Google Drive Archives

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Windows-on-Arm woes: Amazon warns customers about Surface laptop returns

Qualcomm and Microsoft are enhancing the Windows-on-Arm ecosystem, highlighted during the Microsoft Build event in May 2024. The Surface brand laptops with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors received positive feedback for performance and battery life. However, the Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition) has been flagged by Amazon as a "frequently returned item," prompting buyers to check reviews. Customer feedback indicates that app compatibility issues are a primary reason for the returns. Intel's interim Co-CEO suggested that devices with Snapdragon chips are returned at higher rates due to unmet functionality expectations. Despite this, the market for Windows-on-Arm systems remains strong, with major manufacturers adopting Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. Other Snapdragon-powered devices, like the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, have not faced similar return warnings. The Surface Laptop may have higher return rates due to its popularity and specific shortcomings noted in reviews, such as display quality and keyboard comfort. Microsoft also offers Intel versions of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, which may confuse consumers. Qualcomm and Microsoft are working with developers to improve software support for Windows-on-Arm, with notable applications like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Photoshop now available. Challenges remain, including Qualcomm's discontinuation of its Snapdragon Developer Kit for Windows and limited native support for some applications. Users with specialized needs may prefer traditional x86 Windows versions. Qualcomm plans to unveil its second generation of Snapdragon X processors in late 2025.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Google Drive for Windows on Arm PCs is now widely available

Google has launched its Google Drive app for Arm-compatible Windows PCs powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors, now available as a general release after being in beta. The Arm64 version offers the same functionalities as the traditional app and is exclusively available for Windows 11, requiring Microsoft WebView 2. Beta testers will receive an upgrade prompt, while new users can download the app from Google’s website. This release aligns with the increasing support for Arm64 architecture in applications, including Google Chrome, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN. Microsoft is also working on updates to improve software and gaming experiences through its Prism emulator.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Google Drive is now widely available on Snapdragon-powered Windows laptops

The Google Drive app is now fully available for users of Arm-powered PCs, including those with Snapdragon X chipsets. This native version allows seamless integration with Windows File Explorer, enabling users to sync and store files online easily. Additionally, Google has updated its Quick Share app for Windows to support Arm, although it is still a non-native application.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Google ships Drive for Arm PCs, removing a compatibility concern

Google has released a stable version of Google Drive for Arm PCs, addressing app compatibility concerns for users. This follows a successful beta launch and requires the Microsoft WebView2 runtime with Windows 11. The update is available to all users with personal Google accounts and Google Workspace. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite Arm processors have received positive feedback, but initial tests showed performance issues with several applications, including Google Drive. While many productivity applications are now optimized for Arm, gaming remains a challenge, with many titles not running natively or performing poorly. Reports indicated higher-than-average consumer return rates for the Surface Laptop, highlighting ongoing challenges for Qualcomm, Arm, Microsoft, and developers in improving Windows on Arm PCs.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

6 essential skills every Windows 11 user needs to master

- Windows 11 users can enhance their experience and security by mastering essential skills such as managing updates, securing online presence, and utilizing system settings. - To protect accounts and sensitive information online, users should consider using a password manager, passkeys, and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on accounts. - A VPN with end-to-end encryption can enhance online security, and users should familiarize themselves with their web browser's security settings. - Windows 11 updates are released on the first Tuesday of each month, with a major feature update annually; users can prevent auto-restarts and pause updates for up to five weeks. - The Settings app in Windows 11 has replaced much of the Control Panel for managing system settings, and users should explore it thoroughly. - OneDrive is integrated into Windows 11 for backing up, restoring, and sharing files, and users can create encrypted folders and use Files-on-Demand. - Regularly reviewing and uninstalling unnecessary applications can help maintain PC performance, and users can manage default applications and disable startup apps via Task Manager. - Accessing the BIOS/UEFI allows for updates, security adjustments, and hardware configuration changes, typically done by pressing keys like Esc, F2, or F8 during boot.

Winsage

March 15, 2025

How to create an online drive on your Windows PC

Many PC users face issues with limited storage space and malware threats to local files. A solution is to create an online drive, such as Google Drive or OneDrive, which protects files and allows access from anywhere. To create an online drive using Google Drive: 1. Open a web browser and search for "Google Drive for Desktop" or "OneDrive for Desktop." 2. Click on the first official link to go to the download page. 3. Download the "Download For Windows" version of the chosen cloud service. 4. Install the downloaded software on your PC. 5. Launch the Drive app, sign in, and select folders to sync, then complete the setup. To access synced files on a Windows PC: 1. Open File Explorer. 2. Click on "This PC" and select "Google Drive" to access the files.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

Fortnite is coming to Snapdragon PCs: ‘We’re all in on PC gaming’

Qualcomm announced plans to enable the multiplayer game Fortnite to run on Snapdragon processors, integrating Epic Games' Easy Anti-Cheat software to prevent cheating. This will allow Fortnite to be available on Windows devices powered by Snapdragon later this year. Qualcomm is collaborating with Epic to extend Easy Anti-Cheat support across the platform, addressing compatibility issues that have historically favored X86 CPUs. The company is committed to enhancing compatibility with essential platform services and has stated that they will provide developers with an Epic Online Services SDK to facilitate Easy Anti-Cheat integration in their games.

AppWizard

March 9, 2025

Cyberpunk 2077 meets Blade Runner in jaw-dropping new free download

A tech demo titled Cyber Streets has been released for free download, showcasing futuristic aesthetics similar to Cyberpunk 2077. Developed by Sciontidesign using Unreal Engine 5.5, it serves as a proof of concept with limited interactive elements. John Papadopoulos from Dark Side of Gaming has promoted the demo through gameplay footage on YouTube. The demo is designed to be accessible, as it does not require advanced features like Lumen, Path Tracing, RTX, DLSS, or baked lighting, making it compatible with computers from the 2020s.

Winsage

February 28, 2025

Miss Windows Vista Well, both of you can now recreate the OS in Windows 11 with a new mod

A Windows Vista-inspired theme for Windows 11, called the 'Windows Vista 2025 Edition,' has been created using a utility named Windhawk, which allows for extensive customization of the operating system. Users must install Windhawk and specific mods, adjusting settings like taskbar style and icon size. The setup process is intricate and may involve accessing files via Google Drive. A YouTube tutorial by Link Vegas offers guidance on the installation. Caution is advised when downloading third-party software or files.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Microsoft’s ad-supported version of Office only saves to OneDrive

Microsoft has introduced a free, ad-supported version of the Microsoft Office suite for Windows 11 users, marking a shift from its previous paid-only model. This version includes essential applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint but features persistent ads and muted video ads. Over 30 key features have been removed, including line spacing, text wrapping, headers, footers, bookmarks, and hyphenation. Users of Windows 10 still encounter the traditional paid model. The free version may appeal to those needing compatibility with existing Microsoft Office workflows, but the limitations could drive users to alternatives like LibreOffice or Google Drive.