How to Save Memory and Battery with Google Chrome’s New Features

Google has announced that it is introducing memory and energy saver modes for its Chrome browser. Over the past 14 years, Chrome has been notorious for being a resource hog, consuming more and more of a computer’s memory and battery life as time went on. However, the new features, which were first announced in December 2022, will reduce the strain on users’ computers by freeing up RAM for other pages and apps and limiting background activity, video frame rates, and animated effects.

Both features will be enabled by default in Chrome 110 for Windows, Mac, and Chromebook desktops, but users can disable them from the Performance section of the Chrome settings. Memory Saver will put inactive tabs on ice to free up RAM for other pages and apps. If users click on a frozen tab, they will be able to continue from where they left off. Users will know that the tab was inactive and is now in use again by the speedometer icon in the address bar. Users also have the option to exempt certain sites from Memory Saver. Google claims that the feature reduces Chrome’s memory usage by up to 30 percent. However, users can also help reduce memory usage by closing tabs they aren’t using.

Energy Saver, on the other hand, can start limiting background activity, video frame rates, and animated effects when the user’s laptop or Chromebook’s battery level drops below 20 percent. Users can configure the feature to kick in as soon as they unplug the charger to improve efficiency. When Energy Saver is active, users will see a leaf icon next to the address bar, and there will be fewer visual effects in the tab they are using.

The new features are a welcome addition for Chrome users who have been struggling with the browser’s memory and battery usage. With Memory and Energy Saver modes, users can now enjoy a more optimized browsing experience while reducing the strain on their computers.