Google has announced a handful of new features coming to Chrome. The new additions aim to increase productivity, from the new PDF reading functions to the naming of browser windows.
In a blog post on Thursday, Google highlighted a number of features, some of which have already been achieved by the company, such as improved browser performance. Thanks to a recent update, active tabs now take precedence over tabs that you don’t use, resulting in up to a 35% reduction in processor usage.
Based on the Chrome tab freezing feature, Google said it will soon launch tab freezing for groups that are collapsed (and tabs that are hidden). Tabs that are in a small group will use less memory and CPU, which should give users a smoother and more optimized experience. Google has said that this feature will be released in beta soon.
Meanwhile, Google said that the process of sharing specific text on a page will be a little easier. Google adds a “link to highlight” feature that lets you highlight the text you want to share, right-click on the window, and choose “Copy link to highlight.” After you submit the link, the person who opens it will see the exact section you highlighted. The feature is now launching on desktop and Android and will soon come on iOS.
Chrome is also launching new PDF reading features. There’s now a sidebar to browse PDF thumbnails, and there’s a presentation mode that eliminates all the fun on the screen, including toolbars, address bar, and tabs. In addition, Chrome has added document properties, a two-page view, and an updated top toolbar to make viewing PDFs a more enjoyable experience.
Speaking of presentations, Google said you can now turn off notifications when you present or share Chrome windows. Once you have completed your presentation, notifications will be canceled. The new feature is designed to reduce distractions and allow you to focus on the task at hand.
Finally, Google said it is adding a feature that will allow users to name Windows Chrome. Not to be confused with tab groups, the window naming feature will allow you to name each of your windows, which Google said should help users stay more organized. The company said you can press alt + tab to switch windows or right-click on a tab and select “Move to another window”. The name of the windows joins a recently added tab search function, which was previously announced.