ASUS Archives

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Windows on Arm vs Intel: Which laptop platform is right for you?

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.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Samsung Notes finally lets you use the app on any Windows device

Samsung Notes can now operate on any Windows device, allowing users to sync the app without needing a Galaxy Book. Previously, users faced limitations and had to use workarounds for compatibility with non-Galaxy devices. The update has received positive feedback, with users reporting successful operation on various Windows laptops, enhancing productivity by allowing note consolidation across multiple devices.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Goodbye Obsolete Tech—This USB Drive Instantly Revives Old Computers—Perfect for the Post-Windows 10 Era

Computers have a finite lifespan, and companies like Microsoft withdraw support for older devices to focus on newer models, a practice known as planned obsolescence. Microsoft is discontinuing support for the Windows 10 operating system, which means users will no longer receive security updates or technical assistance. Google has developed ChromeOS Flex, an operating system that can be installed on older Windows 10 devices, providing essential security features and updates. ChromeOS Flex offers rapid boot times and automatic updates and is compatible with a range of hardware from major manufacturers. Users must verify their device against an approved list and meet specific installation requirements, including having a 64-bit processor, at least 4 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of storage. An empty USB drive of at least 8 GB is needed to create the bootable installer for the installation process.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Down in Bermuda, Agent A, Kingdom Rush Vengeance, more

This afternoon, there are new deals on Android games and applications, coinciding with the launch of Sony's XM6 headphones. Discounts are available on smart home devices like ecobee’s HomeKit and Google Home Smart Video Doorbell Cam, and Ring’s Battery Doorbell Pro. The Galaxy Tab S10+ has dropped in price, along with the ASUS 2024 Chromebook CX1. The game "Down in Bermuda" invites players to help an aviator named Milton navigate challenges on six unique islands while solving puzzles and collecting magical orbs. Subscribing to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel offers updates on technology and gaming.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

I replaced my laptop with Microsoft’s 12-inch Surface Pro – here’s my buying advice a week later

The 12-inch Microsoft Surface Pro is available for preorder, starting at 9 for the Platinum color and ,099 for the Violet and Ocean colors. It features a thin and lightweight design, a fast-charging battery, and a Snapdragon X Plus processor. The base model includes 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with a maximum storage option of 512GB. Essential accessories like the keyboard, mouse, and power adapter are sold separately. The device has a resolution of 2196 x 1464 and offers up to 16 hours of battery life, achieving over 15 hours during video playback. It can charge to 50% in 30 minutes and 80% in an hour. The Surface Pro is designed for everyday users and supports AI-driven applications.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade block lifted after Safe Exam Browser fix

Microsoft has lifted an upgrade block that prevented certain users of the Safe Exam Browser from installing the Windows 11 2024 Update due to compatibility concerns. The block was initially implemented in September to protect users from issues with Safe Exam Browser version 3.7 or earlier. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Safe Exam Browser version 3.8 or later before proceeding with the Windows 11 24H2 update. If users still encounter the safeguard hold after 48 hours of updating, they should contact Safe Exam Browser Support. The Windows 11 24H2 feature update is now available for all compatible PCs, except those under safeguard holds. Microsoft has resolved issues that previously blocked the update for some users and has removed other compatibility holds for specific devices and applications. However, some upgrade blocks remain due to incompatible hardware and software. Windows 11 24H2 began its rollout in May 2024 for enterprise testing, with a broader release in October.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

I tried Asus ZenBook A14. Now I can’t imagine using a different Windows laptop

The Asus ZenBook A14 is a lightweight laptop that weighs over 23% less than the MacBook Air and is crafted from a material called Ceraluminum, making it 30% lighter than aluminum and nearly three times stronger. It features a variety of ports, including two USB-C (v4.0) ports, a USB-A port, and an HDMI 2.1 port, offering more connectivity options than the MacBook Air. The keyboard provides satisfying feedback and ample travel, while the Windows Hello authentication system offers convenient security. The laptop has a 14-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and performs well with applications from Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, although it struggles with heavier workloads in Da Vinci Resolve. The ZenBook A14 has a battery life of around eight hours on a single charge.

BetaBeacon

May 10, 2025

Everything you need to turn your phone into the ultimate gaming handheld

Various phone controllers are available to enhance mobile gaming experiences, such as the GameSir G8 Plus, ASUS ROG Tessen, and Backbone One. Additionally, options like Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Plus Premium, and Amazon Luna allow console and PC gamers to play from anywhere. Emulators like RetroArch can handle games up to PS2, and launchers like ES-DE and Console Launcher can enhance the gaming experience on phones. Ultimately, phones are capable of playing a wide range of games, including emulation, making them versatile gaming devices.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: DREDGE, unmemory, Psychofunk, more

Today, there are significant game and app deals available, including a 50% price reduction on the indie game DREDGE. The Best Buy Spring Sale features discounts on the OnePlus 13, OnePlus Open, and unlocked Pixel 9 Pro Fold units, with discounts of up to 5%. ASUS has released a new dual-screen laptop, and promotions for the Galaxy S25 Ultra are ongoing. Other notable games include unmemory and Psychofunk.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

There’s a quiet PC boom happening – thanks to Windows 10 and the tariffs

In the first quarter of 2025, PC shipments increased by 12.6% compared to the same quarter in 2024, with over 16 million computers dispatched. All six leading PC vendors in the United States reported growth in shipments: HP shipped 4.1 million PCs (25.1% market share), Dell shipped 3.9 million (23.9% market share), Lenovo shipped 3.1 million (19.2% market share), Apple shipped 2.6 million (15.9% market share), Acer shipped 944,000 (5.8% market share), and ASUS shipped 464,000 (2.8% market share). Globally, PC shipments reached 58.9 million units, a 4.8% increase from 56.2 million the previous year. Lenovo led the global market, followed by HP, Dell, Apple, Acer, and ASUS. In Japan, demand for PCs, particularly for replacing Windows 11 systems and the adoption of Chromebooks, drove a shipment growth of 15.6%.