Most people probably think too much about the mobile browser they use. But Arc Search is trying to change that.
Earlier this week, The Browsing Company, the company behind the Arc Browser that better organizes your tabs and takes a proactive approach to the browsing user experience, launched an iOS app with a new AI feature that does all the searching for you.
The reason for Arc Search’s buzzy launch is its AI-powered “Browse for You” feature. With Browse for You, users can type in their search query and the tool creates a mini, customized site providing you with an answer. As it shows while processing, Arc Search mines relevant pages and compiles the information into bite-sized sections, bulleted by emojis.
A Browse for You response to “Why is Usher performing at the Super Bowl halftime show” breaks it down thematically into “NFL Partnership,” “R&B Representation,” “Cultural Impact,” and “Black Excellence.” So instead of the traditional search experience which involves clicking on several stories to get a comprehensive answer, you get all the highlights in one place.
Below the response, Arc Search digs deeper into the query, providing more information about related topics like the NFL partnership with Roc Nation, which is how Usher was chosen as the halftime performer, and NFL image rehabilitation after Colin Kaepernick was essentially blacklisted from the league.
Users are already in a tizzy about the feature because of how easily and effectively it provides answers. It’s been described as a “fun, refreshing take on search,” and “just incredible across the board.”
Currently, there are browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Edge, search engines like Google and Bing, and AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Bard. But Arc Search combines all elements of the web browsing experience.
So far the development of consumer-facing generative AI tools has been distinctly separate from elements of traditional search. Google’s chatbot Bard is its own standalone thing, and while Microsoft Copilot (formerly Bing Chat) is more integrated within the Edge browser and other Microsoft apps, it’s still a separate action.
The closest comparison to Arc Search is the ChatGPT mobile app. But that is essentially a sophisticated chatbot with internet access. Arc Search takes it a step further by combining browsing, search, and chat into its own unique product.
Combining these elements into a slick user interface might not sound like a big deal, but the challenge of building generative AI tools has been developing a “sticky” product that feels indispensable, and some are even saying it’s their new favorite iPhone browser.
Arc Search is currently only available as an iOS app, so Android users are out of luck for now. If you have an iPhone, you can download Arc Search through the App Store.
