The mobile web browser, Arc Search from The Browser Company, has introduced an innovative feature that sets it apart from traditional search engines. Known as “Browse for me,” this feature utilizes AI to search the web and deliver a summary of the information instead of a usual list of search results. Another AI feature, “pinch to summarize,” offers an AI-generated summary of individual web pages. While these features have garnered attention for their uniqueness, it seems that Apple may be attempting to incorporate similar capabilities into its own ecosystem, a phenomenon often referred to as “sherlocking.”
The term “sherlocking” originated when Apple released a finder app named Sherlock that bore similarities to a third-party finder app called Watson in the late 1990s. Ever since, whenever Apple introduces a new feature or app that appears to be inspired by third-party products, it is labeled as “sherlocking.” Apple has faced accusations of sherlocking various products in recent years, including features such as using the iPhone as a webcam, utilizing the iPad as a second screen, and providing a buy now, pay later service comparable to existing BNPL apps. Many features related to health and productivity also initially emerged from the third-party developer community.
With the upcoming release of iOS 18, Apple’s plan to introduce “smart recaps” and other AI-powered enhancements for core apps like Photos, Notes, and Safari has come to light. “Smart recaps” would provide users with summaries of missed notifications, text messages, web pages, news articles, documents, notes, and other media. This development seems to align with the concept behind Arc’s AI capabilities, which could potentially be affected by Apple’s actions.
Arc’s distinctive feature of summarizing the web using AI has contributed significantly to its reputation and continued innovation. The company recently launched “Call Arc,” a new way to search the web using AI, where users can ask questions verbally by raising their phones to their ears. In addition to “Browse for me” and “pinch to summarize,” Arc aims to provide users with AI-driven tools to enhance their search experience. Other startups have also focused on using AI to summarize news, with apps such as Particle, Bulletin, and Break the Web gaining attention.
If Apple integrates AI-powered recaps into its Safari browser, it may reduce the demand for alternative browsers or apps that offer similar AI tools. However, this should not significantly impact Arc’s growth. The startup behind Arc is committed to exploring other concepts in addition to AI summaries, such as reducing distractions, organizing tabs, blocking ads, and developing an AI assistant named Max.
In conclusion, the introduction of unique AI features by Arc Search has set it apart from traditional search engines. However, Apple’s potential incorporation of similar capabilities into its ecosystem may impact the demand for alternative solutions. Nonetheless, Arc continues to evolve by experimenting with ideas beyond AI summaries, ensuring that it remains a viable option for users seeking an innovative web browsing experience.
Source link
