The online browser startup Arc, which is persuading some Chrome fans to switch to it, is now inviting non-Arc users to explore its features by introducing three new “shareable” features. This week, the firm unveiled the capability of sharing unique views, such as spaces, folders, and split opinions, with everyone, regardless of whether they utilize the Arc browser.
This initial trial of wider distribution may bring Arc to new people who haven’t heard of the browser or had a chance to look it over. It also provides a helpful overview of some distinguishing characteristics that set Arc apart as a method for internet access, link research and collection, and interest organization.
For instance, the concept behind Spaces is to let you set up distinct locations inside Arc for your business, personal life, or anything else you want to put in a particular place.
For example, you may have a space set aside for a particular interest or activity, or you could be researching a purchase you were considering for a project at work or something else entirely. With the new “Share” option, when you hover over the Space’s title, you may now choose to share one of your spaces with friends. The business showcased this with a section devoted to fall vacation inspiration, complete with folders including suggestions for Halloween costumes, places to gather apples, and listings for Airbnb stays.
Users may explore your Space’s collection of links without installing Arc; instead, it opens under the special URL arc.net/space and begins in their favorite browser, such as Chrome.
Similarly, you may arrange a group of links in a particular folder that you can distribute to other people. Arc’s folders are a more straightforward method of grouping several relevant tabs than spaces. A folder containing links for a project you’re working on, articles you want to read later, a collection of recipes, links for vacation planning, or any other hobby might be organized, for instance. Although Spaces and Folders share similar use cases, Spaces are more separate places with their layout and icons. You may swipe between spaces with two fingers on your trackpad or click on their icons at the bottom of the sidebar to transition between them. Having the ability to switch between using your browser for business and personal usage while you’re not working is a typical use case for Spaces.
The Arc team used Folders to illustrate the idea of a shared folder containing a list of links for dinner suggestions in Honolulu. These can also be accessed with a unique URL that starts with arc.net/folder in other browsers.
As another example, Arc co-founder and CEO Josh Miller mentioned on X that the Folders and Spaces capabilities would have been helpful. At the same time, he was employed at Thrive Capital to arrange the due diligence the company was conducting on possible investments.
Split view is the third new feature that may be shared in the interim. Split view, as its name suggests, is a multitasking view that allows you to see up to four tabs in a single window. This feature might be helpful when you need to examine many tabs in your browser simultaneously, such as when you need to check your calendar or a project file while writing an email. Or you could use it for enjoyment, keeping work-related items linked with something to pass the time, like an online Wordle game, for when you need to take a break.
Arc unveiled a shared Split View and a list of links showcasing sources of inspiration for designers. Once more, these URLs start with arc.net and end with /split and a unique identifier.
Founded in 2019 by Josh Miller and Hursh Agrawal, two former Facebook workers who also co-founded Branch, Arc obtained its first outside funding in 2021 with a $5 million investment from angel investors, including Dylan Field of Figma, Jeff Weiner of LinkedIn, and Ev Williams of Medium. In July, the browser was made available to the general public.
While there are supporters of Arc, they are usually power users of the web who want more features from their browsers. Arc offers it in addition to a completely revamped browser interface with side-by-side tabs and a search bar. To access its features and capabilities, a variety of keyboard shortcuts are also available. However, because Arc aims to be highly different from standard browsers while still delivering new features, it also has a high learning curve for beginners. Users might be able to experience Arc differently thanks to the sharing features without having to completely commit to switching.
To match the AI capabilities provided by Google and Microsoft, two of Arc’s biggest competitors in the tech industry, the company has implemented AI-powered features ahead of this launch that blend models from Anthropic and OpenAI.
