Picture Perfect! Chrome Reading mode now has Images: Will they help or distract?

Google aims to Improve Readability with relevant Images

3 min. read

Published onFebruary 18, 2024

published onFebruary 18, 2024

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and Google is taking that into that account adding image support to Chrome’s Reading Mode. As usual, the feature is currently available in the latest Chrome Canary build. Here’s how to enable and use it.

Chrome’s Reading Mode, known for its distraction-free view of webpages, is getting a boost. But what if you miss the visual context that images often provide? Google might have an answer with its experimental “Reading Mode with images added via algorithm.”

Chrome’s new Reading mode with Images feature

Remember our previous report onChrome’s Reading Mode using a local, rules-based approach?This privacy-focused method keeps data on your machine, and Google isapplyingit to this new image feature as well.

Benefits of the Local Rules-Based Algorithm:

Based on our findings, Google has chosen the Data URL approach for fetching images. This allows for offline availability and potentially faster loading within Reading Mode. However, it’s important to note that loading images in Reading Mode, even carefully chosen, could still slow down page load, especially on slower internet connections.

How to Enable Reading Mode with Images in Google Chrome:

Reading mode with images added via algorithm

Have Reading Mode use a local rules based algorithm to include images from webpages. – Mac, Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, Fuchsia, Lacros

So Reading Mode isn’t just about text. This new feature aims to automatically select and add relevant images to the stripped-down view, enriching the reading experience without sacrificing its clutter-free charm.

Google is actively seeking user feedback on this feature and is prepared to disable it if negative feedback outweighs the benefits.

It’s important to note that this feature is still under development and might not be perfect at this stage. We observed that, in some cases, it only displays featured images.

Let us know your thoughts on the feature in the comments below.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Picture Perfect! Chrome Reading mode now has Images: Will they help or distract?#

Chrome’s new Reading mode with Images feature#

How to Enable Reading Mode with Images in Google Chrome:#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Picture Perfect! Chrome Reading mode now has Images: Will they help or distract?

Chrome’s new Reading mode with Images feature

How to Enable Reading Mode with Images in Google Chrome: