ARM architecture Archives

BetaBeacon

December 19, 2025

I tried to melt my OnePlus 15 with some real games

The OnePlus 15 was tested for gaming performance using games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Genshin Impact. The phone performed well under pressure, dissipating heat effectively. Emulation tests for PS3 and Windows games were also conducted, with the phone handling them smoothly. The phone did not overheat during testing, indicating that OnePlus has fixed previous heating issues. The reviewer recommends the OnePlus 15 for potential buyers due to its stable performance and recent fixes for heating problems.

BetaBeacon

December 4, 2025

Emulating PC games on Android is easier than ever, and you can thank Valve

Valve is contributing to Windows emulation on Android by sponsoring the development of key emulation tools such as the Pex emulator and the Proton compatibility layer. These tools allow Windows games designed for traditional x86 PC hardware to run on Arm architecture, enabling PC emulation on devices like Android phones and tablets.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Valve has been funding Windows on ARM emulation “since the beginning” as it aims to “expand PC gaming”

Valve has been funding the open-source emulator FEX since its inception, which enables Windows games to run on ARM Linux devices. FEX recently celebrated its seventh anniversary and acknowledged Valve's crucial support. Pierre-Loup Griffais, a software engineer at Valve, stated that all core FEX developers have been funded by Valve, highlighting the project's significance for the gaming ecosystem and SteamOS. Griffais expressed optimism about the future of FEX, anticipating nearly a decade of development before it becomes reliable for widespread use. He emphasized the goal of providing a consistent gaming experience across different architectures without users needing to worry about compatibility. Valve's tools, including Proton, Lepton, and FEX, are expected to enhance the gaming experience, with a focus on living room, handheld, and desktop devices.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Steam Deck lead reveals Valve is funding ARM compatibility of Windows games “to expand PC gaming” and release “ultraportables” in the future

Valve has been supporting Fex, an open-source initiative for enabling Windows games to run on ARM architecture, for nearly ten years. The Fex compatibility layer was developed to ensure reliability for gamers. Valve aims to expand PC gaming options by allowing Windows games to operate on ARM devices, which could include low-power laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The company is developing an ARM version of SteamOS that will maintain the same core components as its x86 version, with a tailored version of Proton that includes the Fex emulator. While there are challenges with compatibility, particularly with modern multiplayer titles and anti-cheat mechanisms, Valve is working to address these issues. The demand for alternatives to Windows in the gaming market is increasing, particularly with the success of SteamOS on the Steam Deck.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

Android set to lead Google’s charge into the PC market

Google is considering a new initiative called Aluminium, which aims to adapt Android's features for laptops and desktops, focusing on ARM architecture and improving multitasking, keyboard-and-mouse input, and file management. Android has over 3 billion active devices globally, while ChromeOS has a low market share in the PC sector. Android has evolved with updates like Android 12L, enhancing usability on large screens, and real-world implementations like Samsung DeX show its potential as a desktop OS. However, challenges remain regarding app usability on larger displays, and improvements in performance, security, and enterprise readiness are needed. Google plans to develop a refined Desktop Mode, implement UX guidelines, establish a native Linux workspace, enhance file access, integrate audio features, and collaborate with OEMs for compatible hardware.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

I tried 3 Windows laptops with Qualcomm chipsets this year – and found 3 glaring issues

Last year, Microsoft introduced Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, prompting the purchase of a Surface Pro 11, which became essential for daily tasks. This led to acquiring additional devices, including a Surface Laptop and a Dell XPS 13, both with Snapdragon X Elite chips. Despite effective marketing, businesses remain cautious about these devices. Windows on Arm has improved for Office applications and web services, with devices maintaining cool temperatures and long battery life. However, there are limitations: backup software may not work effectively on Arm devices, as external drives are inaccessible during recovery, necessitating workarounds like network or cloud storage. Installing Linux on Snapdragon-powered PCs is challenging due to a lack of compatible installation images, making Intel-based PCs more practical for work tasks. Additionally, Arm-based devices have performance constraints for gaming, with Snapdragon processors unable to compete with dedicated GPUs, making high-performance gaming unfeasible.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Valve’s Steam Frame is an all-in one headset for VR, PC games, and streaming

Valve has introduced the Steam Frame, a standalone VR headset with PC-streaming capabilities, set to launch in early 2026 at a price lower than the Valve Index. Key features include dual LCDs with a resolution of 2160×2160 pixels per eye, refresh rates from 72 Hz to 120 Hz (experimental up to 144 Hz), inside-out tracking with four outward-facing cameras and two inward-facing eye-tracking cameras, a modular strap and rear-battery design, and a weight of approximately 440g. It is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and runs on SteamOS 3, supporting Proton/FEX compatibility for non-VR Steam titles. The Steam Frame aims to eliminate the need for a gaming PC, making PC VR more accessible to a wider audience and allowing existing Steam game owners to use their current library. Valve has yet to disclose specific game compatibility and performance details for the headset.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Valve just quietly redefined what PC gaming can be all while an increasingly delusional Microsoft desperately tries to tell everyone their PC is an Xbox now

Valve has announced a new ecosystem that aims to reduce Microsoft's influence in the PC gaming market, introducing SteamOS on Arm architecture, which may eliminate the need for x86 CPUs. The new Steam Controller improves upon its predecessor and is designed for use with the Steam Deck. The Steam Frame is a high-speed streaming device that allows wireless access to gaming content, functioning as a versatile headset for both VR and traditional games. It operates on an Arm-based architecture with a version of SteamOS and includes the FEX translation layer for compatibility with Windows games. Valve is collaborating with companies like Lenovo for hardware compatibility and is focusing on supporting AMD graphics in the new Steam Machine, while also working on enhancing gaming experiences across various Linux distributions. Despite challenges like Windows' dominance in multiplayer gaming, Valve's initiatives indicate a shift towards a more open gaming ecosystem.

Winsage

November 9, 2025

Microsoft announces first test build for Windows 11 26H1, aimed at ‘specific silicon’ — Rumor mill suggests first “H1” release in Windows 11’s history might be reserved for upcoming Arm PCs

Windows 11 has introduced its latest major feature update, 25H2, and Microsoft has confirmed the upcoming "26H1" release with Preview Build 28000 in the Canary channel of the Insider Preview program. The 26H1 update is currently in testing and is expected to launch early next year, focusing on ARM architecture. Potential candidates for this update include the Snapdragon X2 Elite and Nvidia N1X systems, as Qualcomm prepares to release new chips in early 2026. Microsoft stated that 26H1 is not a feature update for version 25H2 but includes platform changes to support specific silicon, with no action required from customers. This marks the first time Microsoft has planned a major update for the beginning of the year, primarily to enhance support for specific ARM silicon. Preview Build 28000 serves as the base RTM build for Windows 11 26H1, allowing OEMs like Qualcomm and Nvidia to integrate it into their systems.

Winsage

September 25, 2025

Google and Qualcomm are prepping ‘desktop’ Android to enable ‘mobile and PC’ in one device, but should Windows and x86 be afraid?

Qualcomm and Google announced a collaboration at the Snapdragon Summit 2025 to develop a desktop version of Google's Android operating system, traditionally used on smartphones. The initiative aims to create a device powered by an Arm chip, moving away from the x86 architecture prevalent in PCs. This development aligns with Google's plan to base ChromeOS on Android, allowing Android apps to run natively on laptops and desktops. The anticipated benefits of the new device include affordability, exceptional battery life due to Arm CPUs, and a seamless web browsing experience. However, challenges remain for the gaming sector, as evidenced by Valve's decision to stop plans for Steam on Chromebooks. The collaboration may indicate a significant shift towards Arm architecture in the PC market.