARC has several features that make it stand out from other browsers, such as:
- Spaces and Profiles: ARC allows you to organize everything you do online into different spaces and profiles. Spaces are like virtual desktops that you can customize with your favorite apps, websites, and bookmarks. Profiles are like user accounts that you can switch between with a swipe. You can have different spaces and profiles for different purposes, such as work, study, hobbies, and more. You can also share your spaces and profiles with others, or keep them private.
- Split View: ARC lets you view multiple websites or apps side by side, without opening new tabs or windows. You can drag and drop websites or apps to create your own split view, or use the preset layouts that ARC offers. You can also resize, rearrange, and close the split views as you wish.
- Themes: ARC lets you change the appearance of your browser with themes. You can choose from the built-in themes that ARC provides, or create your own themes with colors, fonts, and backgrounds. You can also apply themes to individual websites or apps, or to your entire space or profile.
- Privacy: ARC is built from the ground up to be private and secure. ARC does not collect or store any data about what sites you visit or what you search for. ARC also blocks ads, trackers, and malware by default, and uses encryption and VPN to protect your online activity. You can also use ARC’s incognito mode, which deletes your browsing history and cookies when you close the browser.
How does ARC work?
ARC is based on the Chromium open-source engine, which is the same engine that powers Google Chrome and other browsers. This means that ARC is compatible with most websites and web standards, and can also use Chrome extensions. However, ARC also has its own operating system, called visionOS, which is what enables ARC’s unique features and functions.
visionOS is a lightweight and fast operating system that runs on top of your existing operating system, such as macOS or iOS. visionOS allows you to use ARC as your main interface for accessing the internet, without needing to switch between different apps or windows. visionOS also integrates with your device’s native features, such as notifications, camera, microphone, and touch screen.
visionOS is also modular and customizable, which means that you can add or remove features and apps as you like. visionOS comes with a set of built-in apps, such as Safari, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and more, but you can also install third-party apps from the App Store or the web. You can also create your own apps using Python, C, or Assembly, and share them with the ARC community.
What are the pros and cons of ARC?
ARC is a browser that offers many benefits, but also some drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons of ARC:
Pros:
- It is simple and intuitive, as it has a clean and friendly design, and a playful and interactive personality.
- It is versatile and powerful, as it has a lot of features and functions, and can interact with almost any website or app.
- It is open and customizable, as it has a lot of options and possibilities, and can be modified and extended by anyone.
- It is private and secure, as it does not track or store any data, and protects your online activity with encryption and VPN.
Cons:
- It is expensive, as it costs $99 for a lifetime license, which is more than most browsers, which are free or have a subscription model.
- It is not widely available, as it is only compatible with macOS and iOS, and has a limited number of users and testers.
- It is not very compatible, as it requires a new type of hardware, a neural processing unit, or NPU, which is not available in most devices, and may not work well with older or lower-end devices.
- It is not very stable, as it is still in development and may have bugs, glitches, or crashes.
Conclusion
ARC is a browser that does not just meet your needs, but anticipates them. It is a browser that shapes itself to how you use the internet, and offers a more personal and immersive experience. ARC is a browser that is fun, easy, and powerful, but also expensive, exclusive, and experimental. ARC is a browser that is not for everyone, but for those who want to try something new and different. ARC is a browser that is worth checking out, if you are curious and adventurous. If you want to learn more about ARC, or download it for yourself, you can visit their website at arc.net. You can also watch my video where I show you how I use ARC, and what I think of it. You can find the video on YouTube, Facebook, or Spotify. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this article.