presents Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Google just gave us our first look at what Samsung XR headset apps might look like

Samsung's XR headset, known as Project Moohan, will debut within the next year and is powered by the Snapdragon XR Plus Gen 2 chip. The Android XR developer blog features a six-second video showing app windows layered over real-world environments. Android XR has two modes: Home Space, which allows multitasking with multiple app windows, and Full Space, which offers a single window experience against a virtual backdrop. Home Space is the default view, with a toggle to switch between modes. Samsung's app windows are expected to reflect the aesthetic of One UI. Android XR will support various input methods, including hand and eye tracking, voice commands, keyboard and mouse, and dedicated controllers. CES 2025, starting January 7, will provide more information about the headset's features and capabilities.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Amid a tidal wave of new games in 2024, these 10 must-play deep cuts are cheap and will run on almost anything

Many gamers are facing a growing backlog of titles as they enter the new year. Instead of returning to popular games like The Witcher 3 or Persona 5, players are encouraged to explore quirky indie games that offer depth and creativity, are budget-friendly, and suitable for short gaming sessions. Eight standout indie games from the past year and two late entries from 2023 include: 1. Felvidek: Set in the Slovak highlands, featuring a disgraced protagonist investigating supernatural occurrences with a priest, utilizing sepia-toned visuals and retro turn-based combat. 2. Skald: Against the Black Priory: A DOS RPG-inspired game with pixel art and a rich soundtrack, offering modern hardcore CRPG mechanics. 3. Dread Delusion: A low-fi RPG with immersive world-building and exploration, captivating players since early access. 4. Anger Foot: An arcade FPS priced at , combining fast-paced action and humor, reminiscent of "Hotline Miami." 5. Judero: An action-adventure game with a druid protagonist in a whimsical claymation world, featuring surreal dialogues. 6. Mouthwashing: A claustrophobic narrative set on a marooned spaceship, known for its nonlinear storytelling and haunting atmosphere. 7. Straftat: A 1v1 FPS that combines classic map design with humor, serving as a contrast to live service games. 8. The Black Parade: An unofficial expansion for Thief Gold, featuring ten expansive missions that highlight immersive sim design. These indie titles offer a refreshing alternative to mainstream gaming, allowing players to enjoy unique narratives and innovative gameplay.

Tech Optimizer

December 28, 2024

TotalAV Free Edition

TotalAV Free Edition provides limited antivirus protection, relying heavily on Microsoft Defender for real-time scanning. Installation is straightforward but can be lengthy, and users are automatically enrolled in a seven-day trial of TotalAV Antivirus Pro. The interface resembles the premium version, but it lacks real-time protection, leading to constant alerts for users to upgrade. Independent lab tests have shown that only the Pro version has been evaluated, achieving good scores, while the free edition remains untested. Users can perform on-demand or scheduled scans, with a full scan taking about 53 minutes. However, TotalAV does not register with Windows, complicating the user experience by requiring both TotalAV and Microsoft Defender to operate simultaneously. In a malware protection test, the free edition achieved a 99% removal rate of malware samples, but its phishing protection is inadequate, relying on Edge’s SmartScreen Filter, which has a low detection rate. Most privacy features are locked behind a paid upgrade, although it includes a clean-up scan and uninstaller feature. The Total Security page is the same for both editions, but most features require an upgrade. Overall, the free edition's reliance on Microsoft Defender and limited features suggest users might find better standalone antivirus options.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Best Windows 11 AI features that work on any computer

A Copilot+ PC is not required to access many AI features in Windows 11; older laptops that run Windows 11 can still utilize various AI-driven tools. The Photos app includes AI enhancements such as the Background tool, which allows users to blur, remove, or replace backgrounds in images. The Generative Erase function in Photos enables users to remove unwanted objects from photos. Microsoft Clipchamp offers an Auto Compose feature for quick video editing, allowing users to create videos with AI assistance. Microsoft's Copilot has become a standalone app, enabling window movement and custom keyboard shortcuts, and integrates advanced language models to assist with various tasks across Microsoft applications.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Tips for finding inspiration for your next Minecraft project

Minecraft players can find inspiration for building projects by exploring creations on platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and Pinterest. Popular media, such as movies and TV shows, can also provide ideas, as seen in the recreation of the Shiganshina District from Attack on Titan. To start a project, players should select a captivating scene or structure and analyze its features, focusing on shape and scale. Planning the design, experimenting with building materials, and paying attention to detail, such as incorporating windows and lighting, can enhance builds. Landscaping elements like hills and gardens can create a cohesive environment. While drawing inspiration from others is helpful, developing a unique style is important for originality.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

Siliconera’s PC Game of the Year 2024

The PC has become a supportive environment for indie games, as seen in the finalists for this year’s PC Game of the Year. The game 1000xResist is noted for its compelling storytelling. Crow Country, created by SFB Games, is a tribute to PS1 survival horror games while offering a unique narrative. The winner of the 2024 Siliconera PC Game of the Year is Balatro, which has gained recognition and is compared to timeless classics like Tetris.

BetaBeacon

December 27, 2024

Free Apps: Last-minute Gifts After Christmas!

Android apps and games that are free for a short time include Evertale, Defense Zone 3 Ultra HD, Sphaze, Last Plant on Earth, Rooftop Snipers, Dino Rush, and Out There Chronicles - Ep. 2.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

End of Windows 10: Microsoft will phase out your computer by 2025

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, meaning it will no longer receive free security updates. To upgrade to Windows 11, a computer must support TPM 2.0, which many older devices lack. A report indicates that about one in five computers could be left behind due to this requirement, particularly those purchased before 2021. Users should check if their device supports TPM 2.0 and consider budgeting for a new computer if it does not.

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.