processors Archives

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Google says some Android apps may run poorly on Intel Googlebooks

Google has acknowledged that while most Android applications work well on both Intel and Qualcomm-based Googlebooks, some complex apps and games may face compatibility or performance issues on Intel x86-based devices due to their initial design for ARM architecture. Google stated that a small subset of intricate applications may need additional tuning for optimal performance on Intel platforms, but did not disclose specific details about the affected apps. To address these challenges, Google is collaborating with app developers, Intel, and Qualcomm to improve performance and compatibility. Intel Googlebooks use a hardware translation layer for ARM-designed applications, which can result in reduced performance and battery life, while apps compiled for x86 processors do not face these issues. The current Googlebook lineup includes three models with Intel Core 5 processors and two ARM-based models featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Google Admits Some ‘Complex’ Android Apps Run Poorly On Intel Googlebooks

Googlebooks, designed for Android smartphones, is facing compatibility issues with certain complex Android applications on Intel x86 versions. Google stated that most apps run well on both Intel and Qualcomm versions, but some complex apps need developer adjustments due to their original design for ARM chips. Google is collaborating with app developers and chip manufacturers to improve performance and compatibility. They have created a selection of optimized apps for Googlebooks, but users can still download apps from the Play Store without these optimizations. Compatibility issues have not been specified, and Intel Googlebooks use a hardware translation layer for ARM apps, which may affect performance and battery life. Currently, there are three Intel Core 5 Googlebooks from Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo, and two ARM models from Dell and HP. Further testing will provide more information on app compatibility across these platforms.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Googlebook Android App Compatibility: Here’s why you might choose Qualcomm over Intel models

Google has acknowledged that not all Android applications will function flawlessly on its newly launched Googlebooks powered by Intel processors. Users may find better compatibility with devices utilizing ARM-based Qualcomm chips. Google stated that the “vast majority” of Android apps on the Play Store operate without issues, but some complex applications may encounter challenges. The company is working with app developers, Intel, and Qualcomm to optimize performance and expand compatibility. Devices like the Dell XPS and HP Googlebook feature Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite CPUs, while Lenovo, ASUS, and Acer Googlebooks have Intel Core Ultra 5 processors. These laptops are designed for AI-first usage, come with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, and promise up to 14 hours of battery life.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Googlebooks are here, but Google says some laptops might struggle with app support

Googlebooks powered by Intel processors from Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo may have difficulties running certain apps from the Play Store, while devices with Qualcomm processors from HP and Dell are expected to perform without limitations. Pre-orders for the Googlebook started on September 21, with the official launch on October 4 in the U.S. and October 5 in the U.K. and other regions. Most Android applications are optimized for ARM architecture, which may limit app access for users with Intel-powered Googlebooks. The initial offerings include laptops starting at 9, featuring touchscreens, haptic glass trackpads, backlit keyboards, and integration with Android smartphones. The Magic Pointer feature, which integrates AI assistance into the mouse pointer, is also being rolled out in Chrome for Windows and Mac. Googlebooks are available for purchase through the Google Store, Best Buy, and other retailers, with various offers available.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Some Android apps may struggle on Intel Googlebooks

Five brands launched Googlebook laptops in early October, with three models using Intel processors (Acer Googlebook 14, ASUS Googlebook 14, Lenovo Googlebook 15) and two using Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips (Dell XPS and HP models). The laptops became available for purchase on October 4 in the U.S. and October 5 in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and Australia. The Acer model is priced starting at 9 in the U.S. Initial demand has been strong, particularly for the Acer model. Google acknowledged that while most applications run smoothly on both platforms, some complex applications may require optimization on Intel. Users reliant on resource-intensive applications may want to consider waiting for reviews or choosing a Snapdragon model.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Google says some Android apps need developer tuning on Intel Googlebooks

Google announced that certain complex Android applications and games require developer adjustments to work optimally on the Intel versions of its newly launched Googlebook laptops, which debuted in the UK, Ireland, France, and Germany. Three out of five models are equipped with Intel processors that use a translation layer for Android, while Dell and HP models utilize Arm chips for native Android operation. Google stated that only a small subset of apps need tuning, but did not specify which ones or the nature of the issues. The Googlebook laptops start at £999 and include models from Acer, ASUS, Lenovo (Intel-powered) and Dell, HP (Arm-based). The integration of Android apps is a key feature of the Googlebook, which runs Android natively, unlike Chromebooks. Google is working with developers, Intel, and Qualcomm to improve compatibility, but has not released a list of affected apps. The launch coincides with the winding down of ChromeOS, which will continue until 2034.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Don’t Expect Every New Googlebook App to Play Nice With Intel Chips

In 2024, Google launched five laptops running the new Googlebook OS, which combines elements of Android and ChromeOS. Two models are powered by Qualcomm's ARM-based Snapdragon X Elite chips, while three use Intel's Core Ultra Series 3 processors. Google has stated that most Android apps run smoothly on both Intel and Qualcomm Googlebooks, but some complex apps may require developer adjustments for optimal performance on Intel platforms. Google is working with developers to enhance compatibility and performance. The Googlebook OS operates on the Android kernel, differing from the Linux kernel of ChromeOS, which presents challenges in supporting both ARM and x86 architectures. Compatibility issues are expected during the transition from ARM to x86, and Google has not provided emulation solutions similar to those in Windows 11.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Nineteen Years Later, The Simpsons Game Finally Runs Natively on PC

A solo developer named YesterMester has revived The Simpsons Game, originally released by Electronic Arts in 2007, by recompiling the Xbox 360 version to run on Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck. The latest version, 0.0.6.2, was released on GitHub in early October 2026 and features capabilities such as booting up, playing videos, saving progress, loading levels, and engaging gameplay. The game utilizes static recompilation to convert approximately 82,000 game functions into a standard x86-64 application, allowing for smooth gameplay at 60 frames per second. Players can enhance visuals with features like supersampling and anisotropic filtering, and the game now supports keyboard and mouse controls with customizable settings. Installation requires downloading a launcher, and a NoAVX2 package is available for older processors.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

Microsoft to drop support for Snapdragon 850 powered PCs with the next version of Windows

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 version 26H2 will be the last version to support devices with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 850 processors. The Snapdragon 850, introduced in 2018, was the first chip specifically designed for Windows. While devices with the Snapdragon 850 can still install the current update, they will not be eligible for the upcoming version 27H2. Windows 11 version 26H2 will receive support for 24 months, after which devices using the Snapdragon 850 will no longer have official support, posing potential security risks.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

One Of Qualcomm’s Earliest SoCs To Support Windows And Help The Company Set Up The Snapdragon X Family Will No Longer Be Compatible With Microsoft’s Next Update

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 850 will no longer be compatible with Windows 11 following the upcoming update to version 27H2. The last supported update for the Snapdragon 850 will be Windows 11 version 26H2, which promises 24 months of support, including essential security updates. After this period, devices powered by the Snapdragon 850 will not receive further patches. Microsoft has previously ceased support for the older Snapdragon 835, and while there is no official explanation for the Snapdragon 850's discontinuation, there is a possibility that it may still function with future updates despite lack of support.