Did you know that just over 65 per cent of all Internet users employ Google Chrome as their browser of choice? This is due in no small part to its intuitive nature. There are also some unique applications that you might not be familiar with. Let’s take a look at ten interesting Chrome hacks, and the benefits that each can offer.
User Profiles
You can always add a new profile by accessing Chrome settings. This will enable you to store passwords, to view your browsing history, and to navigate to your favourite sites with a single click.
For instance, if you have recently registered with an online casino, you can immediately access this site without needing to manually search for its URL, or constantly typing your password. In other words, user profiles offer an additional level of convenience.
Enhanced Password Security
Are you concerned about the strength of your passwords? If so, Chrome offers a built-in feature that will provide recommendations for long-tail passwords. This will make it much less likely that an account becomes compromised. Note that the Chrome password administrator can also be used to store all passwords so that they can be accessed in a single click.
Web Page to PDF
Do you need to convert the elements within a web page to a PDF file?The good news is that third-party software is not required. Simply use the Control + P function, and select “save as PDF”. This file can then be retrieved when required.
The Save Page Option
Let’s imagine that you have come across an interesting article, and wish to read it at a later time. You can add this page to a list of tabs within Chrome. Then, navigate to the “favourites and list” option within Chrome settings to access the saved page when desired.
Creating Tab Categories
Similar to dragging and dropping windows into a single folder, you can aggregate tabs according to theme, the number of times visited, or new additions. Right-click on the tab, and select the “add to group” option. You can also create a new group if needed.
Google Lens
Google Lens is a unique feature that can be used within a desktop browser. Right-click on any image, and choose the “search with Google Lens”. Advanced algorithms will then provide additional information; especially if the images were uploaded from a portable device such as a smartphone. Note that Google Lens is a built-in feature of the Android operating system.
Automatic Web Page Translation
If you wish to translate a specific web page, open Chrome settings, and click the “configuration” tab. You are then provided with the option to automatically translate a page when a foreign language is detected. Note that you can also choose which language the page will be translated to.
Reading Mode
There can also be times when you wish to customize a page so that it can be read faster. Whether you have forgotten your glasses, or you suffer from headaches. Chrome offers a reading mode to accommodate personal preferences. You can adjust basic parameters such as font size, colours, and themes with a simple click. These settings may also be saved if you wish.
Task Manager
Do you suspect that a certain program may be consuming a disproportionate amount of system resources? If so, simultaneously depress the left-hand shift key with the escape key. This activates the Chrome task manager. You can highlight specific functions, see how much memory each is using, and even end certain tasks (as long as they are not critical to the operating system).
Picture-in-Picture Browsing
If you wish to watch a video while browsing the web, right-click the video, and choose the “picture-in-picture” function. This will cause the video to “float” within a smaller window; enabling you to perform other tasks while the content continues to play.
Feel free to research the many other useful features that Chrome has to offer. You will be surprised at the number of possibilities!
