Arm-based devices Archives

Winsage

April 6, 2026

Android Emulator for Low-End PC: 6 Best Picks + Run Windows Apps (2026)

A significant portion of users in India and South Asia still rely on older devices, including laptops with 2GB to 4GB of RAM and entry-level Android phones. Many mainstream Android emulators require 4–8 GB of RAM, VT support, and a dedicated GPU, but there are options designed for lower-end machines. 1. MuMu Nebula: Best for ultra-low-end PCs, requires 2GB RAM, dual-core CPU, no GPU needed, supports Android 12, and has a startup time of around three seconds. 2. LDPlayer 9: Best for gaming on budget hardware, requires 2GB RAM (4GB recommended), dual-core processor, supports Android 9/11, and features a game booster mode. 3. NoxPlayer Lite: Supports multiple Android versions (5, 7, and 9), requires 2GB RAM, basic GPU, and has a startup time of about six seconds. 4. BlueStacks 5 (Eco Mode): Requires 4GB RAM (2GB works but barely), VT required, supports Android 11, and has extensive app compatibility. 5. GameLoop: Best for Tencent games, requires 4GB RAM, no VT needed, supports Android 7.1. 6. MEmu Play: Requires 2GB RAM, recommended for multitasking and developers, supports Android 7, 9, 11. For running Windows apps on Android, tools include: 1. ExaGear: A Windows emulator for Android that supports 32-bit applications and games, requires a specific setup process. 2. Winlator: A newer emulator that supports both 32-bit and 64-bit applications, particularly good for 3D games, with a simpler installation process. Tips for improving emulator performance include closing background apps, enabling virtualization in BIOS, lowering resolution and FPS caps, setting process priority to high, disabling Windows visual effects, and using an SSD for faster load times.

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.

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

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.

Winsage

January 21, 2026

Play more: Xbox app is now available on Arm-based Windows 11 PCs

Windows 11 has made significant advancements in gaming, particularly for Arm-based devices. The Xbox app is now available on all Arm-based Windows 11 PCs, with over 85% of the Game Pass catalog compatible. Xbox Cloud Gaming offers an alternative for unsupported titles. The introduction of Prism allows x86/x64 software to run on Arm, supporting AVX and AVX2 for modern games. Epic Anti-Cheat support has enabled popular games like Gears of War: Reloaded and Fortnite on these devices. The Windows Performance Fit feature helps players choose games based on their hardware capabilities. Ongoing collaborations aim to enhance catalog compatibility and improve the gaming experience on various Windows 11 devices. Player feedback is shaping updates and new titles for Arm-based Windows 11 PCs.

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.