Since the vast majority of Internet users are surfing with Google Chrome, the use of a large amount of memory is infamous. That's about to change though, thanks to an unlikely ally - Microsoft Edge.
It is not often that a competing product amplifies one of his rivals. That's what's set to happen in a Chrome update soon to be released, which includes better integrations with Windows 10. The feature comes with the courtesy of an update that will make Edge run better.
Giving Chrome the Edge
Thankfully, Google is getting ready to carry out a Chrome update that will make it a bit more RAM friendly. Chrome programmer Bruce Dawson initially added the patch.
Microsoft Edge, which became the default app for all Windows 10 users since upgrading to the latest Windows 10 May 2020 Update, uses the same Chromium technology as Chrome. Its rival will see benefits from Chrome's update as well, albeit only in Windows 10.
"Early internal testing results of devices on the May 2020 Update are showing a memory-use reduction of up to 27% when browsing with Microsoft Edge," said Kim Denny, Microsoft Edge manager, in a recent blog post about the improvements. She explained that part of the update is modernizing the way Windows 10 handles memory.
"Individual device performance will vary based upon configuration and usage, but the lower memory usage is expected to create a better experience," Denny added.
Microsoft had already announced that it will hand out its newly released software to all Windows 10 users via Windows Update. Google also plans to use the same Windows 10 software for its Chrome browser. Although not proven, it would not be shocking to see a similar figure in terms of less RAM use.
Buggy Upgrade
Chrome memory use is expected to decrease, Dawson said on Chrome's bug tracker. Unfortunately, Chrome users still have some waiting to do before sparing the memory of their computers.
While the patch has been successfully integrated into the upcoming version of Chrome, the team is now experiencing "mysterious" bugs. It is in the process of ironing out those issues before carrying out the users' updates.
Notably, the RAM-sparing feature is coming thanks to Microsoft's recent decision to divest its own browser foundation in favor of Google's open-source Chromium platform. The shift has made Edge and Chrome something like cousins. To date, Microsoft has made more than 3,000 contributions to the Chromium codebase.
Windows has released an overhauled Edge in January. The modern, snappy browser should make Chrome users feel at home. Even so, before it can catch up with Google's flagship software, Microsoft does have some work to do.
Software engineers are currently working on Edge updates and testing until the new version is automatically pushed to users through its Windows Update program.
The upcoming update is fascinating for Chrome users and should make web browsing a little less resource-intensive.
