ARM-compatible Archives

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.

Winsage

September 4, 2024

ExpressVPN finds “innovative” solution for ARM support

ExpressVPN has launched a VPN application compatible with next-generation Windows devices through a collaboration with Qualcomm and Microsoft. This development addresses performance limitations faced by VPN applications on ARM-based processors by utilizing Microsoft's Prism emulator introduced in the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade. ExpressVPN adapted its Lightway protocol to work with this enhanced emulation, allowing for improved performance without needing a native ARM application. Currently, few VPN services are available for ARM Windows devices, with others like Private Internet Access, Windscribe, and Surfshark also developing ARM-compatible solutions. ExpressVPN's approach positions it as a leader in the VPN market and may encourage other providers to transition to ARM compatibility.

AppWizard

June 29, 2024

Tested: Don’t buy a Snapdragon X Elite laptop for PC gaming

- Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips come with integrated Adreno X1 GPUs, with varying performance levels. - Qualcomm's naming conventions for their chips can be confusing. - Intel provides integrated Arc graphics into some Intel Core Ultra chips, with varying performance levels. - Most PC games do not support Qualcomm's hardware, leading to issues with launching and playing games. - Qualcomm's Snapdragon X delivers a stable Windows software experience for everyday work applications, but struggles with PC games. - Intel Arc outperforms Qualcomm Adreno X1 in various game benchmarks, providing a more stable and playable experience. - Qualcomm's lack of support from PC game developers hinders its performance in gaming compared to Intel Arc. - Intel Arc is recommended for playing PC games on entry-level laptops over Qualcomm alternatives.

AppWizard

June 29, 2024

Tested: Don’t buy a Snapdragon X Elite laptop for PC gaming

Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips come with integrated Adreno X1 GPUs, with varying performance levels. The Qualcomm X1E-84-100 chip is the best but is exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge. Most games do not support Qualcomm's hardware, leading to issues such as games not launching or crashing. Intel provides integrated Arc graphics into some Intel Core Ultra chips, with varying performance levels. Intel Arc outperforms Qualcomm Adreno X1 in various game benchmarks, showing that Intel is a better choice for gaming on entry-level laptops.