Searching the web is finally evolved beyond "did you google that?"
Arc + Perplexity are my newest obsessions in tech and AI
There are so many new applications and platforms and services for us to try, especially with the explosion of AI (artificial intelligence) tools. It feels like an endless parade of new platforms, tools, companies, utilities, and ideas have been announced or started since ChaptGPT was launched publicly last year.
Of course, the work on AI has been ongoing for 20+ years. The idea being that AI can supplement our daily lives to make things more efficient, more interesting, and remove the mundane tasks, while propelling ingenuity and knowledge growth. I think we are a way off from that, even with some of the stories coming out around AI’s use in healthcare, mining, and administrative tasks.
If you are interested in learning more or staying up to date on tech, I would recommend the following podcasts: Pivot, Big Technology Podcast, or Offline.
This article will not focus on AI or the current tech landscape. I simply want to share two new products that have been developed over the last year or two. They are helpful in online searching and browsing. They are called: ARC The Browser Company and Perplexity AI.
FIRST on my list is Arc, the Browser Company. I started using this new tool about 5 months ago and have fully fallen in love. First of all, it is pretty - the design of this product is exactly what I was looking for. Clean lines, futuristic but still warm and inviting. Most importantly - it is super customizable.
My ADHD, neurodivergent mind is obsessed and we love a company that ensures all forms of thinking are included and welcomed. It allows for multiple “spaces” to organize, it syncs seamlessly between desktop or phones, and it has very neat built in functions such easels and note taking whiteboards, archiving tabs, and seamless access to downloads and media.
Finally, the company has incredible customer service support and responses!
I cannot recommend this platform enough! Here’s a link to download Arc: Arc Download Link
Ok, the second application I NEED to share immediately with folks is PERPLEXITY - which is now FULLY SUPPORTED BY ARC! AH!
I have only started using this search engine recently, but have fallen IN LOVE with it. It is an evolved way to search for information. For example, it does not rely on the algorithm of google which flattens searches, rather it uses integrated artificial intelligence in order to provide an overview to the question posed in the search, provides multiple links, and it suggests other questions or queries in order to get more information or additional details.
The key here is that the summary it generates uses references, meaning, it is not pretending to generate the information, instead, it summarizes it for you transparently. You can check out a more in-depth review of the search system here: Elegant Themes Blog
Perplexity website to download the application
I had the need to share these two applications and hope that if you try them out, that you will also find them just as useful. As always, give developers constructive feedback so they can make these products better!
Buy me a Coffee!
-Joshua