Google Chrome's new memory saver and energy saver modes seek to optimize hardware resource use

Google's upcoming releases of the Chrome web browser brings along with it two new optimization options in the form of "Memory Saver" and "Energy Saver."

The modes, both being introduced into the stable release branch of Google Chrome in the coming weeks, are designed to free up system resources to optimize both RAM utilization and battery life. Google claims that, when enabled, Memory Saver will use "40 percent less memory" by unloading inactive tabs from your device's RAM, and reloading them when they're clicked or tapped on. Though this may result in the loss of the tab's state (important for pages with dynamic content or forms you're filling out), the feature can be toggled on and off at any time.

The other mode, Energy Saver, will automatically be enabled when your device's memory reaches 20 percent or less. The mode will "...[limit] background activity and visual effects for websites with animations and videos," according to Google's description. This feature can also be toggled on and off, just like Memory Saver.

These modes will be coming to Google Chrome on devices running Windows, macOS and ChromeOS globally over the next few weeks. Further platforms were not announced as of this post.

Further coverage: Google Blog Ars Technica gHacks Tech News