Try the world's best browser while you can - because Arc's creator has other plans

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

The world of digital technology is filled with disappointments. I can't begin to list the applications and operating systems that became favorites of mine, only to watch them go away and never return.

That's why I sometimes hesitate to become too dependent on a single application. At some point, it might no longer be available and I don't want to find myself left in the lurch.

So, when I read this piece (and watched the video that inspired it) about The Browser Company going back to the browser drawing board, I was extremely disappointed.

Also: 5 obscure web browsers that will finally break your Chrome addiction

As my default browser on MacOS for over a year now, Arc Browser re-invented the way I browse.

And that's a problem. As a rule, people don't like change. It's one of the many reasons why so many people stick with Chrome -- a browser I avoid at all costs. Why? Google's browser is insecure and lacks an effective tab management feature (i.e., Spaces in Arc Browser or Workspaces in Opera).

Arc browser made browsing fun again with a brilliantly designed interface and just the right collection of features. It took me no more than five minutes to acclimate to how Arc works. Once it became my MacOS default, I began wishing it was available for Linux, so I could use it with both operating systems I depend on.

The Linux version never came to fruition and now, it seems, The Browser Company is going back to the drawing board to create something more people would use -- a simpler browser with more mass appeal. Of course, given The Browser Company is rather forward-thinking, the idea is to create a new browser that is not only AI-centric but -- as CEO Josh Miller puts it -- will turn the browser into an "app platform." The Browser Company has fallen in love with large language models and firmly believes generative AI will change the way people use software.

Also: Arc browser is offering the most truly helpful spin on AI I've seen so far

The good news (at least according to Miller) is that the Browser Company doesn't plan to abandon Arc. It knows it has a small but rabid fan base that probably would revolt if the company gave up on Arc. I certainly hope that's not just spin because The Browser Company hit on something special. I've watched browsers come and go. I've seen exciting new features added to browsers, only to be pulled because people didn't use them. Once again, we're back to that fear of change.

Sometimes such new features are game-changing. Such is the case with Arc's Spaces feature, the best tab management feature on the market. The only browser that comes remotely close to it is Opera's Workspaces.

Arc also has a command tool that enables you to open new sites, search, and much more. There's also the split view, Little Arc, Peek, and more features that set Arc apart from other browsers.

Also: 5 ways Arc browser makes browsing the web fun again

When I first started using Arc, my initial reaction was, "This is how a browser should work!" I continue to feel that way. If The Browser Company drops Arc, I'll go right back to Opera as my default on every operating system I use. Sure, I could use Arc and hope The Browser Company does the right thing and continues development. But I have a feeling that's not going to be the case. Here's what suspect will happen:

The Browser Company creates a more Chrome-like browser infused with AI in a way no other browser company has attempted.The new browser gets a bit of attention and perhaps far more traction than Arc ever did.
The Browser Company ends Arc in favor of the new browser.

I certainly hope The Browser Company follows through with its claim that it is not abandoning Arc. But, after decades of writing about technology, I just don't see that happening. Why? Resources. If The Browser Company is finding that not enough people are using Arc and have decided to go the simpler (more familiar) route, I can't see them dedicating a team to continue working on Arc.

Also: The best secure browsers for privacy: Expert tested

That could mean one of two things: Arc gets the boot, or Arc continues but only receives security updates.

For me, Arc is the perfect browser and nothing needs to change. The Browser Company could keep Arc as-is but continue to support it via security updates and various fixes (when necessary). However, if the company jettisons Arc in favor of a simpler browser, I cannot see myself migrating to its new product. Instead, I'll head right back to Opera, especially given some of the cool new features Opera has released (such as Dynamic Themes).

But perhaps there's a third possible scenario: If more people adopted Arc as their default browser, it could send a message to The Browser Company that it already has a hit on its hands. 

Also: Opera delivers a browser so dynamic it'll make your friends on Chrome jealous

Seriously, if you want the best browser on the market, I would highly recommend you install Arc on either MacOS or Windows and see what it's all about. It'll take you five minutes to get the feel of how it works and once you do, you'll be hooked. You can download the installer for either platform here.

The Browser Company, if you're listening, please know that Arc browser has a lot of fans who'd love to see this browser continue and even grow. If you follow through with your plan, don't abandon Arc because some of us see it for what it is -- the best browser on the market.