chip Archives

BetaBeacon

April 12, 2026

Google’s Tensor G5 is ‘good enough’ — but 2026 flagships are leaving the Pixel 10 behind

- Google Pixel's lackluster performance may deter some buyers - The Pixel 10 Pro XL can hit 120fps on medium and very high graphics settings in COD Mobile - The Pixel's raw performance is behind rivals like Xiaomi and Samsung - Google's Tensor chip may struggle to catch up to Qualcomm's Snapdragon in terms of gaming performance - The Pixel 10 series is improving in performance but may not be the best choice for gamers looking for the smoothest frame rates

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

This developer squeezed a full Minecraft server onto an ESP32, and it actually works

A developer named angelthebox has created a Minecraft server called Macerun that runs on the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, using Minecraft version 1.16.5 rewritten in C. Key features include the ability for players to join the server, explore the world, place and break blocks, procedural world chunk generation, basic crafting mechanics with 2x2 recipes, in-game chat, and tracking of basic physics, health, and hunger. Changes to blocks are saved to the chip's flash memory. However, the server lacks mobs, 3x3 crafting recipes, and the ability to retain player inventories and positions after exiting. The source code is available on the Macerun GitHub page.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

Apple’s chips are the core of a new landscape, but its biggest win is Windows

Apple introduced its M1 Apple Silicon systems in late 2020, which received admiration but raised concerns due to a restrictive ecosystem. Over five years, Apple’s architecture has evolved, addressing challenges like gigabit Wi-Fi and high-speed expansion, yet it remains focused on desktops and laptops. The anticipated MacBook Neo, lacking an M-type System on Chip, has created apprehension within the Windows ecosystem. Currently, no Windows laptop can match the MacBook Neo in hardware quality and startup experience, while macOS offers a more tranquil workspace compared to the distractions of Windows 11. Apple has effectively utilized advancements in processor technology and manufacturing control to produce efficient chips and maintain a coherent ecosystem, making its products increasingly accessible. In contrast, Windows OEMs face challenges with component sourcing, build quality, and reliance on bloatware. There is potential for Microsoft to create a Windows Neo variant that meets user needs, while the sustainability of current business models for Windows OEMs is uncertain.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

Is this the perfect Windows app to emulate? Microsoft needs to take notes.

Microsoft is forming a team to enhance native Windows applications, coinciding with the launch of Speechify in the Microsoft Store. Speechify offers text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionalities, and has been noted for its effective dictation features. It is compatible with various chip architectures, including AMD, Intel, and Snapdragon X, and utilizes WinUI 3 for a native experience. Collaboration with Microsoft has optimized Speechify's functionality, allowing for integration across applications, real-time text input, and OCR-based text capture while ensuring local data security. The app can run in the cloud or locally, leveraging NPU or GPU acceleration. However, it has limitations, such as the inability to manually resize its window. Microsoft is encouraged to adopt Speechify's approach by supporting all chip architectures, ensuring availability in the Microsoft Store, and prioritizing native application development using WinUI 3.

AppWizard

April 5, 2026

$1,700 liquid-cooled phone can run GTA V at up to 100 FPS, Red Dead 2 at 50+ FPS via emulation — Redmagic 11 Pro packs 24 GB of RAM and pulls more than 40W at peak load

PC emulation on Android has advanced significantly, with devices like the Redmagic 11 Pro Golden Saga Edition outperforming the Steam Deck in running AAA PC games. The GameHub emulator translates x86 code into ARM architecture and is integrated into Redmagic devices, allowing seamless game play and save file synchronization with Steam. The Golden Saga Edition features 24 GB of RAM, enhanced cooling systems, and shares specifications with the standard model, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and a 6.9-inch OLED display. It is priced at approximately ,700 and must be imported to the U.S. The device targets performance enthusiasts who value cutting-edge technology.

AppWizard

April 4, 2026

Android Phone Hits 40-100 FPS In Emulated AAA PC Games Like Resident Evil Requiem

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 powers the RedMagic 11 Pro Golden Saga Edition, which can run high-profile PC games through emulation on Android. In a demonstration, it achieved playable framerates in games like Cyberpunk 2077, Ghost of Tsushima, Grand Theft Auto V, Project Cars 2, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Resident Evil Requiem. The device features a 6.85-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a resolution of 2688x1216, 24GB of LPDDR5T memory, and 1TB of UFS 4.1 Pro storage. It includes a dedicated gaming chip, the RedCore R4, and a liquid cooling system with an active fan. Users can choose from performance modes such as Eco, Balanced, Rise, and Diablo, with the Rise mode providing a balance of performance and efficiency. During testing, Red Dead Redemption 2 averaged framerates in the high 40s, reaching nearly 60 FPS, while Resident Evil Requiem exceeded 90 FPS in some areas. Grand Theft Auto V reached up to 100 FPS indoors and over 60 FPS in the open world.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

I’m sick to death of the April Fool’s dating sim trend. Thankfully, Discord is doing something different

April 1 has become a day of mixed feelings in the gaming industry, with media professionals navigating through numerous exaggerated claims and jokes. This year, the creativity of April Fool's pranks appears to have diminished. One notable release is Last Meadow Online, a "multiplayer quadruple-A sequel" to The Last Meadow, described as a DIMMIRPG (Discord-Based Massively Multiplayer Incremental Role Playing Game). Players join Wumpus, a Discord mascot, to face a dragon named 'Grass Toucher' threatening his hometown. The game features a hand-drawn clicker style, allowing players to choose from three classes—Paladin, Ranger, or Priest—and craft items, but they must wait 24 hours to switch classes or craft. Players can attack, craft, or gather resources, engaging in battles by holding down an 'adventure' button. Last Meadow Online is accessible on Discord until April 7, offering participants a limited-edition badge.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

Google embraces the future, mandates 64-bit apps for Wear OS

Google has mandated that all Wear OS applications must include a 64-bit version starting September 15, 2026. This requirement is part of a broader strategy that also applies to Android TV and Google TV, which will require 64-bit app versions from August 2026. Developers can still offer a 32-bit version alongside the new 64-bit applications, and the Play Store will continue to support legacy applications. A majority of Wear OS developers have already adopted the 64-bit architecture, although some dormant apps may present challenges. The transition to a 64-bit architecture is expected to enhance performance, security, and efficiency for chip manufacturers, as well as allow smartwatches to utilize more than 4GB of RAM.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

US PC sales grow by 3% in late 2025 as companies and consumers scrambled to replace Windows 10 — 2026 forecast sees 13% drop as storage and memory prices expected to climb another 60%

In the fourth quarter of 2025, U.S. PC shipments increased by 3% year-on-year, totaling 18.2 million units. This growth was driven by seasonal holiday demand, the need to upgrade aging Windows 10 computers, and retailers securing inventory ahead of supply chain challenges due to a chip shortage. The overall PC market in 2025 also grew by 3%, reversing declines from the previous two quarters. Commercial sector shipments rose by 6% to 8.2 million units, supported by holiday spending and a shift to more affordable products, as enterprises migrated to Windows 11 before the end-of-support deadline for Windows 10. However, Omdia predicts a 13% contraction in PC shipments for 2026 due to rising RAM and storage costs, alongside CPU shortages from Intel and AMD. The entry-level PC market may face significant challenges, potentially diminishing by 2028. Despite declining shipment numbers, the market value is expected to rise due to price increases from supply constraints. Omdia forecasts a rebound in 2027, with shipments projected to grow by 7% to exceed 66 million units, still below the 71.5 million units recorded in 2025.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Lenovo Legion 7 and the N1X leak: Will this be the first serious Windows-on-ARM gaming laptop?

A recent discovery involving Lenovo's model listings revealed a "Legion 7 15N1X11," which may indicate a 15-inch Legion model of the 11th generation potentially powered by an NVIDIA N1X platform. This model deviates from the typical Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm nomenclature associated with gaming laptops. While the specifics of the device's final specifications and potential release remain unverified, the mention of an ARM gaming laptop raises questions about the future of Windows on ARM, a segment that has struggled in gaming. NVIDIA has introduced the GB10 Grace-Blackwell superchip, which integrates an ARM CPU with Blackwell GPU technology, and speculation exists that the N1X might share similarities with this chip. The current Legion 7a generation features AMD Ryzen AI 400 processors and GeForce RTX laptop GPUs. Windows 11 has improved compatibility for ARM, but challenges remain with games relying on anti-cheat drivers not designed for ARM systems. The reference to a 15-inch model suggests a potential transition to a dedicated chassis for this specific SoC class.