News at a glance
- Arc Search introduces “Call Arc,” a new ai-powered voice search feature for iPhone.
- Users can ask questions by holding the phone to their ear as if they were making a call.
- The feature provides verbal responses, accompanied by an animated smiley face.
- “Call Arc” plays music on hold while you search for answers, improving the user experience.
- Arc Search continues to innovate in the competitive market for browsers and artificial intelligence assistants.
The Browser Company has launched a unique feature for its iPhone-only Arc Search app, called “Call Arc.” This new feature allows users to ask questions and receive verbal answers by holding the phone to their ear, as if it were a phone call. It stands out as an innovative twist to traditional voice search functionalities, making the search experience more conversational and intuitive.
Also read: Google considers charging for ai-enhanced search: what you need to know
A new way to search
Arc Search, launched in January, has already made waves with its ai-powered browsing experience. The introduction of Call Arc elevates this experience by integrating a gesture-based search mechanism. Users simply open the Arc Search app, hold their phone to their ear, and ask a question. This action triggers voice search, which then provides immediate verbal responses. The familiar gesture of making a phone call makes the feature seem natural and accessible, even to those who are less tech savvy.
Also read: Top 30+ ChatGPT Alternatives You Can Try in 2024 (Free & Paid)
How Call Arc works
When starting a call with Call Arc, users hear music on hold while the app searches for answers. This short waiting period is designed to make the experience more engaging, much like waiting for a real phone call. Once the app finds the answer, it delivers it verbally, accompanied by an animated smiley face that mimics speech. The interface also includes an end call button and a speakerphone option, adding to the illusion of the phone call.
Innovative interface and functionality
The Call Arc feature is more than just a trick. Leverage Arc Search's artificial intelligence capabilities to provide fast and accurate answers to user queries. The interface is designed to be easy to use, with options to read more detailed answers if you wish. This functionality is supported by Arc's “Search for Me” feature, which uses Large OpenAI language models to select and summarize search results in an easy-to-read format. The “Pinch to Summarize” feature also makes it a versatile tool for users looking for concise information on web pages.
Compete in a crowded market
Arc Search is positioning itself as a strong competitor against established browsers like Safari and Chrome, as well as ai assistants like Siri. The Browser Company's frequent and significant updates are a testament to its commitment to innovation. By introducing features like Call Arc, Arc Search aims to differentiate itself in a market dominated by giants. However, competition is fierce and Apple plans its own ai-powered improvements to Safari and Siri.
Also read: Top 10 ai Search Engines Shaping the Digital Frontier
Our opinion
Arc Search's Call Arc feature is an interesting addition to mobile search. The simplicity of making a phone call to harness the power of ai promises a seamless and engaging user experience. As ai evolves further, features like Call Arc will integrate more naturally into our daily lives. While it remains to be seen how competitors will respond to this innovative approach, it certainly sets a new standard for voice-activated search functionalities.
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