Chrome browser with massive performance update, support for M1 chip and more

11/18/2020, 10:00 a.m.

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Chrome 87 is here. Google’s last browser update before the end of the year delivers, according to the group, the largest increase in performance in years. The new version has even more on board.

Google has a little pre-Christmas present for Chrome users: With the new version 87 of the browser, Google’s developers have worked hard and optimized the software to make the software more efficient and faster, explains Chrome boss Matt Waddell.

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Google Chrome 87 is supposed to extend runtime

According to Google, Chrome from version 87 prioritizes the active over inactive tabs, explains Waddle. This reduces the CPU load by a factor of five and extends the battery life – based on Google’s internal benchmarks – by up to 1.25 hours. According to Google, the optimizations and the focus on active tabs would not have a negative impact on background functions such as playing music or receiving notifications.

In addition, Chrome should now start up to 25 percent faster and websites open up to seven percent faster – while the browser uses less energy and memory for these actions than before. In the Chrome browser on Android, pages will now load without delay when navigating backwards and forwards, Google promises.

Chrome 87 extends tab functions and functions of the Omnibar

The update to Chrome 87 also expands the functionality of tabs to keep track of things. In the last few months, Google had already integrated functions for pinning, grouping and sending tabs. Now you can also search for tabs. However, the new function will first be used with Chrome OS, at a later date it will be made available on all platforms.

Furthermore, Google is expanding the function of the address bar, which is also called Omnibar, with so-called Chrome Actions (or Chrome Actions). In the future, certain functions should be able to be performed by entering them in the address bar. Examples are the editing of passwords saved in Chrome or the deletion of the browser history: If you enter “Edit passwords” or “Delete history”, the actions should now be carried out directly via the bar.

According to Google, the first Chrome actions, which are initially provided on the desktop, revolve around privacy and security. In addition to the examples mentioned, it is also possible, for example, to update the browser by command, to open an incognito window or to manage the payment methods stored.

In addition, when you open a new tab, an overview of your recent searches for gifts or recipes should be displayed. If you click on these cards, you will be taken to recently visited and related content, according to Google. Until further notice, the new map view should only appear for some users. In the next year, Google plans to add more entertainment cards.

Chrome 87 gets new cards in the New Tab window – but not for everyone yet. (Image: Google)

Chrome 87 as an optimized version for Macs with M1 chip

The new Chrome version is now available for updates for all platforms from Android to Windows. In addition, Google has adapted its browser for Apple’s new Macbooks with M1 chips. The update for the M1 Macs was already available for a short time, but Google withdrew the version shortly after the release due to errors.

Once it’s ready, users can find it on Google’s Chrome website. According to Elvin Hu, Interaction Designer at Google, a selection window should appear there in order to load the correct version.

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