Google has released an update for the Chrome browser, focusing on memory management and better tab optimization. The update introduces new features to help users manage resource-heavy tabs more effectively. Among the key additions are “Performance Notifications” and enhancements to the existing Memory Saver mode.
Performance Notifications and Memory Saver Updates
The Performance Notifications feature alerts users when a tab starts consuming excessive system resources. As The Verge notes, a small speedometer icon appears next to the user’s avatar in the toolbar when this happens. By clicking the icon, users can see a list of problematic tabs and select either “Dismiss” or “Fix Now” to address the issue.
Along with notifications, the Memory Saver mode—introduced in 2022—has also been updated. This feature freezes inactive tabs to free up system resources. According to Google spokesperson Scott Westover, the mode now offers three levels: Moderate, Balanced, and Maximum. These options allow users to customize how aggressively Chrome manages tabs based on their preferences.
- Moderate: Analyzes system needs and manages tabs accordingly.
- Balanced: Balances system needs with user behavior patterns.
- Maximum: Deactivates tabs immediately after they are no longer in use.
Enabling and Configuring the New Features
To activate the new features, open Chrome’s menu, navigate to Settings, and select the Performance tab. There, users can enable performance notifications and configure Memory Saver settings. These improvements aim to offer a more efficient browsing experience, especially for users juggling multiple tabs or working with limited system resources.
We’ll keep you updated on further enhancements to Chrome’s performance features as they roll out.