Arc’s new iPhone browser, named Arc Search, is designed to enhance the search experience for users. Launched by The Browser Company, it focuses on making web searching more efficient and user-friendly.
One of the standout features of Arc Search is its AI-powered “Browse for me” functionality. This feature, using models from OpenAI and others, reads at least six web pages related to a search query and creates a new page with various sections summarizing the content. For example, a search about making a perfectly poached egg would result in a page with sections like “Ingredients and Tools,” “Poaching technique,” and “Cooking process,” complete with useful photos and videos. This approach allows users to get a comprehensive overview of information at a glance.
Apart from its AI feature, Arc Search offers a reader mode for easier reading of webpages and the ability to bookmark pages. However, it lacks a folder system for organizing these bookmarks. Another unique aspect is the automatic archiving of tabs after one day to prevent tab overload, a feature that can be customized by the user.
Arc Search also prioritizes privacy and user experience by blocking GDPR and newsletter popups, ads, and trackers. Interestingly, unlike the first companion browser, users can set Arc Search as their default browser on the iPhone.
The browser is part of The Browser Company’s vision to provide a more intuitive and user-centric web browsing experience. It emphasizes fast and efficient searching, which is often the primary use of phone browsers. The design starts with a search bar in the center and opens with a keyboard for immediate query input, reflecting a focus on user convenience and efficiency.
For those interested in trying out Arc Search, it’s available for iPhone users and is designed to complement its desktop counterpart, offering seamless integration between devices.