Although already praised for its speed and resource efficiency, Microsoft Edge will soon have a dedicated performance mode, which should further optimize the operation of the application.
Especially useful on devices with limited processor and memory resources, the new performance mode is already tested with the Microsoft Edge Canary edition and can be activated by manually setting a parameter.
According to the official description, the new “Performance Mode helps you optimize speed and responsiveness, memory consumption, processor and battery usage.” Microsoft also says that “the improvements felt may vary depending on individual device specifications and web browsing habits.”
It is not clear exactly how Performance Mode changes the operation of Microsoft Edge Edge, but we find that it directly affects the Sleeping Tabs function, responsible for “hibernating” web pages opened and left unused in its own Tab. With the new option checked, the expiration time of Tabs switched to Sleep mode will be limited to five minutes, after which the page is cleared of RAM. When re-accessed, they will be reloaded, as if accessed for the first time.
Microsoft introduced the sleeping tabs feature earlier this year, allowing the web browser to automatically free up memory and processor resources for inactive pages if they have been opened in large numbers and are already pushing the limits of the PC used.
Probably ticking Performance Mode in the Edge browser will benefit most laptop owners, significantly contributing to increased battery life.
In the opposite camp, Google worked on its own Chrome optimizations, an update delivered in November significantly improving processor usage, another patch distributed earlier this year also correcting RAM usage and GPU acceleration.
Robert J. Smith is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including JoyStiq and Android Authority. In regards to academics, Robert earned a degree in business from Fordham University. Robert has passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.