April 19, 2022

Arc browser launched

The Browser Company released Arc in invite-only beta on April 19, 2022 — a ChromiumGoogle's open-source browser project — the foundation for Chrome, Edge, and other modern browsers.-based browser rethinking tabs, spaces, and vertical sidebar navigation.

What it was for

Arc (web browser)Arc treats the browser as a workspace: vertical tabs, split views, built-in note-taking, and per-space profiles. Built on ChromiumGoogle's open-source browser project — the foundation for Chrome, Edge, and other modern browsers. by ex-ChromeGoogle's web browser — built on Chromium and the most widely used browser worldwide. engineers, it targeted designers and knowledge workers who wanted SafariApple's web browser — built on WebKit for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.-like polish with ChromeGoogle's web browser — built on Chromium and the most widely used browser worldwide. compatibility — influencing how startups think about browser UX.

Companies

  • Google

Why it's here

Arc proved a startup could still reinvent browser chrome even on ChromiumGoogle's open-source browser project — the foundation for Chrome, Edge, and other modern browsers..

Why it mattered

Its sidebar-and-spaces model inspired copycats and renewed interest in browser innovation.

What it solved

Tab overload and cluttered browser UIUser interface — the parts of software people see and interact with. had not changed meaningfully since ChromeGoogle's web browser — built on Chromium and the most widely used browser worldwide.'s minimal bar.

Media

  • Arc (web browser)
    ImageArc (web browser)

    Arc (browser), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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