Skip to main content

Google Chrome “never-slow mode” could significantly speed up web browsing

Chrome OS
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Google is working on a “never-slow mode” feature for its popular Chrome web browser. The new mode could possibly be coming in a future release and might cut down on technical elements on some web pages in order to speed up web browsing, according to a report from Chromestory.

Though it is believed that the new never-slow mode will not reduce Google Chrome’s overall memory usage, it is intended increase the performance and load times on select web pages. The prototype code for the new mode was spotted in Google’s Chromium open-source project, revealing that it aims to increase the performance on websites which typically load large scripts. Never-slow mode could also enable Google Chrome cut back on the technical elements on web pages like images, stylesheets, scripts, fonts, and long script tasks, according to reporting from ZDNet.

Recommended Videos

While not publicly available via a flag as of yet, enabling the new mode could also come at the cost of breaking some web pages. “Enables an experimental browsing mode that restricts resource loading and runtime processing to deliver a consistently fast experience. WARNING: may silently break content!” explains part of the code.

It would appear that the never-slow mode is still being worked on internally, so it is not certain when a public release will come. There are a multitude of extensions which can already spice up your web browsing by either saving your bandwidth or blocking ads or trackers, but the integrated “never-slow” mode would make browsing easier and lighter for consumers.

Google has consistently worked to make the Chrome browser more efficient and safer for end consumers. Chrome is soon set to give warnings for lookalike URLs in an effort to protect people from going to malicious websites which phish for passwords and other logins. It also helps fight websites which hijack your back button and tab history to generate ad views.

These features are indeed great, but as more get added, that also can increase Chrome’s overall memory utilization when compared to other browsers like Firefox or Microsoft Edge. At any rate, never-slow mode could be the solution for those who are conscious of slow loading web pages.

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
Google Chrome may start resurfacing tabs from your other devices
Google Chrome browser running on Android Automotive in a car.

Google has announced that it is currently "experimenting" with a feature that suggests pages to you based on open tabs from other devices. Chrome is already handy at picking up where you left off on other devices through tab syncing. To bolster this seamless handoff between devices, this potential new feature will serve up these tabs.

Google didn't detail exactly how this would look, but the blog post reads that it would "proactively suggest pages" on the Chrome New Tab page. Right now, this page is filled with quick links to your most viewed websites and hand-picked shortcuts. For what it's worth, to me this seems like a convenient place to put these tabs.

Read more
Don’t trust that Google sign-in — how hackers are swiping passwords in Chrome
Google Chrome browser running on Android Automotive in a car.

Hackers are swiping passwords from Google accounts in Chrome, and it can happen from the official Google sign-in page. The vehicle being used is called the AutoIt Credential Flusher, and it was discovered by the researchers at OALabs. The attack locks you into your browser at the Google sign-in page and doesn't allow you to leave, all while logging your email and password as you sign into your Google account.

The attack leverages "kiosk mode" in Chrome, which is a limited full-screen interface that doesn't have elements like the address bar or navigation buttons. It's used mainly for demonstration purposes -- think a laptop on display at Best Buy. And this attack is using kiosk mode to annoy users enough that they give up their passwords. It also blocks some normal commands to exit full-screen mode, such as Esc and F11. 

Read more
This new Google Chrome feature could make the internet more pleasant
The Google Chrome logo on a smartphone.

The internet isn't the most hospitable place in the world, that's for sure. A new feature may be coming to the Chrome web browser that could make the interaction between people and websites a bit more pleasant -- tipping.

As mentioned in a Chrome Platforms Status blog post, Google Chrome plans to add Web Monetization technology that the Web Platform Incubator Community Group is working on to make it easier for users to tip their favorite sites.

Read more