Arm-based devices Archives

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.

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 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.

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

Valve is welcoming Android games into Steam

The Steam Frame is a new device from Valve that represents its entry into mobile gaming, functioning similarly to a wireless VR headset or a Steam Deck. It features an Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon chip and aims to integrate Android applications into its ecosystem. Valve is encouraging developers to adapt their Android applications for the Steam Frame, launching a developer kit program to facilitate this. The device is expected to run code natively on the Arm processor, enhancing performance. While Valve's primary focus is on gaming, there is potential for broader software integration, including tools like Discord and Blender. Plans for rich browser integration are also in development. Users will have the option to sideload Android APKs, and Valve may adapt SteamOS for various Arm-based devices in the future.

Winsage

September 19, 2025

Microsoft insists Copilot+ PCs are ’empowering the future’

Microsoft is promoting its Copilot+ PCs as a transformative advancement in personal and enterprise computing, supported by the expanding Windows on Arm ecosystem. However, enterprise customers have expressed skepticism due to disappointing sales figures and a lack of compelling applications justifying the increased average purchase prices. By July, exclusive features like Recall did not attract business interest, leading Microsoft to continue advocating for its vision. User experiences with devices like the Surface Laptop 7 have been mixed, with issues such as cursor misplacement and performance lags overshadowing the claimed breakthroughs. HP reported that AI PCs make up a quarter of its sales, while Dell and Intel are promoting AI-ready technologies. Despite claims of enhanced productivity, many highlighted applications are merely adaptations of existing tools. Microsoft has advertised impressive battery life for its Arm-based devices, claiming up to 15 hours of web browsing, but actual performance during productivity tasks was around ten hours. The company asserts that the app gap for Windows on Arm is nearly resolved, with 90 percent of total user minutes spent on Arm-native applications. However, concerns remain about users potentially switching to Apple Macs as they move away from Windows 10 devices. While Copilot+ PCs can run familiar applications natively, these applications also work well on non-AI devices, raising questions about the necessity of on-device AI capabilities.

Winsage

September 3, 2025

Meta Quest: Microsoft Adds Windows on Arm Support to Mixed Reality Link App

Microsoft's Mixed Reality Link app now supports Windows on Arm PCs, allowing users of Arm-based devices like the Surface Pro 11 to connect with Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets. This update, rolled out around August 29 via the Microsoft Store, enables users to stream their Windows desktop and create a multi-monitor setup with up to three virtual screens. Initially launched for x86-based PCs in December 2024, this expansion to Arm reflects Microsoft's commitment to feature parity across its hardware ecosystem. The update strengthens the partnership between Microsoft and Meta, aiming to establish mixed reality headsets as essential tools for work and leisure. The Meta Quest 3S, recently launched, is designed to make VR technology more accessible, and includes an "Xbox Edition" bundle with an Xbox controller and Game Pass subscription. This update positions Microsoft strategically in the spatial computing landscape, targeting mainstream consumer and prosumer markets while maintaining Windows as a core productivity hub.

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

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.

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.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Microsoft’s new option to switch from Windows 10 to a new Windows 11 device could be ideal for people who hate OneDrive

Microsoft is developing a PC-to-PC migration feature for Windows 11 to assist users transitioning from Windows 10, contingent on hardware compatibility. This feature is partially integrated but non-functional until further updates. To migrate, both PCs must be on the same network and logged in with a Microsoft account. Users can transfer selected files and settings, excluding temporary/system files, applications, and saved passwords. A timer will display the estimated migration duration, and if the network drops, Windows will attempt to resume the transfer automatically. The migration feature is an alternative to using OneDrive for backups, but still requires a Microsoft account. Users configuring a backup via the Windows Backup app receive an additional year of Windows 10 support. The migration does not transfer applications directly, similar to the Backup app, which provides download links instead. Drives encrypted with BitLocker must be decrypted before migration, and Arm CPU devices are currently unsupported. The full functionality of this feature is expected to roll out soon in Windows 11 and Windows 10.