Arm-based Archives

Winsage

March 14, 2026

Former Windows chief Steven Sinofsky criticises Windows and praises MacBook Neo

Steven Sinofsky, former Microsoft Windows chief, has transitioned to Apple’s MacBook Neo, criticizing the Windows operating system as “trash.” He noted that Microsoft was a pioneer in proposing ARM-based personal computers over 15 years ago but struggled to bring the concept to market due to its hesitance to abandon the x86 architecture. In contrast, Apple has successfully launched ARM-based computers that have gained efficiency and user adoption, revitalizing the personal computer market. Analysts predict that the popularity of ARM-based devices will rise, increasing competition between platforms focused on efficiency, performance, and cost.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Google Play Levels Up On PC With Game Trials And Android Cross-Platform Purchases

Google has announced plans to extend its mobile gaming catalog to PC users by introducing a dedicated PC section within the Play Store Games tab for Android games optimized for Windows PCs. This initiative includes select paid games such as Dungeon Crawler, Dredge, and Reigns, with purchases made on Android granting access to the PC version. Certain paid titles will receive free game trials on Android, with similar offerings planned for PC. Google Play will also introduce Community Posts for popular games, allowing player engagement, and the Play Games Sidekick will provide AI-generated tips for select paid games.

Winsage

March 6, 2026

Windows 11 is making big changes to printing, because printers are awful

Microsoft is transitioning to a universal printer driver system to address issues related to legacy printer drivers in Windows. Starting with Windows 10 version 21H2, a universal printer driver compatible with Mopria standards has been integrated and is being enhanced through updates. A phased approach to legacy printer drivers will begin in January 2026, when Windows Update will stop allowing new legacy drivers for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2005. Existing drivers for older printers will continue to function. In July 2026, Windows 11 will prioritize the universal driver over legacy drivers, and by July 2027, updates for legacy drivers will be limited to security fixes. There is no set timeline for the complete discontinuation of old printers and their drivers.

BetaBeacon

March 5, 2026

Resident Evil Requiem runs at up to 100 FPS on an Android flagship via PC emulation

The Red Magic 11 Pro smartphone showed smooth performance in indoor areas of Resident Evil Requiem, reaching 60-70 FPS and even up to 100 FPS in enclosed spaces. However, outdoor sections with more action and detail dropped to 40-45 FPS. The device's 16 GB of RAM was crucial for running modern PC titles through emulation. The Red Magic 11 Pro is not a replacement for handheld PCs but highlights advancements in ARM-based devices and potential for future gaming platforms.

Winsage

March 5, 2026

I tested Windows 11 LTSC in 2026, and it’s the best version of Windows 11 without Copilot, AI and other bloat

Windows 11 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is a specialized edition of Windows 11 designed for organizations that prioritize stability over the latest features. It allows users to defer feature updates for up to ten years, receiving only monthly quality updates and optional feature updates every three years. LTSC includes only Microsoft Edge as a modern app, with classic versions of Calculator, Notepad, and Paint, and lacks Copilot integration, the Microsoft Store, and Widgets. Users can operate LTSC without signing into a Microsoft account. The version was officially announced in April 2023, with Enterprise and IoT editions set to launch in late 2024. It is suitable for large organizations, industrial systems, IT departments, and IoT devices needing long-term support. General users can download a 90-day trial of LTSC, but a clean installation is required for transitioning from Windows 11 Pro or Home. The minimum system requirements include a 1 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. LTSC offers advantages such as no bloatware, a stable environment, and a lower storage footprint, but it does not receive new Windows features and lacks access to the Microsoft Store by default.

BetaBeacon

February 20, 2026

Android x86 Emulation Runs PC Games on Phones : Cyberpunk 2077 at 60 FPS

PC games can now run natively on Android devices without relying on cloud gaming, thanks to advancements in x86 emulation and ARM-based hardware.

Winsage

February 18, 2026

Microsoft details Windows 11 26H1 support cycle, CPU requirements (just Snapdragon X2 for now), and more

Microsoft announced that Windows 11 26H1 will be supported for consumers until March 2028, with rollout starting for PCs with eligible CPUs, specifically the Snapdragon X2 family, which includes Snapdragon X2 Plus, Snapdragon X2 Elite, and Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme. The official launch occurred on February 10, 2026, alongside its first cumulative update. Users with first-generation Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs cannot upgrade to this version. Windows 11 26H1 is described as a "hardware-optimized release" aimed at enhancing performance and efficiency for Arm-based chips, though it does not promise significant enhancements over version 25H2 or the upcoming 26H2. Enterprise and Education editions will be supported until March 13, 2029, while Home and Pro editions will be supported until March 14, 2028. Windows 11 SE is not supported in 26H1. A new release, Windows 11 26H2, is expected to be available for all users, including those with first-generation Arm-based PCs, and will be the recommended update for broader deployment. Upgrades from version 25H1 to 26H1 are not possible, and all upgrade paths are currently closed, with plans to transition to version 27H2 in the latter half of 2027.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

Windows User Switches to Linux, Misses Windows Hello

The author transitioned from Windows to Linux for daily workflows, finding that most essential tools adapted well. Linux distributions can easily detect hardware on modern x86 laptops, and community projects enhance compatibility for devices like Microsoft’s Surface. Software integration was smooth, with applications like Microsoft Edge and 1Password functioning without issues. However, the author misses Windows Hello's biometric sign-in, which lacks a universal equivalent in Linux. Community solutions exist but often require technical adjustments. Linux desktops provide a polished experience, but challenges remain, such as webcam functionality and sleep/resume issues. Selecting compatible hardware is crucial for a successful transition, and Linux holds about 4% of the desktop market share globally.

Winsage

February 11, 2026

“Windows 11 26H1” is a special version of Windows exclusively for new Arm PCs

The recent developments in Windows versions present challenges for app developers and IT professionals, particularly with the introduction of a new Windows version designed exclusively for the latest Arm PCs. This shift highlights Microsoft's commitment to Arm processors, moving away from its historical focus on x86 versions. The 24H2 update for Windows 10 and 11 introduced significant enhancements for Arm PCs, including an optimized x86-to-Arm translation layer called Prism, improving compatibility and performance for applications not originally designed for Arm. This update coincided with the launch of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X-series processors, leading to more Arm-native Windows applications being released by third-party developers. Microsoft's hardware strategy has shifted, as the new Surface PCs launched in mid-2024 now exclusively use Qualcomm processors, moving away from Intel chips. Since the 24H2 update, development on Arm and x86 versions of Windows has progressed at different rates, with certain features available on Arm versions earlier than on x86 systems. Windows 11 24H2 was also available on Arm PCs in retail stores months before being released to the broader PC ecosystem. Microsoft has been contacted for details on the upcoming Windows 11 26H1 update and its potential enhancements.

Winsage

February 11, 2026

Microsoft releases Windows 11 26H1, but it’s not for existing PCs. Windows 11 26H2 is coming for all PCs

Microsoft has confirmed the existence of Windows 11 26H1, which will roll out exclusively on new PCs equipped with Snapdragon X2 chips starting in early 2026. This version is tailored for ARM-based devices and will not be available for download or installation on current PCs. Windows 11 26H1 does not introduce new features but focuses on performance and battery life improvements. It may also be optimized for Nvidia N1X chips, which are expected to release in Q1 2026. Windows 11 26H2 is set to roll out for existing hardware in October 2026 as a normal yearly update. It will be based on the same core platform as previous versions 24H2 and 25H2, while 26H1 operates on a different core, meaning there is no upgrade path from 26H1 to 26H2. Both versions will unify under Windows 27H2 in 2027.