Arm-native Archives

Winsage

February 22, 2026

Windows 12 Forecast Six Expert Predictions

Microsoft is preparing for the release of Windows 12, which is expected to feature an AI-native experience with deep integration of Copilot, showcasing capabilities like on-screen comprehension, voice activation, and task automation. The hardware requirements will be elevated, necessitating 16GB of RAM, rapid NVMe storage, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for advanced features. Windows on Arm is gaining momentum, with improvements in app compatibility and battery life, while a modular architecture called CorePC is being developed to facilitate faster updates and enhance security. Licensing for Windows 12 is expected to remain unchanged for consumers, with optional cloud-enhanced services available. The update cadence will increase, allowing for faster feature drops independent of major OS releases, with the Windows Insider Program continuing to test new features. Upon its release, Windows 12 will integrate Copilot, provide a more cohesive OS core, and support both x86 and Arm architectures.

Winsage

February 11, 2026

“Windows 11 26H1” is a special version of Windows exclusively for new Arm PCs

The recent developments in Windows versions present challenges for app developers and IT professionals, particularly with the introduction of a new Windows version designed exclusively for the latest Arm PCs. This shift highlights Microsoft's commitment to Arm processors, moving away from its historical focus on x86 versions. The 24H2 update for Windows 10 and 11 introduced significant enhancements for Arm PCs, including an optimized x86-to-Arm translation layer called Prism, improving compatibility and performance for applications not originally designed for Arm. This update coincided with the launch of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X-series processors, leading to more Arm-native Windows applications being released by third-party developers. Microsoft's hardware strategy has shifted, as the new Surface PCs launched in mid-2024 now exclusively use Qualcomm processors, moving away from Intel chips. Since the 24H2 update, development on Arm and x86 versions of Windows has progressed at different rates, with certain features available on Arm versions earlier than on x86 systems. Windows 11 24H2 was also available on Arm PCs in retail stores months before being released to the broader PC ecosystem. Microsoft has been contacted for details on the upcoming Windows 11 26H1 update and its potential enhancements.

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.

BetaBeacon

November 14, 2025

Valve Opens Steam to Android Games Through New VR Headset

Valve has announced the Steam Frame VR headset, which supports Android applications natively on Steam's platform, marking a significant expansion into the mobile gaming space.

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

August 4, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: 10 years of Windows 10, and Copilot Mode!

This week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast celebrates the 10th anniversary of Windows 10, discussing its evolution over the past decade. The hosts, Dan and Zac, also address Microsoft's strong financial performance alongside recent layoffs. They explore new Copilot features in Microsoft Edge and Copilot Vision on smartphones, as well as the current state of the Surface line, including limited-edition laptops. The anticipated integration of GPT-5 into Copilot is discussed, along with the latest Windows 10 security updates, Adobe's new ARM-native beta applications, and a deal on the Asus ZenBook A14. The podcast also touches on the future impact of artificial intelligence on daily life and the tech industry.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Adobe brings native Windows on Arm support to Premiere Pro, After Effects, and more — but not all features made it

Adobe has launched native ARM64 versions of its creative applications—Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and Media Encoder—for Windows on Arm devices, currently in public preview. However, these applications have certain limitations: - Premiere Pro will not support the Loudness Radar effect, Export to Wraptor DCP, Import and export of the GoPro CineForm codec, and Export to the P2 Movie format. - Audition lacks support for the GoPro CineForm codec and Loudness Radar effect. - Media Encoder will also not support the Loudness Radar effect, Export to Wraptor DCP, GoPro CineForm, and P2 Movie format. Future updates are expected to integrate support for third-party extensions, ProRes, and additional formats in these applications. After Effects currently has no listed unavailable features for its Arm-native version.