Google Chrome is introducing a new “Performance Panel” that will allow users to manage performance-related features, similar to Microsoft Edge’s “browser essentials.” This panel is part of Google’s efforts to emphasize the speed, efficiency, and security of its browser. One key feature of the Performance Panel is “Memory Saver,” which prioritizes memory for active tabs and releases memory from inactive tabs for more efficient usage. Another potential feature is a battery-saving mode that prompts users to activate it when their device’s battery level drops to 20%. This panel offers benefits similar to Microsoft Edge’s dashboard.

Google is implementing this feature in response to Microsoft Edge’s “browser essentials,” which includes a performance dashboard for monitoring memory usage and tab performance. The Performance Panel will be available on Google Chrome for Windows 11 and macOS in the coming months.

While the specifics of how Chrome will help save memory through the Performance Panel are not yet known, users may be able to monitor memory consumption. According to Chromium bug posts, Google has been working on the design of this performance sidebar, aiming to assist developers in testing data integration techniques and assessing display outputs seamlessly.

To simplify prototyping, Google has added the scaffolding for a blank side panel in Chromium, as mentioned by a Chrome developer. This indicates that the design of the new performance side panel is in its final stages.

Another feature highlighted by the Performance Panel is “Memory Saver,” which optimizes resources for active tabs. When activated, Chrome prioritizes resources towards active tabs, ensuring that memory is used only when the user is actively using the browser. For example, if multiple tabs of Instagram are open but the user has been on the YouTube tab for a while, Chrome will temporarily release memory from the inactive Instagram tabs to allocate it to YouTube and other active browser features.

This move is in line with Google’s ongoing efforts to implement performance-related changes in Chrome, such as new tab discard controls. The Performance Panel may also include a battery-saving mode that prompts users to activate it when their device’s battery level reaches 20%. This feature aims to improve the browser’s battery efficiency.

In summary, Google Chrome’s Performance Panel is part of the company’s strategy to highlight the efficiency, speed, and security of its browser. It aims to provide users with tools for managing performance-related features, similar to Microsoft Edge’s browser essentials. By optimizing memory usage and offering battery-saving features, Chrome aims to enhance user experience and overall browser performance.