Snapdragon processor Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Someone just booted Windows on a Pixel Watch, and it actually (kind of) works

PhD student Gustave Monce has successfully run Windows for Arm on the Pixel Watch 3, utilizing its quad-core Snapdragon processor and 456×456 OLED display. He modified Qualcomm’s UEFI-based XBL bootloader to boot the Windows Preinstallation Environment (PE). Despite challenges from the release of Android 15, which disrupted his code-loading process, Monce adapted the stock kernel image to restore booting into Windows PE with limited functionality. He has achieved basic USB support for mass storage, highlighting the potential of modern mobile hardware.

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 14, 2025

Epic Games is addressing one of Windows-on-Arm’s last big app compatibility gaps

Utilizing a Windows PC powered by an Arm-based Snapdragon processor has become more similar to traditional Intel or AMD systems due to developers optimizing applications for native performance and Microsoft's advancements in Windows' Prism technology. However, compatibility issues remain, particularly with online multiplayer games that rely on kernel-level anti-cheat software, as Prism cannot translate drivers and foundational Windows software. The small user base for Arm PCs has also discouraged some developers from creating compatible versions of their software. Epic Games plans to enhance support for Arm PCs by introducing its Easy Anti-Cheat software and official support for Fortnite later this year, which will also be available to developers through an Epic Online Services SDK release.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Windows AI Laptops For Under Rs 70,000 Are Here In India And This What You Get

Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon X processor in India, which enables affordable AI laptops priced under Rs 70,000. Asus is the first brand to utilize this processor, which features eight cores and focuses on enhancing AI processes and battery life. The launch coincides with the end of support for Windows 10, prompting users to consider new laptops. The Snapdragon X processor aims to provide a reliable option for AI Windows PCs, with the Asus Vivobook 16 expected to compete in this market. There is optimism about Qualcomm's innovations improving performance and efficiency in the affordable Windows segment.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

This Surface Laptop 7 with Snapdragon is “basically perfect,” and it’s almost half the price of the Surface Laptop 7 with Intel

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 7 is currently priced at 9.99, reflecting a 0 reduction from its standard retail price due to President's Day sales. It features a Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The laptop has received a perfect score in reviews for its design, keyboard, display, and performance. It has undergone a design refresh that allows for easier repairs, with replaceable components available for purchase from Microsoft. The Snapdragon processors provide exceptional battery life and performance, making the Surface Laptop 7 a cost-effective choice compared to the entry-level Intel variant, which retails at ,499.99.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Hands on: Microsoft is giving classic Windows 11 Paint app a big Copilot AI upgrade

Microsoft has introduced a new Copilot button in the Paint app, accessible to all users with the release of Windows 11 Build 26120.3073 (KB5050090) in the Developer Channel of the Insider Program. This update is also available as an optional update for Windows Insiders on the Beta Channel, while those on the Canary and Dev Channels will receive it for Paint version 11.2412.271.0 and higher. The Copilot button consolidates various AI features, including Cocreator, Image Creator, Generative Erase, and Remove Background, each accompanied by descriptions to assist users. Cocreator generates images locally on Copilot+ PCs using the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) based on user prompts. Image Creator allows users to create images on an existing canvas by entering prompts and adjusting creativity levels. Generative Erase enables users to remove unwanted image portions, seamlessly blending the remaining elements. The Remove Background feature automatically eliminates backgrounds from images, with effectiveness depending on contrast and resolution. Using Image Creator requires AI credits, which are included with a Microsoft 365 subscription. The update also includes improvements to Windows Search functionality, allowing natural language searches for OneDrive files.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

Best use cases for an NPU in your Windows 11 laptop

In 2024, many Windows laptops are equipped with dedicated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to enhance computing capabilities by efficiently handling AI workloads. Laptops featuring Intel Core Ultra processors, Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, or AMD 7040 series or later utilize NPUs. Windows Studio Effects allows users to enable features like background blur and eye contact during video calls, utilizing the NPU for energy-efficient processing. Amuse 2.1 is a generative AI application that performs text-to-image generation on-device using an NPU, although it currently lacks support for Intel's NPUs. Adobe Premiere Pro incorporates AI-driven features leveraging Ryzen AI hardware, and GIMP offers text-to-image generation through the OpenVINO plugin for Intel Core Ultra CPUs. Users with Snapdragon-powered laptops have access to features like live captions and image enhancements, with more AI capabilities expected in Windows 11 by 2025.

Winsage

October 9, 2024

The Windows laptop I recommend to most people undercuts the MacBook Air (and it’s on sale)

Microsoft has introduced the Surface Laptop, which features a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor and is available in 13.8-inch and 15-inch models. Priced at 9 on Amazon, it has a sleek aluminum chassis with a bright 120Hz HDR touchscreen display. The laptop offers over 15 hours of battery life, making it suitable for remote work. It includes two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The device is noted for its performance improvements in creative software and has a responsive touchpad and a satisfying keyboard experience.

Winsage

October 8, 2024

This is the cheapest I’ve seen a Snapdragon X Elite Copilot+ PC from Microsoft this year — grab it before it’s too late!

Microsoft and Qualcomm launched their first lineup of Copilot+ PCs, including the Surface Pro 11, which features a Snapdragon X Elite processor, an OLED display, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The Surface Pro 11 is currently available for ,139, representing a 0 discount. It includes exclusive features in Windows 11, such as Windows Recall, Click To Do, and advanced Windows Studio Effects. The device is praised for its design, performance, and battery efficiency.

Winsage

August 29, 2024

Vivaldi launches ARM-native version of its browser for Copilot+ PCs

Vivaldi has released version 6.9 of its browser, optimized for Copilot+ PCs with Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor, making it an ARM-native browser for Windows alongside Chrome and Edge. Key improvements include optimized performance with faster load times and smoother scrolling, a full feature set including tab management and integrated tools like Vivaldi Mail and Calendar, and seamless syncing of bookmarks, passwords, and settings across devices. These enhancements are available not only on the latest Copilot+ PCs but also on older Windows on ARM devices like the Surface Pro 9 5G and Surface Pro X. Vivaldi for Windows on ARM can be downloaded from the official website.