Snapdragon processors Archives

Winsage

June 10, 2025

Arm says Windows game compatibility is up to developers

Arm-powered Windows devices using Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are noted for their sleek designs and long battery life. While core compatibility issues have been largely resolved, gaming remains a challenge due to anti-cheat program compatibility, which can prevent games from launching. Chris Bergey from Arm Holdings mentioned that most users spend about 90% of their time on applications with native Arm versions. Major developers like Epic Games are exploring ways to improve compatibility with Arm-based systems. Additionally, anti-cheat issues affect the Steam Deck, which operates on an AMD processor but lacks native versions of several popular anti-cheat systems. As Arm-based Windows devices gain market share, game developers are expected to prioritize support for these platforms. The integration of Windows and Steam into Arm-based handheld devices could transform the gaming landscape, especially with improved battery life and efficiency.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Windows on Arm vs Intel: Which laptop platform is right for you?

The Windows laptop market has shifted towards devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, moving away from traditional Intel and AMD architectures. This initiative, known as Windows on Arm, has produced notable products like the Asus ZenBook A14 and Dell XPS 13, which are praised for their performance in AI applications and impressive battery life. These devices can run Intel-based applications through an emulation layer called Prism, which translates x86-64 code into ARM64 instructions, allowing compatibility with non-native software. While they perform well for office tasks and some creative applications, limitations exist in gaming and high-demand software due to the need for specific drivers and graphics performance. Currently, the market features three Windows on Arm processors: Snapdragon X Elite, X Plus, and X. Pricing for these laptops often exceeds ,000, making Intel and AMD options more appealing for budget-conscious consumers.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft gives all Windows 10 users two new reasons to switch to Windows 11 now

Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025, leaving users vulnerable to cyber threats and software bugs. Microsoft has launched two new devices, the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, to encourage users to upgrade. The Surface Pro features a 12-inch screen, a Snapdragon X Plus processor, and a 2-in-1 form factor, while the Surface Laptop has a 13-inch screen and offers a 23-hour battery life. Both devices include access to Copilot+ PC experiences and are available for purchase starting at £799.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Microsoft is working on some seriously exciting Windows 11 improvements – but not everyone will get them

Windows 11 has released a new preview build in the Beta channel, identified as build 26120.3872, which includes enhancements for accessibility and search functionality, particularly for Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon processors. The update introduces Microsoft's 'Reading Coach' app, available for free starting in 2024, as part of the Click to Do functionality that uses AI for context-sensitive actions. Additionally, Voice Access has been improved, allowing users to customize the system's dictionary by adding specific words for better recognition. The update also includes various tweaks to enhance overall functionality, with a focus on expanding access to these features across different devices.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Finally! Microsoft brings most Copilot+ AI features to AMD, Intel PCs

Microsoft has announced that all Copilot+ PCs, including those with AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Core Ultra 200V processors, will now have access to AI-driven features, previously limited to Snapdragon devices. Features available include Live Captions, Cocreator, Restyle Image, and Image Creator, though some functionalities, like photo resizing, remain exclusive to Snapdragon-powered PCs. The Voice Access feature is currently limited to Snapdragon devices, with plans for AMD and Intel compatibility later this year. Upcoming features will be available through the March 2025 Windows non-security preview update, following the November 2024 update, and will be rolled out gradually via Windows controlled feature rollout. Users can access updates by navigating to Settings > Windows Update.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Windows 11’s awful search is getting an AI boost soon, and that’s not all

Microsoft is set to release updates for Windows 11, focusing on user experience through artificial intelligence. Two preview builds, Windows 11 Build 26100.3613 and Windows 11 Build 26100.3624, are available to Windows Insiders, with an official rollout expected in April. Key features include: - Introduction of semantic search, allowing users to search using natural language instead of exact keywords, initially available on Snapdragon-powered devices. - Live captions and real-time translation for AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs, translating spoken content into English, while Snapdragon users can translate English into Chinese. - Enhancements to Voice Access, allowing users to describe commands and adding support for the Chinese language. - New "cards" in the Settings app displaying key specifications like CPU, memory, and storage. - Modifications to Task Manager for tracking CPU utilization. - A new Xbox gamepad keyboard interface for desktop PCs. - An updated emoji interface with a new system tray icon for easier emoji insertion. - Improvements to widgets for better control over lock screen display.

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 25, 2025

Copilot+ PCs’ first must-have feature is just around the corner

Copilot+ PCs will receive an upgrade to the Windows Search feature, which uses AI and dedicated hardware for improved document, image, and settings search capabilities. This enhanced feature is currently exclusive to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel devices expected soon. The new search allows natural language queries and integrates semantic indexing, enabling users to find content without exact file names. Users can also search for cloud-stored photos using personalized phrases, with results from OneDrive. The improved Windows Search will be available through the Windows Insider Program by early 2025, with a consumer-focused AI event planned for April 4, 2025, where new features will be unveiled.

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.