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Mythbusters: Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm
Winsage
December 27, 2024

Mythbusters: Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm

Advantech's infographic addresses myths about Microsoft Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm, distinguishing it from Windows Home or Professional editions. Myths about the operating system include: 1. Windows on Arm consumes significant power and resources, leading to poor performance. 2. The image size of Windows on Arm is greater than or equal to that of Windows on x86. 3. Desktop mode is unavailable on Windows on Arm. 4. Windows on Arm is a stripped-down version of Windows. 5. Arm architecture may face limitations with complex tasks. 6. All Windows devices are power-hungry, and switching to Arm offers no improvement. Key facts include: - Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC typically occupies about 6GB of storage, with a minimum requirement of 16GB. - Desktop mode is available on Windows on Arm. - Windows on Arm retains core functionalities, though some hardware drivers may have compatibility issues. - Arm processors are generally more efficient than x86 counterparts. Myths regarding applications and workload include: 7. Windows on Arm exclusively supports Arm64 applications. 8. Multimedia applications perform poorly on Windows on Arm devices. 9. Windows Copilot can be extended to all versions of Windows running on Arm. Key facts include: - An emulation system allows x86 applications to run on Arm hardware. - Multimedia performance depends on hardware acceleration, which is supported by major SoC manufacturers. - Cloud-based services like Windows Copilot operate effectively on Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm, but on-device Copilot+ requires specific hardware capabilities. Myths about licensing and development include: 10. The Windows license fee for x86 is expensive, and the fee for Windows on Arm is similarly high. 11. Windows on Arm has limited support for certain Windows frameworks. 12. Development and debugging on Windows for Arm architecture present challenges requiring extended transition periods. Key facts include: - Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC is priced between 0 and 0, offering a decade of security updates. - Transitioning from x86 to Arm for application development is streamlined, with common programming languages and frameworks remaining compatible. Tools like Visual Studio facilitate the development process.
Google preps new features for Android desktop windowing, including a minimize button
AppWizard
November 26, 2024

Google preps new features for Android desktop windowing, including a minimize button

Google is enhancing the desktop windowing capabilities of Android with the upcoming release of Android 15 QPR1, which will introduce features such as buttons to minimize applications and the ability to open them in new windows. The desktop windowing feature allows users to operate multiple applications in resizable windows, with a taskbar for managing running and pinned applications. Users can activate desktop windowing by dragging a fullscreen app's pill or using a keyboard shortcut. A new “multi-instance property” for developers will enable apps to launch as multiple instances, and a minimize button will allow users to minimize and reopen application windows via the taskbar. The Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 release has also introduced an “app-to-web” feature for select applications, enhancing usability.
Android 16: Eligible devices, release date, and new features
AppWizard
October 16, 2024

Android 16: Eligible devices, release date, and new features

Android 15 has officially transitioned to a stable release and is being rolled out to eligible Pixel devices. Not all features from the beta testing phase have made it to the stable version, with some features like the predictive back gesture being implemented only now. Android 16 is expected to debut in preview builds by the end of February 2025 and will reach a broader range of devices than previous versions, with many brands committing to at least three Android OS updates for budget and mid-range smartphones. The Pixel 7 series will receive Android 16, while older models will continue to receive feature updates and security patches. Google has promised seven years of software updates for devices like the mid-range Pixel 8a. Android 16's internal codename is Baklava. New features in Android 16 include notification cooldown to reduce notification volume from the same app, a native desktop mode, the ability to limit battery charging to 80%, and enhanced audio sharing capabilities for casting music to multiple Bluetooth devices. Google is expected to launch a developer preview in the first quarter of the year, with public beta builds around May and a stable release anticipated in the fourth quarter.
Windows gaming handhelds show Windows Phone could make a comeback
Winsage
September 29, 2024

Windows gaming handhelds show Windows Phone could make a comeback

PC gaming handhelds are gaining popularity, but the Windows operating system used on these devices presents challenges, particularly on smaller screens. Reviews of various handhelds, excluding the Steam Deck, indicate that while the hardware is impressive, the operating system experience is frustrating. Users face issues such as scaling challenges, a dominating virtual keyboard, and cumbersome desktop navigation. Although manufacturers have created custom software to improve the gaming experience, these solutions often fall short, leading gamers to revert to Windows for settings adjustments. SteamOS provides a better gaming environment but lacks the versatility of Windows, which can run nearly any game without limitations. Many users are unlikely to switch to Linux due to the limited software availability and the learning curve involved. Microsoft has previously developed a mobile operating system, Windows Phone, which featured a tile-based user interface suitable for touchscreens. This design could be adapted for PC gaming handhelds, leveraging the familiarity users have with organizing apps on mobile devices. Microsoft could either revisit these concepts for handhelds or revamp the Xbox interface for smaller screens, potentially licensing it to manufacturers for a more cohesive user experience.
Report: Android's desktop mode might allow future tablets to double as computers
AppWizard
August 9, 2024

Report: Android’s desktop mode might allow future tablets to double as computers

In April, discussions about Google's plans to improve Android's desktop mode began, with early demonstrations suggesting a more user-friendly experience featuring movable windows. This project re-emerged in the Android 15 Beta 4.1 release, where a new "Desktop" button was added to the 'Recents' view for applications, enabling users to minimize, maximize, and arrange apps side by side. The taskbar at the bottom displays all open applications, creating a multitasking environment. The desktop mode may also extend to tablets with large displays, allowing users to switch between desktop and traditional tablet interfaces. However, the feature is still under development, and an imminent release is unlikely, with speculation that it could debut alongside a potential Pixel Tablet 2.
This Project Lets You Run Linux as an App on Android
AppWizard
June 18, 2024

This Project Lets You Run Linux as an App on Android

Users can run various Linux distributions on native hardware on their Android installation with Lindroid, which is described as a reverse Waydroid. Lindroid features KWin as the default compositor, Wayland enabled by default, and experimental support for X11. It also offers multi input and multi display support, compatibility with Android's desktop mode, and hardware acceleration for running apps. Lindroid requires a rooted Android device and AOSP patches to run, and currently, there is no straightforward way to set it up. Lindroid will be officially available via LibreMobileOS under the Ulumo name in the future.
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