Arm-based laptops Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.

Winsage

December 6, 2024

Intel and AMD PCs finally get Microsoft Copilot+ features

Microsoft has introduced two Copilot+ features, Recall and Click to Do, for compatible Intel and AMD PCs, which were previously available only on select Arm-based laptops. Microsoft Recall captures user activity by taking screenshots at regular intervals, allowing AI to help users retrieve information like recipes and past conversations. This feature has raised privacy and data security concerns. Click to Do allows users to perform common tasks directly from screenshots, such as copying text or editing images. To use these features, users need a compatible processor with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), specifically Intel's Lunar Lake (Core Ultra 200V series) or AMD's Ryzen AI 300 CPUs. The rollout of these features is selective, and other applications leveraging the local NPU are currently unavailable. Users interested in trying Microsoft Recall and Click to Do must join the Windows Insiders program and install Build 26120.2510 from the Dev Channel, with the understanding that they may encounter bugs or incomplete functionalities.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Google Drive for Windows gets ARM support in beta for Snapdragon laptops and more

The Google Drive app for Windows has launched its beta version, now supporting ARM architecture for the first time. This version includes native ARM64 binaries, providing the same functionality as on other platforms, except for the unavailable Outlook Meet plugin. Users are advised to use this beta version with non-production data only, as it may contain bugs. This release follows previous hints of ARM support and coincides with the expansion of Quick Share for Windows to ARM devices.

Winsage

October 22, 2024

Windows on Arm is rapidly maturing

A new wave of Windows applications is utilizing the Snapdragon X Elite, indicating progress in Arm-based computing. The gap between Arm and x86 architectures on Windows 11 has narrowed, with many applications, including the Microsoft suite, now operating natively on Snapdragon devices without the need for a translation layer. Applications like Blender, Capture One, and Affinity Photo 2 are fully supported on Snapdragon devices, leveraging the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for enhanced performance. The NPU allows for advanced features in Affinity Photo 2 and Capture One, improving tasks such as Object Selection and color grading. While Arm-based laptops can meet basic user needs, the demand for native support across more applications is essential. Qualcomm faces challenges in competing with Intel and AMD but is making strides with affordable laptops featuring the Snapdragon X Plus, enhancing its market appeal.

Winsage

October 12, 2024

Arc Browser gets Windows on ARM support

Arc Browser is now fully compatible with Windows ARM, allowing users to download and install it directly from the official website. This native support is expected to enhance performance and optimize resource utilization on ARM devices. Arc has also resolved a crash issue related to tab management and introduced Arc Search, which is available on Android devices running Android 12 or later. The demand for software compatible with Windows on ARM is increasing, although the selection of native applications remains limited. Arc Browser, built on the Chromium framework, emphasizes user privacy and offers features like tracking prevention and incognito mode, aiming to provide a fast and modern browsing experience.

Winsage

September 30, 2024

Acer Swift 14 AI redefines what’s possible from a Windows laptop with 24-hour battery life | Expert Reviews UK

The Acer Swift 14 AI is a compact laptop powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor with a 10-core configuration and an Adreno 741 GPU, offering commendable performance and impressive energy efficiency. It features a robust 75Wh battery, providing over 24 hours of battery life during video playback tests. The laptop is priced at £1,199 in the UK and comes with a 2.5K display, 1TB SSD, and 16GB of RAM. The design is understated with an aluminum chassis, weighing 1.24kg, and includes multiple ports such as two USB-C and two USB-A, along with Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 7 support. The keyboard has a two-stage backlight, and the 1440p webcam excels in low-light conditions. The display has a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 with a 120Hz refresh rate, but average color gamut coverage. The audio quality is adequate, and the laptop's performance is comparable to Snapdragon Elite machines, with fast SSD speeds.

AppWizard

September 24, 2024

Valve could come to the rescue of Copilot+ PCs for running games, as test version of Proton for Arm CPUs is spotted

Valve is exploring a version of its Proton translation layer for Arm processors, specifically an Arm64 variant called ‘proton-arm64ec-4’, which is being tested with various PC games. The Steam Deck operates on an Arm chip, contrasting with the existing x86 AMD custom Zen 2 CPU model. The potential benefits of an Arm-based Steam Deck include cost-effectiveness and improved battery life. Valve may be aiming to create a version of Steam compatible with Arm-based Windows 11 laptops, particularly targeting the anticipated growth in Copilot+ PCs by 2025. Currently, Arm-based laptops using Snapdragon X face limitations in the selection of playable titles due to Microsoft’s Prism technology. Valve's initiative to develop Proton for Arm chips is still in preliminary stages, and it is uncertain if it will lead to a final product.

Winsage

September 4, 2024

ExpressVPN releases app for ARM-based Microsoft Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs

ExpressVPN has released an updated application specifically for Microsoft’s ARM-based Copilot+ laptops, which use Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. This update allows ExpressVPN to support AI-driven Copilot+ PCs, addressing previous compatibility issues with ARM architecture. The application is now available for download on the company's Windows VPN download page.

Winsage

July 8, 2024

Analyst: Windows on Arm is not ready for the complexities of the PC gaming landscape

Gaming remains a core weakness of Windows on Arm, with only 55% of tested PC games running smoothly without bugs or glitches. Popular multiplayer games like League of Legends, Destiny 2, and Fortnite are currently unplayable on Windows on Arm due to compatibility issues. Arm-based Windows devices only accounted for 0.05% of Steam users in 2024, and Arm-based laptops are expected to account for just 1% of shipments in the same year. Publishers are not incentivized to produce native versions of their games for Arm devices, and distribution platforms like Steam do not support Arm versions of software. Microsoft's Prism translation layer and improvements to Qualcomm's graphics drivers are key aspects needed for better compatibility, but these are not quick fixes and may take several years to improve. Ultimately, without a large audience on Arm devices, publishers and distribution platforms have little incentive to support the Arm platform for PC gaming.

Winsage

June 11, 2024

Valve’s Steam Deck may fall behind the competition if Windows on Arm really does revitalize PC gaming

- Microsoft and Qualcomm are hinting at the potential of Windows on Arm for PC gaming, particularly for laptops and handheld devices. - Over 1400 games have been tested on Arm-based Windows laptops, with over 700 confirmed to run smoothly at 1080p and 60fps. - A new AI feature on Snapdragon X Elite laptops can run over 40 AI models concurrently without using the GPU, freeing up CPU and GPU resources for gaming. - Rumors suggest a next-generation Qualcomm chip arriving in mid-2025, potentially improving handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck.