The Browser Company, the creators of the Arc web browser, have made a significant announcement today. After testing its Windows client since December, the company has officially released the Windows version of the browser. This news comes after the startup recently secured $50 million in funding at a valuation of $550 million. The Browser Company aims to replace existing browsers and has already attracted over 150,000 users during the testing phase.
Previously, access to the Windows version was limited to those on a waitlist, which had more than 1 million people on it. However, The Browser Company has now opened access to the Windows version to all users without any waitlist. This move follows the company’s decision to initially launch an invite-only Mac-based version in 2022, which was then made available to everyone in July 2023.
To ensure seamless development across platforms, The Browser Company chose to build the Windows version of Arc using Swift, a programming language originally designed by Apple for developing iPhone and Mac apps. By utilizing Swift on Windows, the company can efficiently reuse and share the majority of the codebase with the Mac version, ultimately making it easier to maintain feature parity between the two platforms. The Browser Company has also shared its experiences and insights about building in Swift on Windows, providing valuable resources for developers looking to port their Mac apps.
The Windows version of Arc inherits many core features from its Mac counterpart. These features include a sidebar with frequently visited webpages pinned at the top, Spaces that allow users to organize tabs into different sets for various tasks (e.g., work, entertainment, vacation, notetaking), profiles for separate browsing data and preferences, split view for opening multiple tabs in a single window, and support for a picture-in-picture video player that enables users to watch videos while browsing other tabs.
In response to user feedback, The Browser Company has also added the Peek feature to the Windows version. This feature allows users to preview quick links from their pinned and favorites tabs without having to click on the link itself. Additionally, the company has introduced Arc Sync, a feature that enables users to access their sidebar, spaces, folders, and tabs across multiple devices. This feature is available on both the Mac and Windows versions of Arc.
While the Windows version of Arc boasts several impressive features, it does miss out on some functionalities found in the Mac version. Notably, it lacks Little Arc, a floating browser window designed for temporary uses such as opening a quick link. It remains unclear whether the Windows version includes popular AI-powered features such as link preview summaries, renaming downloaded files, instant links to serve websites directly, and automatically updating live folders. However, The Browser Company may consider incorporating these features in future updates.
Currently, Arc for Windows is only compatible with Windows 11. However, the startup is actively working on adding support for Windows 10 to cater to a broader user base. The Browser Company has expressed its commitment to achieving feature parity between the Mac and Windows versions of Arc. Although no specific timeline has been provided, users can expect continued updates and improvements to align the two platforms.
In addition to the Windows release, The Browser Company recently launched a mobile app called Arc Search for iPhone users. With this latest release, the company has announced its plans to develop an Arc Search client for Android, expanding its reach to a wider audience.
Overall, The Browser Company’s release of the Windows version of Arc marks an important milestone for the startup. With its innovative features and commitment to cross-platform compatibility, Arc has the potential to challenge established browsers and offer users a fresh and streamlined browsing experience.
