Opera has released an update to its browser that makes it far more power-efficient than Chrome.
The new power saving mode, which is available through Opera’s developer channel, is the first of its kind in a major web browser.
It’s been designed to extend your laptop battery life by up to 50 percent compared to Google Chrome. That could translate to several hours more browsing time in between charges, if you spend most of your time in the web browser rather than other apps.
Which, as Opera points out, most people do.
With the latest Opera developer browser installed, you’ll find that unplugging your laptop brings up a little battery icon next to the search and address field. Click that to activate the power saving mode. You’ll also get a suggestion to make the switch when your laptop hits 20 percent power.
Related: Best web browser
So how has Opera made these power savings? It reduces the activity in background tabs, optimises CPU usage, pauses any unused plug-ins, reduces the frame rate to 30fps, tunes the video playback settings, and pauses browser animations. Opera claims that it has managed to provide “nice savings for you without compromising the speed and functionality you expect.”
The Opera team has been extremely busy of late, bringing a free VPN function to both its desktop browser and iOS. An Android equivalent is also in the works.
Next, take a look at how you can improve your Wi-Fi signal:
You can download the latest version of the Opera developer browser here.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
