Data plans are not cheap, whether subscribed to postpaid or prepaid. Consumers try to budget their data as much as possible to avoid extra charges or running out of credits when most needed. Thankfully, Google has released a new update for the Chrome app that helps users browse sites with minimal data consumption.
The new Data Saver mode for Chrome Android will be able to display streamlined versions of web pages and reduce data consumption by up to 90%. It will also compress video content and allow users a 67-percent cut in data use, according to a press release on the Chrome Blog.
This new feature is generally aimed at consumers who only have access to 2G or 2G-like connectivity, particularly users who reside in India and similar places where mobile connectivity is still a big issue.
Apart from data savings, there will also be a new offline mode. When still hooked up through a stable connection like Wi-Fi, users can download music, videos, pictures and entire web pages for later offline viewing. Should downloads be interrupted, they will automatically resume once connection is re-established.
Downloads are currently limited to Chrome Beta but will soon be available to all users.
Google also has something in store for the next update. Currently in development is a feature that will automatically offer fresh content that’s been curated based on each user’s profile. The feature will be smart so it will continue to learn user preferences the more Chrome is utilized. It will also show recently downloaded pages.
These new data-saving features will certainly go a long way for consumers with limited mobile internet access. Not too long ago, Google implemented a prior update that allowed Chromebooks to squeeze out an extra hour of operational time. It seems that Google is doing its best to curb the data and power footprint of its browser, much to the benefit of users. Alfred Bayle
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