Snapdragon laptops 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

February 9, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: What’s next for Windows 11?

The Windows Central Podcast features hosts Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden discussing the evolving landscape of Windows 11, including anticipated features and the integration of Selenium. They reflect on the Copilot+ PC's complexities and user satisfaction. The upcoming Build 2025 event is confirmed, with high expectations for attendees. The podcast also covers the rivalry between Qualcomm and Arm regarding Snapdragon laptops and its implications for the PC market.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Google Drive for Windows gets ARM support in beta for Snapdragon laptops and more

The Google Drive app for Windows has launched its beta version, now supporting ARM architecture for the first time. This version includes native ARM64 binaries, providing the same functionality as on other platforms, except for the unavailable Outlook Meet plugin. Users are advised to use this beta version with non-production data only, as it may contain bugs. This release follows previous hints of ARM support and coincides with the expansion of Quick Share for Windows to ARM devices.

Winsage

November 15, 2024

Arm-based Windows 11 PCs now have an official ISO for clean installs

Microsoft has made a disk image (ISO file) available for download for the specialized version of Windows 11 designed for Snapdragon laptops, allowing users to reinstall the operating system or create a bootable flash drive. This release follows the introduction of Arm64-based hardware, which is distinct from traditional x86 and x64 architectures. Users may face challenges in sourcing necessary components through Windows Update and may need an Ethernet connection or alternative methods to transfer drivers.

Winsage

November 12, 2024

Google says Quick Share is coming to Windows on ARM, including Snapdragon laptops

Google has launched its Quick Share app for ARM-powered Windows devices, allowing file transfers between Android and Windows systems. The app is available for manual download from Google's website and is compatible with ARM-based devices running Windows 11 and later. Quick Share enables simultaneous file transfers across multiple devices, including those not owned by the user. However, it is not yet a native ARM64 application, requiring emulation for installation. Some users have reported installation errors, particularly on devices like the Surface Laptop with Snapdragon X Elite. Google is expected to release a proper download soon, and updates will focus on bug fixes rather than new features.

Winsage

October 22, 2024

Windows on Arm is rapidly maturing

A new wave of Windows applications is utilizing the Snapdragon X Elite, indicating progress in Arm-based computing. The gap between Arm and x86 architectures on Windows 11 has narrowed, with many applications, including the Microsoft suite, now operating natively on Snapdragon devices without the need for a translation layer. Applications like Blender, Capture One, and Affinity Photo 2 are fully supported on Snapdragon devices, leveraging the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for enhanced performance. The NPU allows for advanced features in Affinity Photo 2 and Capture One, improving tasks such as Object Selection and color grading. While Arm-based laptops can meet basic user needs, the demand for native support across more applications is essential. Qualcomm faces challenges in competing with Intel and AMD but is making strides with affordable laptops featuring the Snapdragon X Plus, enhancing its market appeal.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

Microsoft finally reveals when x86 PCs will be able to get Copilot+

Microsoft's Copilot+ will launch its suite of on-device AI features for x86 PCs starting in November, previously available only on Qualcomm's Snapdragon laptops. The rollout requires specific hardware: a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with at least 40 TOPS, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. Supported devices include those with AMD Ryzen AI 300 or Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, focusing primarily on laptops. Key features include Recall, which allows users to take searchable screenshots, enhancements to Windows Studio Effects, Cocreator in Paint for collaborative creativity, Live Captions for real-time audio captions or translations, Click to Do, and improved Windows Search functionality. Testing will begin in November through the Windows Insider Program, but broader availability is not yet confirmed.

Winsage

September 4, 2024

Google Drive is coming Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs: Why this is a ‘big deal’ – Times of India

Google is launching an Arm64 version of Google Drive for Windows on Arm later this year, which is significant for users of Microsoft's Copilot+ PCs powered by Qualcomm's X series processors. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon announced this at the IFA event, where he also mentioned the availability of VPN services NordVPN and ExpressVPN on Snapdragon laptops. The Qualcomm X series processors have faced criticism for limited software support for Windows on Arm, highlighted during Intel's Lunar Lake presentation. Currently, Google restricts access to Drive on Qualcomm-powered devices, prompting users to seek alternatives. Google had previously released an Arm64 version of Chrome for Windows. Gamers have reported issues with games like “League of Legends” and “Fortnite” due to the need for a software layer to translate instructions for Arm-based systems. Qualcomm has introduced its eight-core Snapdragon X Plus chip to make Windows on Arm laptops more accessible and affordable. Amon hinted at potential developments for Snapdragon chips in desktop PCs, with more details expected at the upcoming Snapdragon summit in October.

Winsage

September 4, 2024

Google Drive is coming to Windows on Arm later in 2024

Google plans to release an Arm64 version of Google Drive for Windows later this year, aimed at Qualcomm-powered laptops. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are now available on Snapdragon laptops, which previously lacked these applications due to compatibility issues with Windows on Arm. Google had restricted Drive access on Qualcomm devices but is now developing a full Arm64 version. Google also created an Arm64 version of Chrome for the Copilot Plus launch in June. Qualcomm introduced an eight-core Snapdragon X Plus chip to reduce costs for Windows on Arm laptops, with models like the Asus Vivobook S 15 and Dell Inspiron 14 starting at competitive prices. Qualcomm expects laptop prices to drop to as low as 0 by 2025. A Snapdragon summit is scheduled for October to discuss future possibilities for Snapdragon chips in desktop PCs.

Winsage

July 31, 2024

Adobe actually delivers on its promise with Illustrator beta for Windows on Arm

Adobe has released a beta version of Adobe Illustrator for Windows on Arm, marking a significant development for graphic designers. Previously, Adobe's support for Windows on Arm was limited, with only Photoshop and Lightroom available, and Photoshop faced stability issues. The introduction of Illustrator enhances the tools available for designers on Arm-based systems. Despite plans for a beta version of Premiere Pro, it has not yet been released, leading video editors to consider alternatives like DaVinci Resolve 19, which supports native Arm. The trend of applications transitioning to native support for Windows on Arm includes updates from DaVinci Resolve and Slack, as well as major web browsers like Google Chrome. However, challenges remain in the gaming sector for these devices.