Arc Browser for Windows: A New Release from The Browser Company

The Browser Company Launches Arc for Windows

The Browser Company, the creators of the Arc web browser, has officially released its highly anticipated Windows version. After months of testing with over 150,000 users, the Windows client is now available to everyone without the need for a waitlist, which previously had more than 1 million people eagerly waiting.

Rapid Growth and Funding

The startup, which aims to revolutionize the browsing experience, recently secured $50 million in funding at an impressive $550 million valuation. The company’s journey began with an invite-only Mac version in 2022, which was later made accessible to everyone in July 2023.

Image Credits: The Browser Company

Leveraging Swift for Cross-Platform Development

To streamline development and maintain feature parity between the Mac and Windows versions, The Browser Company made the strategic decision to build the Windows version using Swift, a programming language originally designed by Apple for iPhone and Mac app development. By sharing a significant portion of the codebase, the company can ensure a consistent user experience across platforms. The Browser Company has also shared its insights on using Swift for Windows development, providing valuable guidance to developers looking to port their Mac apps to Windows.

Key Features of Arc for Windows

Arc for Windows brings many of the beloved features from its Mac counterpart, including:

• Sidebar with frequently accessed webpages pinned at the top
• Spaces, which act as folders for organizing tabs based on different tasks or themes
• Profiles for separate browsing data and preferences
• Split view for opening multiple tabs within a single window
• Picture-in-picture video player for multitasking while watching videos

Image Credits: The Browser Company

The Windows version also includes the Peek feature, allowing users to preview links from pinned and favorite tabs without clicking on them. Additionally, Arc Sync ensures that users can access their sidebar, spaces, folders, and tabs seamlessly across devices.

Touchscreen Support: A Windows Exclusive

One notable difference between the Windows and Mac versions is the support for touchscreens in the former, catering to the unique needs of Windows users.

Future Plans and Developments

While the Windows version currently only supports Windows 11, the company is actively working on extending compatibility to Windows 10. The Browser Company is committed to achieving feature parity between the Mac and Windows versions, although no specific timeline has been provided.

Looking ahead, The Browser Company plans to release an Arc Search client for Android, expanding its mobile presence beyond the recently launched iPhone app.

The company also said that it wants to bring feature parity to both Mac and Windows but didn’t provide a timeline for it.

As The Browser Company continues to innovate and grow, users can expect a seamless and enhanced browsing experience across multiple platforms, with exciting new features on the horizon.