Arm-based Archives

BetaBeacon

August 21, 2025

Google’s silence on the Pixel 10 GPU is concerning for gamers

Google has not provided much information about the graphics processing unit (GPU) of the Pixel 10, raising concerns that it may not have an improved GPU or that its graphics hardware could be worse than the Pixel 9. This lack of transparency is worrying for consumers, especially for mobile gamers who may face compatibility issues with demanding games.

AppWizard

August 16, 2025

Lilbits: Desktop Linux apps on Android phones, Xbox PC gaming on ARM-based computers, and a cheaper Kindle color

Google has introduced an experimental Linux terminal application for Android users that allows the installation of Debian within a virtual machine, enabling command-line applications on Android devices. Users with Pixel 6 or later models running the latest canary builds of Android 16 can potentially enable graphical user interface (GUI) applications. An early preview of desktop Linux applications, including Chromium and GIMP, has been demonstrated on the Google Pixel 8 Pro using this new Terminal app. The Xbox PC app has added a feature for downloading games for local play on Windows 11 PCs with ARM-based processors, currently available to select members of the Windows Insider and Xbox Insider preview programs. HTC has launched Vive Eagle smart glasses in Taiwan, starting at 9, which include cameras, microphones, speakers, and AI features but lack a display. Amazon is reportedly developing a more affordable Kindle with a color display, featuring a 6-inch screen and improved color saturation.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Microsoft brings native Xbox app gaming to Windows on Arm PCs – hints at bigger hardware shift ahead

Microsoft has updated its Xbox app for Arm-based Windows 11 devices, allowing users to download and play games natively instead of relying solely on Xbox Cloud Gaming. This update enables select compatible games to be installed and played locally on Arm devices, such as those powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X, including the Surface Laptop 7. Users must join the Windows Insider and Xbox Insider programs to access the updated Xbox PC app (version 2508.1001.27.0 or higher) via the Xbox Insider Hub. Historically, most PC games have been designed for x86 architecture, leading to performance issues on Arm devices. Nvidia is collaborating with MediaTek to develop an Arm-based SoC for Windows PCs, initially expected to launch in 2025 but delayed to late 2026. An engineering sample of this SoC has shown strong specifications, comparable to the desktop RTX 5070.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

The Xbox app for Windows on Arm will soon let you download games

Microsoft is enhancing the gaming experience on Arm-based Windows 11 PCs by rolling out new features that expand the library of playable games. Users can now download ARM64 compatible games directly through the Xbox app for Windows on Arm, a feature currently available for Windows Insiders. This allows local installation of games instead of relying solely on Xbox Cloud Gaming, which was the previous limitation for Qualcomm-powered devices like the Surface Pro 12. A selection of ARM64 games from PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will now be accessible on these devices. Collaboration between Microsoft's Windows and Xbox teams has been crucial for ensuring compatibility with the Game Pass catalog, and the company is developing additional features to support more games on Arm-based PCs. The ARM64 version of the Xbox app was initially launched in 2022, but natively compiled games were limited at that time. Users can check the Windows on Arm ready site to see which games perform well on their devices.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Microsoft commits to improve gaming on Arm-based Windows 11 PCs — “We’re developing new features that will enable more games to be played on Arm”

Microsoft has released a preview update for the Xbox app on Windows 11, allowing users of Arm-based devices, such as those with the Snapdragon X SoC, to download Xbox PC games directly. Previously, the app only supported game streaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming and did not allow downloads from the Xbox platform, although users could download from third-party platforms. The update includes an enhanced emulation layer to improve x86 application performance on Arm devices, but many games still face compatibility issues, particularly due to anti-cheat services that are not natively supported on Arm. NVIDIA is rumored to be developing an Arm-based chip that could enhance gaming performance on these devices. Microsoft is also working on updates to improve the gaming experience on Windows 11, including a dedicated interface for handheld gaming PCs.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

A Linux terminal app for native Android development? Here’s why I’m bullish

Google is developing a new Linux terminal app for Android that allows developers to build applications directly on their devices using a Debian image within a virtual machine. This app will provide access to essential tools like Android Studio, although currently, Android Studio does not support ARM-based CPUs, which poses a challenge. Additionally, the Android Canary build includes support for Linux GUI applications, enabling users to run graphical applications such as Chromium, GIMP, and LibreOffice on devices like the Pixel 8 Pro. This initiative may contribute to merging Android and ChromeOS for a unified development platform. The release date is not specified, but Pixel devices are expected to be the first to receive the update.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

Google is building a Linux terminal app for native Android development – here’s why that’s huge

Google plans to introduce a new Linux terminal app for developers that will run a complete Debian environment on Android devices, allowing users to execute Linux commands directly. This app will enable developers to build Android applications directly on their devices using the Android Virtualization Framework, which boots a Debian image on a virtual machine. However, Android Studio does not currently support ARM-based CPUs, limiting its functionality within this environment. Additionally, the current Android Canary build supports Linux GUI applications, allowing users to run apps like Chromium, GIMP, and LibreOffice on devices such as the Pixel 8 Pro. The exact release date for these features is unclear, but they are expected to be available first on Pixel devices.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Adobe brings native Windows on Arm support to Premiere Pro, After Effects, and more — but not all features made it

Adobe has launched native ARM64 versions of its creative applications—Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and Media Encoder—for Windows on Arm devices, currently in public preview. However, these applications have certain limitations: - Premiere Pro will not support the Loudness Radar effect, Export to Wraptor DCP, Import and export of the GoPro CineForm codec, and Export to the P2 Movie format. - Audition lacks support for the GoPro CineForm codec and Loudness Radar effect. - Media Encoder will also not support the Loudness Radar effect, Export to Wraptor DCP, GoPro CineForm, and P2 Movie format. Future updates are expected to integrate support for third-party extensions, ProRes, and additional formats in these applications. After Effects currently has no listed unavailable features for its Arm-native version.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft’s not the only reason NVIDIA’s Arm chips are delayed — but Windows deserves part of the blame

NVIDIA's Arm processors, initially expected to launch this year, are now delayed until next year due to factors such as setbacks in Microsoft's operating system roadmap, ongoing revisions at NVIDIA, and a decline in notebook market demand. The upcoming N1 series is anticipated to rival the RTX 4070 laptop GPU in performance while offering improved energy efficiency, with speculation about a 65W processor matching a 120W RTX 4070. There are rumors of chips with thermal design power (TDP) of 80W or 120W. The introduction of the N1 series is expected to diversify options in the Arm market, competing with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips. Earlier reports indicated millions of N1X chips were to ship in Q4 2025, followed by N1 processors in 2026, but this timeline has shifted. The processors are being developed in collaboration with MediaTek and could disrupt the computing landscape, with projections suggesting readiness by late 2026 and a potential announcement at CES 2027.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft Unveils PC-to-PC Migration Tool for Local Transfers as Windows 10 Support Ends in 2025

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or purchasing new devices. To address concerns about cloud dependency, Microsoft has introduced a PC-to-PC migration tool that allows users to transfer files, settings, and applications directly from a Windows 10 machine to a Windows 11 device over a local network, without using OneDrive. This tool requires both PCs to be on the same Wi-Fi network and powered on simultaneously. However, it necessitates a Microsoft account for authentication and lacks full support for Arm-based devices. The introduction of this tool appears to be a strategic response to competition and user demand for alternatives to cloud-based solutions.