Google names the best Chrome extensions of 2023 with a glaring omission
Google has released another year-end list, and this time the tech giant discusses what it believes are the best Chrome extensions for 2023.
It's comparable to last month's 10 best Android app awards; But instead of highlighting different types of software, the company focuses on expansions that help you with your work or with navigating the Internet. It wasn't really about an entertainment plugin.
The first group concerns AI-powered software that aims to “get tasks done faster.” You have Writer which uses artificial intelligence to “document your workflows” and then create step-by-step instructions for other people to follow. DeepL translation does what the name suggests: translate web pages directly for you. It can even instantly change the language of your writing without having to use Google Translate. Silk is one of the more interesting suggestions because you access ChatGPT via a sidebar.
QuillBot helps you write emails or summarize news articles in front of you. And Teal It allows you to bookmark jobs on online boards and track job applications in one location.
From here we start to see the accessibility tools such as Transcriber to record audio meetings in text for later use. Google also recommends installing Equalizer to Chrome to add better audio controls for media. This allows you to create a unique listening experience by moving the sliders up or down.
If you're having trouble reading emails or PDFs (or just don't feel like doing it), users can Pronounce so that a natural-sounding AI voice reads it for you. This one is pretty funny because Snoop Dogg is one of the voices and it's a very surreal experience to hear him read something you wrote on Google Docs. There are not many customization extensions except Bonjourr transform homepages into a minimalist focal point by removing the search bar and widgets.
Glaring omission
Google concludes the list with three different extensions: Coupert helps people find promotional codes online, Boxel 3D adds a mini platformer for when you want to take a break, and BTROblox introduces new features to the Roblox website.
The funny thing about this list is that there isn't a single ad blocker anywhere. If you go to other best Chrome extension roundups, you'll almost always find an ad blocker there, just like our old one from 2022. It's not too surprising that this is the case. Google has been waging war against ad blockers in recent months, trying to remove them from Chrome and YouTube altogether.
It makes sense that the company wouldn't want to highlight something they're not fans of, but we certainly will because we know you're fans of theirs. Check out Ny Breaking's list of the best ad blockers for 2023.