Browser: Chrome should consume less RAM and save battery

While Chrome is a powerful browser, it is also commonly considered a resource hog as it requires more memory than other browsers and consumes battery faster. In Canary Nightly builds of the browser, Google is now testing a new memory saver, and the power saver also kicks in at 20 percent or more.

Save 40 percent or 10 GB of RAM

The latest version of Chrome for desktop comes with two different performance modes, with the new memory saver claiming up to 40 percent or 10GB less RAM than the previous standard mode. So this is not a valid optimization of the browser in general, but Chrome simply keeps fewer tabs available in main memory, which stay open in the background but need to be reloaded when you return to them. Performance of active tabs should benefit from this, but Google also mentions improvements for complex applications that run in parallel, such as video editing software or games.

The memory saver will be offered for Chrome on Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS, but it cannot yet be found in the settings of the current M108 stable build. What Ars Technica however, it is reported in the configuration of Canarian night constructions However, finding an option to keep all tabs active all the time. Google’s support section explains where Memory Saver and Power Saver in settings it can be found if it is a compatible version.

Energy savings of 20 percent of the remaining capacity

Power saver can optionally be automatically activated as soon as a laptop reaches the 20 percent remaining capacity mark. To save battery life, background browser activity is limited, and Chrome also reduces visual effects on websites with animations and videos.

Chrome M108 supports passkeys

In the current stable version M108, on the other hand, has the Access key support done that to replace passwords and in contrast to these, they should no longer allow themselves to be compromised or their owners to fall victim to phishing attacks. The IT world also wants to use it to address insecure passwords that are used multiple times, where losing them means potentially breaking into multiple accounts.

Access keys are generated on the login device and are supported by Chrome M108 on Windows 11, macOS, and Android platforms. Access keys can be managed in Chrome settings on Windows and macOS. On Android, access keys are encrypted and synced through Google Password Manager or other password managers that support access keys. Saved access keys can be used on Android via autofill for apps and websites. An Android or iOS mobile device can also be used to sign in on the desktop. Google explains how developers can use access keys for their websites using the WebAuthn API in the area of ​​web development.