Google Chrome, the popular web browser from Google, has been infamous for being a big battery hog on Mac laptops. The reason behind this issue was the way Chrome handles website content and graphics rendering, which consumed a lot of energy and caused significant drain on the battery. However, Google has recently addressed this issue by introducing several changes and optimizations to Chrome that significantly reduce its impact on the Mac laptop’s battery life.
With the latest version of Google Chrome, version 89, the company has introduced a slew of improvements and optimizations that substantially reduce its battery consumption on Macs. These optimizations include reducing the number of separate processes that are launched to handle website content, improving the efficiency of the GPU rendering process, and implementing other power-saving features such as reduced timer frequency and scheduling of background tasks.
One of the primary reasons why Google Chrome was a big battery hog on Mac laptops in the past was the use of multiple processes for handling website content. Each tab and extension in the browser launched a separate process, which created a significant load on the CPU and resulted in high battery consumption. However, with the latest version of Chrome, Google has brought down the number of individual processes that are launched by a single tab or extension, thereby reducing the overall CPU and battery usage.
Another significant optimization introduced by Google is related to the GPU rendering process. Google Chrome uses the GPU to render website graphics, and this process can be a considerable battery drain on Mac laptops. However, with version 89, Google has introduced a new feature known as “tab throttling,” which reduces the amount of GPU resources allocated to a tab that is not currently in use, thereby cutting down on battery consumption.
Google has also implemented several other power-saving features in Chrome, such as reducing the timer frequency of background tasks and scheduling them to run during idle periods, when the Mac laptop is not in active use. These optimizations ensure that Chrome is not needlessly consuming battery resources and only utilizes them when necessary.
Overall, these changes have resulted in a significant reduction in Chrome’s battery consumption on Macs. Several battery tests conducted by independent reviewers have shown that Chrome’s battery performance on Macs has significantly improved with the latest version, with the browser consuming up to 50% less battery compared to the previous versions. This improvement is a significant step towards making Chrome a more energy-efficient browser that can help users get more out of their Mac laptops without sacrificing performance or battery life.
However, it is worth noting that Chrome is still a relatively resource-intensive browser compared to some of its competitors, such as Safari or Firefox. Thus, users who are looking for the best possible battery performance on their Macs should consider switching to one of these browsers, especially if they do not need the specific features and capabilities offered by Chrome.
In conclusion, the latest version of Google Chrome brings several much-needed optimizations that reduce its impact on the battery life of Mac laptops. These optimizations have resulted in a significant improvement in Chrome’s battery performance on Macs, making it a more energy-efficient and practical option for users who prefer the browser’s features and capabilities. While Chrome may still be resource-intensive compared to some of its competitors, the improvements made by Google are a step in the right direction towards making it a better and more efficient browser for Mac users.