Chromebooks are made for productivity. They are light, quick, and designed to keep distractions at bay. And while a system has yet to be created that allows you to be productive all on its own, it’s a lot easier with an efficient device that’s thought to enhance your inner productivity capabilities.
And as it still takes managing your time and responsibilities, this is where Chrome extensions come in. Chrome extensions are among the most overrated pieces of software on the Internet, allowing your browser to almost become a personal assistant that will help you in any of your objectives.
No matter if you’re trying to stay productive at work, secure your important information, or have the great experience while gaming, the right chrome extensions can assist with your needs.
Creating a Distraction-Free Work Environment in Chrome
While one of the greatest advantages of the Internet is that it provides access to endless information, the bad news is that it also serves as an endless stream of distractions.
You’ve probably experienced this at least once, researching something important on the Internet, then suddenly you’re watching a compilation video of the funniest pets in 2024. If you find yourself not being able to maintain the focus you once had, there are extensions that may be beneficial.
Take for example StayFocusd, which allows you to set an amount of time that is acceptable to spend on distracting websites.
You might say to yourself that you are going to scroll on social media for 10 minutes, but after that, this extension comes in to actually help you keep up to your promise. The sites you don’t want to be disturbing you will be blocked for the entire day once you have met your desired time in them.
Another useful tool is Leechblock NG, which has a similar capability of blocking sites, except it can block the sites during certain times. For example, if you know that you are more productive in the morning but become distracted by news or YouTube in the afternoon, you can schedule those block sites to go into effect after lunch.
Managing Tasks in Your Browser
Tracking tasks, deadlines, and ideas is important for productivity. Why use sticky notes, or third-party apps? You can manage all of these things through browser extensions.
Todoist can be used as a task manager directly built into Chrome. For example, if you need to complete a task after reading an email, you can take care of it right away with a single click. Do you need a reminder about the deadline for a task? Add it to the list without opening another tab.
Google Keep works similarly in that you can save a quick note or idea while you’re browsing. If you see an article that gives you an idea for a work-related project, instead of copying and pasting the link in a safe place you can just save it into Google Keep with a short note about why you think it’s interesting.
By keeping your task manager within the browser, you decrease the friction of switching between apps or deferring some other time in your day. You’ll be able to stay on task throughout the day and stay organized.
Improving Performance in Gaming Websites with Chrome Extensions
And not every Chrome extension has to do with work. Some are also meant to improve your “entertainment productivity”, which allows you to wind down after work.
And one of the most popular categories is that of online gaming. Whether you like watching videos and movies or indulge in strategy games like poker and blackjack, some extensions will improve that experience.
If you play at an online casino, security is paramount, and financial transactions are the main reason why. If you like to play games in real money casinos, you’re able to play some of the best betting games like poker, roulette, or slots. On top of this, you can even test your skills to win monetary prizes.
In this case, you have to think about extensions like Privacy Badger, which will assist with avoiding trackers from a third party. If you are playing at casinos in other countries while you’re on holiday, a VPN extension can also prevent your activities/reputation from being archived.
Another example is Dark Reader, which is particularly useful when playing games for long hours. The night mode extension asks what color scheme you prefer for a website, and it soothes overall eye comfort, which is important for long periods of time.
And lastly, another key extension is Enhancer for YouTube, which allows users to add or manage playback controls, remove ads, and select video quality.
When watching live streams or long-form videos, creating and selecting playback settings for your ideal experience can build upon how that experience provides you with a stress-free moment.