Arc Browser’s Exciting New Feature: Previews Explained
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Chapter 1: Unveiling the Previews Feature
The Arc browser consistently impresses me with its ongoing updates from the development team. I previously shared my thoughts on its features in an article about a week ago, which you can find linked below. One standout functionality I discussed was the "Favourites" section, designed for easy access to frequently visited sites. However, I overlooked another remarkable addition: the "Previews" feature.
Previews offer the ability to view top sites without needing to switch tabs. According to the documentation, this functionality allows users to glance at their favorite services seamlessly.
Section 1.1: How Previews Works
So, what does this look like in practice? For instance, when I preview my Outlook.com account, I can quickly check unread emails and other vital information. Currently supported services include:
- Gmail/Outlook Mail: View recent messages and create new emails.
- Google Calendar/Outlook Calendar: Check upcoming events and join meetings.
- GitHub: Monitor open pull requests and their approval status.
- Notion: View and create recent pages.
- Figma: Access recent files and generate new ones.
- Linear: Review issues and create new ones.
In my case, I primarily use Outlook for personal emails. The email preview feature works flawlessly, allowing me to view my inbox and compose new messages. However, I encountered an issue with the Outlook Calendar.
Subsection 1.1.1: Troubles with Calendar Integration
Despite multiple attempts, I struggled to sign into my Calendar. Even after signing out and back in, I faced the same problem. Interestingly, when I clicked the plus button to create a new event, it allowed me to proceed, suggesting I was indeed signed in, but the correct preview wasn’t displaying.
This led to another hiccup: when composing a new email, if I decide not to send it, I can easily delete it. Unfortunately, this functionality doesn’t exist for creating calendar appointments; once you start, there’s no cancel option. This seems more like an Outlook issue than a fault of Arc, but it does disrupt the user experience slightly.
Section 1.2: Conclusion and Thoughts
In summary, the Previews feature is an exciting addition that enhances my experience with the Arc browser, helping me manage my online activities more effectively. As more services become essential to my daily routine, this capability solidifies Arc as my primary browser.
For further information on the Previews feature, you can refer to the documentation linked here.
Chapter 2: Video Insights
The second video titled "Why Arc Browser Might Be Your Next Favorite Web Browser" provides an overview of the browser's unique features and its appeal to users looking for a fresh browsing experience.
If you're interested in trying out Arc, which is currently invite-only, feel free to reach out for a code; I'm happy to share!