ARM-compatible Archives

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Windows-on-Arm woes: Amazon warns customers about Surface laptop returns

Qualcomm and Microsoft are enhancing the Windows-on-Arm ecosystem, highlighted during the Microsoft Build event in May 2024. The Surface brand laptops with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors received positive feedback for performance and battery life. However, the Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition) has been flagged by Amazon as a "frequently returned item," prompting buyers to check reviews. Customer feedback indicates that app compatibility issues are a primary reason for the returns. Intel's interim Co-CEO suggested that devices with Snapdragon chips are returned at higher rates due to unmet functionality expectations. Despite this, the market for Windows-on-Arm systems remains strong, with major manufacturers adopting Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. Other Snapdragon-powered devices, like the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, have not faced similar return warnings. The Surface Laptop may have higher return rates due to its popularity and specific shortcomings noted in reviews, such as display quality and keyboard comfort. Microsoft also offers Intel versions of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, which may confuse consumers. Qualcomm and Microsoft are working with developers to improve software support for Windows-on-Arm, with notable applications like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Photoshop now available. Challenges remain, including Qualcomm's discontinuation of its Snapdragon Developer Kit for Windows and limited native support for some applications. Users with specialized needs may prefer traditional x86 Windows versions. Qualcomm plans to unveil its second generation of Snapdragon X processors in late 2025.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Google Drive for Windows on Arm PCs is now widely available

Google has launched its Google Drive app for Arm-compatible Windows PCs powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors, now available as a general release after being in beta. The Arm64 version offers the same functionalities as the traditional app and is exclusively available for Windows 11, requiring Microsoft WebView 2. Beta testers will receive an upgrade prompt, while new users can download the app from Google’s website. This release aligns with the increasing support for Arm64 architecture in applications, including Google Chrome, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN. Microsoft is also working on updates to improve software and gaming experiences through its Prism emulator.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Google Drive is now widely available on Snapdragon-powered Windows laptops

The Google Drive app is now fully available for users of Arm-powered PCs, including those with Snapdragon X chipsets. This native version allows seamless integration with Windows File Explorer, enabling users to sync and store files online easily. Additionally, Google has updated its Quick Share app for Windows to support Arm, although it is still a non-native application.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Microsoft rolls out Recall for Intel, AMD-based Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft is expanding the availability of its Recall Preview to Dev Channel Windows Insiders using AMD and Intel-based Copilot+ PCs with the release of build 26120.2510 of Windows 11. Users are advised to ensure their latest drivers are installed before using the preview features. Recall, initially unveiled at Microsoft’s Build event, faced privacy and security concerns, leading to its retraction and subsequent refinement over several months. After its return in November for Qualcomm Arm PCs, it is now also accessible to users in the European Economic Area (EEA) and includes new features like Click To Do. Enhancements have been made since its initial release, including new interaction methods and functionalities, such as summarizing or rewriting text. Other updates include CoCreator in Microsoft Paint and AI-driven image manipulation features in the Photos app.

AppWizard

November 20, 2024

Another major Google app just got a Windows on Arm release

Google has introduced a native Google Drive for Desktop application specifically for Windows on Arm computers, marking it as the second app optimized for this platform after the Chrome browser. The app is currently in beta, and users may experience bugs, so Google recommends using non-production data or having backups. The app offers functionality similar to its x64 version but lacks the Outlook Meet plugin. It allows for efficient syncing between cloud storage and local devices. Other recent Arm-compatible applications include Arc Browser, NordVPN, and Notion, while the Quick Share app operates through emulation. The Google Drive app is available for download through Google's official link.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

The death of x86 may be “severely exaggerated,” but these native Arm apps are here to threaten Intel and AMD

Several popular applications have been optimized for Windows on Arm, including NordVPN, Arc Browser, Foxit PDF Editor, and Notion, which now run natively on Windows 11 on Arm devices. Native applications typically offer better performance and efficiency compared to emulated ones. The Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors support a wider range of applications, contributing to the growth of the Windows on Arm app library. Microsoft and Qualcomm have collaborated to improve program performance on Arm devices, leading to a rise in native app availability. Some applications still rely on emulation, but many popular apps are transitioning to native Arm versions.

Winsage

October 9, 2024

The Windows laptop I recommend to most people undercuts the MacBook Air (and it’s on sale)

Microsoft has introduced the Surface Laptop, which features a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor and is available in 13.8-inch and 15-inch models. Priced at 9 on Amazon, it has a sleek aluminum chassis with a bright 120Hz HDR touchscreen display. The laptop offers over 15 hours of battery life, making it suitable for remote work. It includes two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The device is noted for its performance improvements in creative software and has a responsive touchpad and a satisfying keyboard experience.

Winsage

September 5, 2024

ExpressVPN now supports the latest Arm Windows machines

ExpressVPN launched its Arm-compatible app in Beta on September 4, with a final product expected in mid-October. Users can download the app from the ExpressVPN Windows download page by selecting the ARM64 Beta Version. This development allows users of Snapdragon X Elite-powered laptops to enhance their online privacy without the limitations of emulated applications.

AppWizard

September 4, 2024

Microsoft’s new ‘Copilot’ PCs can’t handle hundreds of popular PC games

Microsoft and its partners have launched Copilot+ PCs featuring AI-powered capabilities, moving away from Intel's architecture to Qualcomm chips based on Arm designs. However, gaming compatibility poses challenges, as many popular PC games are optimized for Intel's x86 chips. An analysis revealed that out of approximately 1,300 evaluated games, only about half functioned smoothly on the new Arm-powered PCs. Microsoft has acknowledged that some high-demand games may not work on these devices, and Qualcomm stated that their chip architecture is not currently viewed as a gaming platform. The competition between the Qualcomm-Arm alliance and Intel is expected to intensify, with predictions that new Intel chips for Windows AI PCs will gain significant market share due to better compatibility.

AppWizard

September 4, 2024

Microsoft Copilot Plus PCs get a security boost with ExpressVPN app

ExpressVPN has released an Arm-compatible version of its application for Microsoft’s Copilot Plus PCs, addressing the compatibility issues faced by many VPN services on these devices. During testing, most VPN applications struggled to function on Copilot Plus, which is particularly problematic for enterprise users needing secure connections. ExpressVPN opted for a hybrid solution using Microsoft’s Prism emulator, allowing for a user experience similar to a native app while maintaining efficiency. Microsoft claims Prism can emulate applications at twice the speed of previous Windows on Arm devices. Other VPN providers may follow ExpressVPN's lead, but it is uncertain if they will use a hybrid approach or develop fully native Arm applications.