Arc Browser, a browser built on Chromium, has been officially launched for Windows operating system. Previously in beta with limited access, it’s now open for testing to all interested users who were previously on the waitlist.
Key Points about Arc Browser
Arc Browser is designed specifically for Windows 11 and does not support installation on earlier versions such as Windows 10.
The setup process for Arc Browser includes mandatory steps. Users are required to create an account with no option to skip this step. Additionally, they need to select a browser from which data will be imported, which is also mandatory.
As a Chromium-based browser, Arc Browser supports the installation of extensions similar to Chrome. However, this also means it may have features influenced by Google.
In terms of privacy, Arc Browser may contact users via email and automatically collects product usage data.
About the Browser Interface
The interface of Arc Browser differs from traditional browsers. Tabs are positioned on the side and are categorized into tab groups within collapsible folders.
The toolbar is streamlined with buttons for accessing the menu and toggling the sidebar visibility.
By default, only the domain name of the website is shown in the central area. Users can view detailed URLs by clicking on the domain.
Arc Browser includes features like note-taking, customizable website themes, a mini player for multimedia content, and a preview function for specific services.
The browser comes with uBlock Origin, a reputable content blocker, preinstalled, which can be removed if not needed.
Final Thoughts
The launch of Arc Browser for Windows 11 is exciting news for existing users and those keen to explore it. Some users might find the mandatory account creation and data imports as drawbacks.
The tab management system may require some time to get used to. While vertical tabs are common, Arc Browser categorizes tabs into favorites, spaces, and open tabs.
There are lingering questions about the revenue model that will sustain Arc Browser and its future development, which remain unanswered.
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