First impressions from testing Dia-an AI-powered browser that promises to change how we work with the web. What works, what doesn’t, and when it’s worth using in practice...
I've used Arc since the first days it was available. For me it wasn't just another browser, but a completely new way of working, a cleaner environment, better organisation, a faster workflow.
When The Browser Company announced Dia, it was clear to me that I had to try it. There was only one question: is it a real step forward, or just more hype around "AI everywhere"?
First impressions
Dia feels much more "classic" than Arc, at first glance it resembles Chrome. And in my view that is the plan. With Arc you have to change your habits, with Dia it looks like a "familiar browser + AI".
The biggest difference is that AI isn't off to the side, but right in the core of the browser:
- The Command Bar decides whether it's a search, opening a website or an AI query.
- With @Mention Tabs I can pull specific tabs into a prompt.
- Split View lets me open several pages and compare them right away with AI.
- Skills are workflows I can reuse, for example for writing, research or comparing suppliers.
All this saves time I would otherwise spend copying between the browser and an external AI tool.
What works great
- Context is king: the AI has access to my tabs, so the answers are much more accurate than in a classic chatbot.
- Research sprints: within 15 minutes I have a competitor summary, a SWOT and a slide outline, something that would normally take an hour.
- Skills: I like that I don't have to think about prompts over and over, I just use a ready-made workflow.
- Privacy model: I appreciate that conversations and history are encrypted locally and partners must not train on the data. For companies this is essential.
What disappointed me or is still missing
- macOS + Apple Silicon only: if you have Windows, you're out of luck. That is a big limit for company rollout for now.
- Enterprise features aren't ready: SSO, an admin console and SOC2 are missing. That means it won't get into a corporation any time soon.
- Stability: now and then split view froze or the command bar didn't respond. It's a beta, but during longer work it slows you down a bit.
- Learning curve: although Dia is simpler than Arc, it's still not plug-and-play for complete newcomers. You need a while to get used to it.
Practical tricks and tips for Dia
1. @Mention Tabs If you have several sources open, just type @ and the name of the tab. The AI then works only with those sources, ideal when preparing a SWOT analysis or comparing vendors .
2. Split View Dia lets you open up to three pages side by side and have the AI "connect" the data. Great for comparing products or market reports .
3. Command Bar as a universal input You don't have to decide whether you want to search on Google or use AI. You type a query and Dia decides whether it opens a page, runs a search, or answers you straight away .
4. Memory Dia remembers the context of your work between sessions. You can come back the next day and continue where you left off. If that bothers you, Memory can simply be switched off in the settings .
5. Skills You save repeating workflows (writing emails, fact-checking, research) as "Skills". There is already a public gallery where you can find ready-made tools such as:
✍️ Writing
- /summarize, summarises a text into a clear output with one click
- /explain, explains a complex concept simply and clearly
- /analysis, analyses the content, finds patterns and connections
- /rephrase, rephrases a text to make it more readable and fluent
- /reply, creates a thoughtful reply or comment
- /copy-edit, fixes grammar, spelling and style
🎥 Videos
- /recap, converts content into short, easily digestible points
- /top-quotes, pulls out the most important quotes or passages
- /table-of-contents, creates a quick overview (contents) from a text or video
💻 Coding
- /pr-description, writes a PR description based on code and context
- /diagram, generates an ASCII diagram to visualise relationships in code
- /review, analyses code and suggests improvements or additions
P.S. It's a beta and some features don't work now and then!
6. Ad Block built in by default Ads and trackers are blocked before they even load. The result is cleaner and faster browsing .
7. Study packs (Student Pack) Although it is aimed at students, they can be used at work too, for example a fact-checker or tools for quick learning and explaining complex charts .
Real impact
When I did an ROI calculation, it comes to more than 160 hours saved a year per person. I see the biggest savings in preparing emails, tidying up meeting notes and quickly comparing sources.
That is no longer a "cool AI toy", but a measurable shift. And that is exactly where I see the value: Dia gives AI context and turns it into a truly productive tool.
Conclusion
Arc changed how a browser looks. Dia changes what AI can do in it.
If you want to be among the first to find out how AI can speed up research, decision-making and everyday work, I recommend launching a pilot.
I'm already testing Dia and collecting data. If you want to see my pilot playbook with ROI calculations and a security checklist, write to me, I'll gladly share.
The article was first published on LinkedIn. Original article on LinkedIn
