Google will release an update to the mobile version of Chrome, which promises to decrease data usage while browsing by as much as 50%. The iOS update will also include Google Translate, which translates webpages while browsing.
Google announced the upcoming changes to its browser Wednesday in a blog post, saying,
“In the U.S. alone, more than a fifth of adult smartphone users now do most of their online browsing on their mobile device.1 Around the world, we’re seeing a similar trend towards more mobile browsing. That’s why we’ll be rolling out a new feature on Chrome for Mobile to help you reduce data usage and save money on your mobile plan. When enabled, Chrome’s data compression and bandwidth management can reduce data usage by up to 50% while browsing the web on Chrome for Android and iOS. This feature also enables Chrome’s Safe Browsing technology which helps protect you from malicious webpages.”
To start saving data and turn on an even more secure browsing experience, visit “Settings” > “Bandwidth management” > “Reduce data usage.” Then simply turn the toggle to “On.” From this menu, you’ll also be able to track how much bandwidth you save each month as you browse on Chrome.
This is a huge update for users as the majority of cell phone users now have limited data plans not unlimited anymore.