Adobe Photoshop Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

I made the switch from Mac to Windows and I’m regretting it

The transition from a MacBook Pro to an HP Spectre x360 has highlighted significant differences between macOS and Windows 11. Windows 11, despite improvements in its user interface, suffers from inconsistent design elements, with modern apps contrasting sharply with older tools. First-party applications also show design discrepancies, and third-party apps on Windows often lack the quality and features found on macOS. Exclusive macOS applications, such as CleanShot X and MoneyCoach, offer superior functionality compared to their Windows counterparts. File management is notably better on macOS, with Finder providing a more efficient experience than File Explorer, and the Preview app offering useful features for PDF editing and image manipulation. Overall, the user experience on macOS is perceived as more polished and intuitive compared to Windows.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

I’ve been using this Intel-based mini AI PC for the last two weeks of work, and now I absolutely love it

The Geekom GT1 Mega mini PC has an MSRP of 9.00, with sales prices around 9.00 on platforms like Amazon. It features Windows 11 Pro, an Intel Core Ultra processor, and Intel Arc graphics. Specifications include options for Intel Core Ultra 5, 7, or 9 processors, 32GB of RAM (expandable to 64GB), and 1TB SSD storage. The package includes the mini PC, a VESA mount, screws, an HDMI cable, a power adapter, and a user manual. The design is compact with a sturdy aluminum casing, and it has a variety of ports: two USB-C 4.0 ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and five USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Performance is solid for everyday tasks, with a performance rating of 5/5, and thermal performance is commendable with minimal fan noise. The overall score for the GT1 Mega is 5/5, highlighting its value, design, connectivity, and performance. Alternatives include Geekom's A8 and A7 models, as well as offerings from Beelink and ASUS.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

The Ultimate Mac vs Windows Battle: Can Apple’s M4 Pro Reign Supreme?

The MacBook Pro features the M4 Pro chip and excels in CPU performance, outperforming the Asus ProArt StudioBook 16 by 50% in Cinebench multicore tests. It is particularly beneficial for creative professionals in photo and video editing due to its efficient hardware-software integration. The Asus ProArt StudioBook 16, equipped with an AMD HX 370 CPU and RTX 4070 GPU, excels in GPU-intensive applications such as 3D rendering and gaming. It offers up to 64GB of RAM compared to the MacBook Pro's base configuration of 24GB, which is advantageous for memory-intensive tasks. The MacBook Pro has three Thunderbolt 5 ports, while the Asus provides a broader array of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and SD card slots. The MacBook Pro operates cooler and quieter under load, while the Asus tends to run hotter and louder. For gaming, the Asus ProArt StudioBook 16 delivers higher frame rates and better compatibility with modern games. The MacBook Pro is known for its premium build quality and long-term reliability, often retaining better resale value, but it comes at a higher initial cost. The Asus offers better value for users focused on gaming or GPU-intensive workflows.

Winsage

November 15, 2024

Qualcomm’s x86 challenges with Windows on Arm

Qualcomm is working to establish Arm-based Windows laptops as a viable alternative in computing, utilizing Snapdragon processors that offer extended battery life, fanless designs, and integrated 5G connectivity. The company aims to address the software compatibility challenges faced by users of traditional x86 machines by relying on Microsoft's x86-64 emulation, which allows Arm devices to run x86 applications. However, this emulation often leads to performance issues and increased battery drain, particularly with demanding applications like Adobe Creative Cloud and AutoCAD. Qualcomm's strategy suggests a need for investment in native Windows on Arm software and a push for Microsoft to optimize Windows for Arm architecture. The company should also consider positioning Arm laptops as secondary devices for light tasks rather than direct competitors to x86 machines.

Winsage

November 9, 2024

Telegram is the latest of my daily Windows apps to enjoy native ARM support on Snapdragon X and even my ancient Surface

Telegram is a leading messaging application available on Windows, Android, and Apple devices. The latest version 5.7.2 includes integrated native ARM64 support. Users can download Telegram for Windows on ARM from GitHub, where it is offered as a full installation or a portable application. Previously, Telegram operated under Microsoft's Prism emulation layer on ARM devices, but now it runs natively on ARM64, providing a faster and more efficient experience. Users can download the app via an executable installer or as a portable option from the 'telegramdesktop' GitHub page.

Winsage

October 8, 2024

PC users: upgrade to Windows 11 Pro while it’s still under $20

Windows 11 Pro is available for an upgrade price of .97 until October 27. It features a polished interface, Snap Layouts for multitasking, enhanced security with biometric login and TPM 2.0 encryption, support for DirectX 12 Ultimate for improved gaming visuals, and Hyper-V for running multiple virtual machines.

AppWizard

October 2, 2024

Lilbits: Pixel 9a pictures and Apple’s smart display plans leaked, Thunderbird for Android Beta is here, and Adobe adds AI to its entry-level photo and video apps – Liliputing

Leaked renderings of the Google Pixel 9a suggest it may feature dual rear cameras without a camera bar. Adobe has added AI enhancements to Photoshop and Premiere Elements, including object removal and color correction. Apple is rumored to be launching two smart displays, one premium and one affordable. Mozilla released a beta version of Thunderbird for Android, which is a rebranded K-9 Mail app. Amazon launched the Fire TV Stick Max for digital signage, priced at 0. Microsoft announced the discontinuation of the HoloLens 2 headset, with support phasing out by 2028.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

All the news on Microsoft’s latest Copilot and Windows AI features

Microsoft unveiled a redesign of its Copilot experience in New York City, featuring a card-based interface for mobile, web, and Windows platforms. The update includes personalized features such as Copilot Vision for visual input recognition, a natural voice conversation mode, and a virtual news presenter mode. The Windows 11 update introduces Phone Link status in the Start menu, upgraded creative tools in Paint and Photos with Generative Fill and Erase functionalities, and an AI-powered Windows Search for easier file location. Leadership changes include Pavan Davuluri leading Windows and Surface, and Mustafa Suleyman as CEO of AI, who aims to develop AI models that understand human perception. The improvements are set to roll out in November, indicating Microsoft's commitment to enhancing user experience and shaping the future of AI.

Winsage

September 27, 2024

This clever 3K OLED laptop with RTX 4060 graphics builds a unique dial right into the touchpad — but a divisive design choice leaves users like me at a disadvantage

The ASUS ProArt PX13 2-in-1 laptop is designed for professionals in video editing, digital drawing, graphic design, and photo editing. It features an AI-boosting AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU and an NVIDIA RTX 40-Series GPU, with prices starting at ,699.99 and going up to ,999.99 for higher configurations. The laptop includes a flexible design for switching between laptop and tablet modes, weighs just over three pounds, and comes with the ASUS Pen 2.0. It has pre-installed software such as MyASUS and ProArt Creator Hub, and includes MuseTree for AI image generation. The display is a 3K OLED screen with HDR support and high color accuracy, achieving 100% of sRGB, 96% of AdobeRGB, and 100% of P3. Battery life averages around five hours under standard use but drops to just over an hour under heavy workloads. The keyboard has well-spaced keys, and the touchpad is spacious and responsive, featuring the ASUS Dial for quick access to functions. The laptop includes an FHD webcam and a quality microphone, though it lacks a physical webcam shutter. Alternatives include the ASUS ProArt P16 and PZ13 models, which offer different specifications and battery life options.