ARM64 version

AppWizard
November 21, 2024
Google Drive for Desktop has introduced a beta version that supports Windows on Arm, optimized for Arm64 architecture. Users need a Windows 11 PC with an Arm processor and the WebView2 runtime from Microsoft to use the app. The beta version lacks the Outlook Meet plugin, which may be a drawback for some users. Google Drive is now the second major application optimized for Windows on Arm, following Google Chrome. The Quick Share app is compatible but runs through emulation, potentially causing performance issues. Users are advised to use the beta with non-essential data or ensure backups.
Winsage
November 9, 2024
Telegram is a leading messaging application available on Windows, Android, and Apple devices. The latest version 5.7.2 includes integrated native ARM64 support. Users can download Telegram for Windows on ARM from GitHub, where it is offered as a full installation or a portable application. Previously, Telegram operated under Microsoft's Prism emulation layer on ARM devices, but now it runs natively on ARM64, providing a faster and more efficient experience. Users can download the app via an executable installer or as a portable option from the 'telegramdesktop' GitHub page.
Winsage
November 7, 2024
Microsoft is updating Windows on Arm to improve x64 software and game compatibility through advanced emulation, focusing on devices with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors. This update is part of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744, being tested in the Canary Channel. The new emulator will support 64-bit x86 software and various processor extensions, including AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C, but will not support 32-bit software. Popular games using AVX2 technology, like Starfield and Helldivers 2, will benefit from this update. Some widely-used applications, such as Photoshop, Hulu, and Chrome, have native ARM64 versions, but others still rely on emulation. The emulator is currently enabled in a limited capacity on retail PCs, allowing Premiere Pro 25 on Arm to operate. A correction noted that Blender now has an ARM64 version and does not require emulation.
Winsage
November 1, 2024
Vegas Pro will soon support a native ARM64 version, currently in beta testing, optimized for the Snapdragon X Elite CPU and NPU. Users can expect a twofold increase in speed and an eightfold reduction in energy consumption when using the AI-powered Smart Mask tool on Arm processors. Additionally, new features are being developed for all users, including automatic audio ducking, auto normalize for consistent audio levels, and AI text-based editing that generates transcripts for easier video editing.
BetaBeacon
September 25, 2024
Valve is quietly expanding its gaming ecosystem to support Arm-based processors and Android. The leaked code reveals testing of an "ARM64" version of its Linux compatibility layer, Proton, with various games. This development hints at potential Arm support for desktop devices and the possibility of Steam being accessible on Android phones and tablets. Valve's interest in this area is likely due to the increasing popularity of Arm processors, with the company seeing potential for gaming on these devices.
Winsage
September 22, 2024
On September 20, Valve updated a test application on SteamDB, revealing a list of games being tested with its Proton compatibility layer, including an ARM64 version called "proton-arm64ec-4." This version is designed to enable Windows games to run on Linux and is currently being tested with hundreds of titles, including Left 4 Dead 2 and Shadows of Mordor. Valve appears to be prioritizing ARM64 support for SteamOS and aims to expand its Linux gaming audience beyond x86 hardware to include Linux ARM devices. There are indications that even Android ARM devices might benefit from Proton support. Speculation exists about Valve potentially developing its own ARM devices, but this is considered unlikely given the competitive pricing of the Steam Deck. Valve's efforts to enhance support for ARM devices align with its commitment to the Linux gaming community, especially as the ARM gaming landscape on Windows is still developing. A significant number of games confirmed to work on Windows for ARM are undergoing testing by Valve, indicating a promising future for gaming on Linux platforms.
Winsage
September 4, 2024
Google is launching an Arm64 version of Google Drive for Windows on Arm later this year, which is significant for users of Microsoft's Copilot+ PCs powered by Qualcomm's X series processors. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon announced this at the IFA event, where he also mentioned the availability of VPN services NordVPN and ExpressVPN on Snapdragon laptops. The Qualcomm X series processors have faced criticism for limited software support for Windows on Arm, highlighted during Intel's Lunar Lake presentation. Currently, Google restricts access to Drive on Qualcomm-powered devices, prompting users to seek alternatives. Google had previously released an Arm64 version of Chrome for Windows. Gamers have reported issues with games like “League of Legends” and “Fortnite” due to the need for a software layer to translate instructions for Arm-based systems. Qualcomm has introduced its eight-core Snapdragon X Plus chip to make Windows on Arm laptops more accessible and affordable. Amon hinted at potential developments for Snapdragon chips in desktop PCs, with more details expected at the upcoming Snapdragon summit in October.
Winsage
September 4, 2024
Google plans to release an Arm64 version of Google Drive for Windows later this year, aimed at Qualcomm-powered laptops. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are now available on Snapdragon laptops, which previously lacked these applications due to compatibility issues with Windows on Arm. Google had restricted Drive access on Qualcomm devices but is now developing a full Arm64 version. Google also created an Arm64 version of Chrome for the Copilot Plus launch in June. Qualcomm introduced an eight-core Snapdragon X Plus chip to reduce costs for Windows on Arm laptops, with models like the Asus Vivobook S 15 and Dell Inspiron 14 starting at competitive prices. Qualcomm expects laptop prices to drop to as low as 0 by 2025. A Snapdragon summit is scheduled for October to discuss future possibilities for Snapdragon chips in desktop PCs.
Winsage
July 6, 2024
Microsoft has been working on making Windows on Arm a viable platform for 12 years. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips are turning Windows on Arm into a competitive platform, with good performance in single-core and multicore benchmarks. The Snapdragon chips fall behind in GPU performance compared to Apple's M3 chip. The Snapdragon laptops offer longer battery life compared to Intel and AMD-based laptops. The Snapdragon Copilot Plus PCs are priced competitively and offer better performance and battery life for less money. Qualcomm's lead in Windows on Arm may be challenged by upcoming processors from Intel and AMD.
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