Google Chrome has released a new update to Chrome 108. It has added two new modes to the browser, Memory Saver and Energy Saver, to improve browser performance and battery life. You can now find a new Performance tab in your Google Chrome browser settings in the sidebar. You’ll be able to configure these modes to launch and adjust them quickly.
Let me start by telling you about Memory Saver mode. Google says this mode is needed to “free memory from inactive tabs” so that active websites run “as smoothly as possible” and other running applications get “more computer resources.” Note that inactive tabs remain visible. When you open that tab, it will reload.
Also, in the Chrome address bar on the right side, you will see the “Memory Saving Enabled” icon. When you click on this icon, you can see how many KB of memory have been freed up for other tabs. Google reports that this feature can save you up to 30% of the memory that this mode saves. You can also disable this feature from this tip.
Another thing that appears in Chrome is the “Always keep these sites active” list under the settings switch, which allows you to prevent Chrome from disabling specific sites from Memory Saver mode. Google recommends using a memory saver to “keep active tabs with videos and games running smoothly.”
The second Energy Saver feature will allow you to reduce power consumption and extend your battery life. Chrome does this by limiting background activity and image capture speed. Visual effects such as animations, smooth scrolling, and video frame rates will also be reduced.
Google notes that “you may notice game and video performance changes.” A special leaf icon to the right of the Omnibox marks it. You can turn it on manually or select one of the following features:
- Turn on only when the battery charge is 20% or lower.
- Turn it on when the computer is unplugged.
Both of these modes should appear on Windows, Mac, and Chromebook platforms. The company hasn’t said anything yet about a release on Linux. It will be available in the next few weeks worldwide all at once.
