The AI-powered browser Dia, recently acquired by Atlassian for $610 million, draws heavily on features from its predecessor, Arc, while introducing AI-native functionality such as memory and agents. Dia aims to combine Arc’s popular elements, including sidebar mode, pinned tabs, and custom shortcuts, with a streamlined architecture optimized for speed and security.
Arc, developed by The Browser Company and released in mid-2023, was praised for innovative features like separate workspaces, a Command Bar, and a multi-functional sidebar. However, founder Josh Miller acknowledged that Arc’s complexity limited adoption, prompting the company to wind it down and open source its code. Lessons learned from Arc now inform Dia’s design, giving the team insight into which modern browsing features resonate with users.
Dia is testing pinned tabs, exploring the transition of Arc’s Spaces feature, and adding AI-driven enhancements. Following Atlassian’s acquisition, the company plans deeper integrations with Jira and other productivity apps, while maintaining operational independence. The browser is expected to continue evolving with user feedback, including mobile app improvements slated for 2026.
