Arc Search just dropped on the Google Play Store. Anyone tried it yet? What’s your take?
Arc is mostly known for its security issues. No way I’m installing this.
Amari said:
Arc is mostly known for its security issues. No way I’m installing this.
That was my first thought too. Their main audience seems to be tech-savvy people, so regaining trust will be tough.
Amari said:
Arc is mostly known for its security issues. No way I’m installing this.
What kind of issues? Can it really be worse than Opera?
@Amari
Oh, thanks. Yeah, that’s a serious mistake, but still not as shady as Opera.
Phoenix said:
@Amari
Oh, thanks. Yeah, that’s a serious mistake, but still not as shady as Opera.
What’s so bad about Opera?
Phoenix said:
@Amari
Oh, thanks. Yeah, that’s a serious mistake, but still not as shady as Opera.
What’s so bad about Opera?
Opera is owned by a company with significant Chinese ties, and there have been concerns about data privacy and security.
@Phoenix
Fair point, but allowing arbitrary code based on user IDs is just as bad. Until Arc gets audited properly, it’s better to stay away, especially given how much sensitive data browsers handle.
Sai said:
@Phoenix
Fair point, but allowing arbitrary code based on user IDs is just as bad. Until Arc gets audited properly, it’s better to stay away, especially given how much sensitive data browsers handle.
Totally agree. They should’ve communicated this issue more clearly with users.
What exactly is Arc Search? Can’t find much info.
Jai said:
What exactly is Arc Search? Can’t find much info.
Arc is a browser that first got popular with Mac users. Now they’ve added an AI-powered search feature.
Jai said:
What exactly is Arc Search? Can’t find much info.
Arc is a browser that first got popular with Mac users. Now they’ve added an AI-powered search feature.
It’s also a favorite for iOS users switching platforms.
Jai said:
What exactly is Arc Search? Can’t find much info.
Seems like it’s an ad-blocking browser with AI. It makes sense for iPhones (since ad-blocking isn’t as flexible there), but Android users already have options like Firefox. I don’t see this catching on.
@Robin
Safari on iOS supports ad-blocking extensions, so it’s not groundbreaking there either.
Shan said:
@Robin
Safari on iOS supports ad-blocking extensions, so it’s not groundbreaking there either.
Meanwhile, Chrome doesn’t. Why do people still use it as their main browser? 
@Robin
Wouldn’t recommend it. Their security track record is awful. Here’s an example.
@Robin
Their Play Store listing doesn’t even mention ad-blocking. It’s probably just another AI gimmick.
It’s garbage right now. Maybe it’ll get better, but I’m sticking with Mull. Also, requiring an Arc ID just to use the app? Big L.
I wanted this app to be good, but it’s another example of how iOS apps are often better than their Android versions. Too many bugs, and the design choices feel out of place on Android.
It’s nice to look at but lacks features and doesn’t even have a dark theme. I’m testing it, but it’s nowhere near good enough to replace my main browser.
Edit: Just found out it downloads files automatically without a confirmation popup. That’s a risk, even if it doesn’t auto-open the files.