Google Releases Chrome Memory and Energy Optimisation Features
Google's new Chrome update makes the popular web browser less of a memory and battery hog.
The search engine giant today released new optimisation features on the desktop version of Chrome that reduces its usage of resources. Memory Saver and Energy Saver, the two optimisation modes first announced in December last year, are now hitting Mac, Windows and Chromebooks via the Chrome 110 update.
Memory Saver snoozes tabs you aren't currently using to free up RAM for other tasks and maintain a smooth browsing experience. Your snoozed tabs shall remain visible on your browser, and you can simply click on them to pick up where you might have left off. You can also mark websites that you want exempt from Memory Saver, allowing them to run unrestricted. Google said the feature can reduce memory usage by up to 30%, which can be useful if your computer doesn't have a lot of RAM or if you tend to run other applications in the background.
Meanwhile, Energy Saver limits background activity and visual effects for websites, including smooth scrolling, animations and videos to lessen energy consumption and prolong battery life. You can have the optimisation feature activate automatically when the device you're running Chrome on drops to 20% battery. Alternatively, you can also have it activated from the moment you unplug your device from a power source. Google, however, didn't say how much power you can possibly save if you keep the feature turned on.
Both Memory Saver and Energy Saver are enabled by default when you install Chrome 110. But you can disable them at any time by heading to the Performance tab of your system settings – that's the three-dot menu at the top-right corner of your browser – and toggling them off. You can also check if you're running Chrome 110 by clicking About Chrome in your system settings.
Google in December said it wanted to bring the two new optimisation features to Chrome because performance is more than just about speed.
Google has released new optimisation features on the desktop version of Chrome that reduces its usage of resources.
Memory Saver and Energy Saver, the two optimisation modes first announced in December last year, are now hitting Mac, Windows and Chromebooks via the Chrome 110 update.
Memory Saver snoozes tabs you aren't currently using to free up RAM for other tasks and maintain a smooth browsing experience.
Meanwhile, Energy Saver limits background activity and visual effects for websites, including smooth scrolling, animations and videos to lessen energy consumption and prolong battery life.