Valve has expanded the Steam ecosystem to support Android games with the introduction of the Steam Frame device, which allows developers to host their APKs on Steam.
Valve will soon support Android games and applications on Steam, allowing developers to publish Android builds directly on the platform without requiring heavy modifications.
In 2012, Microsoft launched Windows 8 to bridge traditional desktop environments and the tablet market, but it received a poor reception, leading to the release of Windows 8.1 a year later to address its shortcomings. Windows 8 aimed to compete with the iPad by transforming tablets into productivity tools. Windows 8.1 introduced features like on-demand OneDrive storage and the ability to snap apps side-by-side, marking a significant evolution in Windows. The concept of Windows RT for ARM processors faced challenges due to hardware limitations and underdeveloped applications but laid the groundwork for devices like the Microsoft Surface. The transition to touchscreen capabilities was revolutionary for users accustomed to older operating systems. The adaptation of the Windows Phone Metro UI for Windows 8 and 8.1 was innovative, despite criticism from traditional PC users. Windows 8.1 developed a dedicated fan base for its tile-based interface, leading to hopes for its return in future devices.
Microsoft mistakenly sent notifications to Windows 10 users indicating that support for the operating system was ending, causing confusion. Windows 10 is officially set to reach the end of its support lifecycle on October 14, 2025. Despite the notifications, Microsoft has confirmed that users will continue to receive updates for at least another year. The erroneous notifications appeared in the system settings, with users noticing them as early as mid-October. Microsoft acknowledged the error and has rolled out a patch to correct the misinformation. Additionally, the rollout of the major 26H2 update has been delayed, initially available only to users with ARM processors and AI capabilities.
Arm Holdings (ARM) stock declined by 0.88% on Friday, despite a Microsoft update that enhances support for Windows 11 devices with Arm processors, improving the Xbox PC app experience and allowing game downloads on Arm-powered devices. The update is currently available only to Windows Insiders in the Xbox Insider program. Arm stock has seen a year-to-date increase of 12.94% and a 7.87% rise over the past twelve months. Analysts have a consensus rating of Strong Buy for Arm, with an average price target of 1.05, indicating a potential upside of 22.76%.
NVIDIA's Arm processors, initially expected to launch this year, are now delayed until next year due to factors such as setbacks in Microsoft's operating system roadmap, ongoing revisions at NVIDIA, and a decline in notebook market demand. The upcoming N1 series is anticipated to rival the RTX 4070 laptop GPU in performance while offering improved energy efficiency, with speculation about a 65W processor matching a 120W RTX 4070. There are rumors of chips with thermal design power (TDP) of 80W or 120W. The introduction of the N1 series is expected to diversify options in the Arm market, competing with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips. Earlier reports indicated millions of N1X chips were to ship in Q4 2025, followed by N1 processors in 2026, but this timeline has shifted. The processors are being developed in collaboration with MediaTek and could disrupt the computing landscape, with projections suggesting readiness by late 2026 and a potential announcement at CES 2027.
Arm-powered Windows devices using Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are noted for their sleek designs and long battery life. While core compatibility issues have been largely resolved, gaming remains a challenge due to anti-cheat program compatibility, which can prevent games from launching. Chris Bergey from Arm Holdings mentioned that most users spend about 90% of their time on applications with native Arm versions. Major developers like Epic Games are exploring ways to improve compatibility with Arm-based systems. Additionally, anti-cheat issues affect the Steam Deck, which operates on an AMD processor but lacks native versions of several popular anti-cheat systems. As Arm-based Windows devices gain market share, game developers are expected to prioritize support for these platforms. The integration of Windows and Steam into Arm-based handheld devices could transform the gaming landscape, especially with improved battery life and efficiency.
CorePC is an initiative by Microsoft aimed at overhauling the existing monolithic NT architecture of Windows, which has been in use since the 1990s. It seeks to implement a modular framework that allows for customized builds tailored to specific user needs, moving away from the "one size fits all" model. CorePC will introduce state separation of OS components on distinct partitions, enhancing security and streamlining updates. The initiative is expected to reduce system bloat and may lead to the revival of Windows-powered smartphones and tablets with better ARM processor integration. An official launch date for CorePC is not yet available, but it is anticipated to be part of the successor to Windows 11.
The Windows laptop market has shifted towards devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, moving away from traditional Intel and AMD architectures. This initiative, known as Windows on Arm, has produced notable products like the Asus ZenBook A14 and Dell XPS 13, which are praised for their performance in AI applications and impressive battery life. These devices can run Intel-based applications through an emulation layer called Prism, which translates x86-64 code into ARM64 instructions, allowing compatibility with non-native software. While they perform well for office tasks and some creative applications, limitations exist in gaming and high-demand software due to the need for specific drivers and graphics performance. Currently, the market features three Windows on Arm processors: Snapdragon X Elite, X Plus, and X. Pricing for these laptops often exceeds ,000, making Intel and AMD options more appealing for budget-conscious consumers.
Windows 12 is speculated to potentially launch in two to three years, following the end of support for Windows 10. It may draw inspiration from previous successful versions like Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 10, focusing on user customization, performance, and reducing bloatware. Windows 11, launched six years after Windows 10, introduced a new visual style and features but faced criticism over hardware requirements. Windows 12 is expected to build on Windows 11's foundation with incremental improvements and enhanced support for ARM processors.
