As a power user of the Arc Browser and Perplexity, I’ve gradually moved away from relying on Google Search for most of my queries. The combination of Arc’s innovative features and Perplexity’s AI-driven insights has transformed how I consume information online. One feature that has particularly stood out is the “Pinch to Summarize” functionality, available on Arc’s mobile version. This tool has become an indispensable part of my daily browsing routine, especially when dealing with news articles, long-form content, and even YouTube videos. It’s a feature that not only saves time but also helps me decide whether a piece of content is worth diving into. That said, I do wish it were available on laptops or bigger screens, as it would significantly enhance my workflow across devices.
The Pinch to Summarize feature works seamlessly on mobile across various types of content. When reading news articles or blog posts, a simple pinch gesture on the screen generates a concise summary of the text. This is particularly useful when I’m skimming through multiple sources and need to quickly extract the core ideas without reading the entire piece. The summaries are accurate and capture the essence of the content, allowing me to stay informed without spending excessive time on each article. What’s impressive is how well it handles complex topics, distilling them into digestible snippets that are easy to understand. This feature has become a game-changer for staying updated in a world where information overload is a constant challenge.
Another area where Pinch to Summarize shines is its ability to work with YouTube videos. Often, I come across lengthy videos that I’m unsure are worth my time. With this feature, I can quickly generate a summary of the video’s key points, helping me decide whether to watch it in full or move on. This is especially helpful for educational content, tutorials, or news updates where the gist of the video is often more important than the entire runtime. The accuracy of these summaries is solid, and they provide enough context to make an informed decision. It’s like having a personal assistant that filters out the noise and delivers only what’s relevant. However, since this feature is currently limited to mobile, I find myself wishing for its expansion to desktop or laptop screens, where much of my work and research happens.
What I appreciate most about Pinch to Summarize is its ability to help me prioritize my reading and viewing habits. In a world where content is abundant but time is limited, this feature acts as a filter, ensuring that I only engage with material that aligns with my interests or needs. It’s not just about saving time; it’s about optimizing the way I consume information. Whether I’m researching a topic, catching up on the news, or exploring new ideas, Pinch to Summarize has become an essential tool in my digital toolkit. That said, its current limitation to mobile devices feels like a missed opportunity. I hope the Arc team considers bringing this feature to laptops and bigger screens soon, as it would further enhance productivity and streamline the way we interact with content across platforms. For anyone who values efficiency and clarity in their online experience, this feature is worth exploring—especially once it becomes available on more devices.