Browser companies contemplate selling or open-sourcing arc browser within a pivot focused on AI

The browser company said Tuesday that it is considering selling or open sourceing ARC browsers as it aims to divert resources to the development of a new AI-powered browser called DIA.

At work DIA was announced in December 2024admitted that ARC is a complex browser for many users and wanted to build a product that appeals to the masses. Since then, browser companies have issued bug fixes and security updates for ARC, but have stopped app development and added features.

in New blog postscompany CEO Josh Miller said ARC Browser had encountered a “novel tax” issue.

“For most people, Ark was so different, there was too much new thing to learn. Plus, with too little reward (…), Ark lacked cohesion in both its core capabilities and core values.

The browser company said it has no plans to shut down ARC completely, but it has considered selling or open source. But Miller says the challenge with open source browsers is that it is built on top of the Arc Development Kit, an internal SDK that is also a core component of the new browser DIA, and does not want to provide that IP.

“We want an open source arc one day, but we can’t do that meaningfully without opening sources either. ADK is still at the core of our value. That doesn’t mean that it never happens,” Miller said.

especially, Many Ark Browser user We are asking the company to turn it into an open source project.

The browser company DIA browser is still in alpha testing. The company says it won’t give a wider release date, but it will be available to test the browser with ARC members.