I just started using the Arc browser today. I was on the waiting list for the Windows beta for a while.
So far, I'm not really impressed. I know these are the early days for the browser, but there are a couple of things that really bug me:
-- My scroll wheel doesn't work. It's simply unacceptable to release a browser in 2024 with that kind of piss poor compatibility. It's a regular Logitech trackball. I've never had a piece of software have trouble with it befo.
-- The lack of customizability. Okay, you can adjust what Web sites look like (although i would point out that deviating from what the Web designer intended doesn't usually end up in a better experience) but it should be
my choice where I put my tabs. You want to let me pin them or let them expire, that's fine, but at least give me a say in the matter.
-- Aside from maybe the scrapbook/easel, there doesn't seem to be a lot new here. Having used Vivaldi as my main browser for a few years now, I'm already accustomed to the good parts of Arc.
-- I'm not super-skittish about privacy, but unless I'm missing something, Arc's ad settings are the loosest I've ever seen on a browser. From what I've seen when going through the privacy settings, if you want to block ads, you're on your own. Like I said, I'm not a fanatic about privacy, but some rudimentary ad blocking would be nice.
I know it's early days, but I don't consider this a promising start.
Arc is a new browser from the aptly named Browser Company, and it offers a different way of doing things that impressed me. Here's a peek at some of the cool features on offer.
I almost ditched Chrome for this web browser — here's why : Read more