Snapdragon X chips 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.

Winsage

December 3, 2024

Microsoft’s claim that Arm-based Copilot+ PCs are “fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs” is debunked on X – and the community’s verdict isn’t wrong

Microsoft claimed its Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs are the “fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs.” However, fact-checkers disputed the speed claim, noting that these devices are outperformed by high-performance desktop PCs and even laptops with Intel or AMD chipsets. Additionally, Arm-based CPUs, like the Snapdragon X Elite, face compatibility issues with gaming. The intelligence claim refers to AI features like improved video calls and live captions, which are not exclusive to Arm-based devices, as x86-powered Copilot+ laptops also benefit from these advancements.

Winsage

November 30, 2024

Windows 11 Recall finally arrives, but with one new problem

The Windows 11 Recall feature is currently in a testing phase and has faced significant challenges, particularly with saving snapshots necessary for its operation. Users have reported delays of several minutes in saving snapshots, and some, like Tom Warren, have experienced issues where snapshots do not save at all. Microsoft has advised users to restart their computers as a potential solution to these problems. The Recall feature, which aims to provide a "photographic memory" for PCs, is available only to beta testers on specific devices and has been delayed due to security and privacy concerns. Other companies, such as Google, are also developing similar AI functionalities.

Winsage

November 14, 2024

Microsoft releases Windows 11 ISO file for Arm, but older PCs may require extra effort

Microsoft has released a Windows 11 ISO file for Arm-based computers, allowing installation on devices like Copilot+ PCs, set for 2024. This is the first time an ISO is available for Arm systems, which previously only had Windows 11 preinstalled. The ISO can be used to create virtual machines, upgrade existing installations, or create bootable flash drives for clean installations. Newer Arm-based PCs with Snapdragon X chips can boot from the ISO without additional drivers, but full functionality requires downloading drivers via Windows Update. Older Arm-based PCs may need specific drivers from manufacturers for bootability, and those with previous Snapdragon generations must inject necessary drivers into the installation image to avoid boot failures. Microsoft provides support documentation for this process.

Winsage

November 14, 2024

Microsoft FINALLY releases Windows 11 ISOs for Arm64-based PCs — but there’s a catch

Microsoft has released Windows 11 ISO media for Arm64 PCs, enabling clean installations on devices with Arm64 processors, including Snapdragon X Copilot+ PCs. The ISOs, around 5GB in size, can be downloaded from Microsoft's website and are intended for use in virtual machines as well as direct installation on compatible hardware. Users with Snapdragon X chips can install without modifications, while those with older Snapdragon systems, like the Microsoft SQ3, must integrate drivers into the ISO before installation. This process involves obtaining drivers from the OEM, extracting and modifying the ISO using the DISM tool, and repackaging it. The release signifies a shift in Windows on Arm, enhancing performance and expanding Arm-based hardware availability.

Winsage

November 9, 2024

Update for Windows PCs with ARM chips could improve compatibility with x86 games and applications

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X processors are the fastest ARM-based chips for Windows laptops, making ARM-powered PCs viable alternatives to Intel and AMD. Microsoft has introduced an emulator named Prism to facilitate the execution of x86 applications on Windows PCs. The latest version of Prism enhances performance by supporting additional CPU features during emulation and simulates a virtual x86 CPU, allowing non-natively compatible software to run. It adds support for several x86 instruction set extensions, including AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C, improving compatibility for PC games. The updated Prism is accessible in Windows 11 24H2 and supports any 64-bit x86 application, enabling previously blocked games and creative applications to operate on ARM processors. The new version is currently available to Windows Insider program members, with no details on a broader release timeline.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Windows Central’s highest-rated laptops are already on sale ahead of Black Friday — save up to $640 with my shopping advice

As the holiday shopping season approaches, discounts on Windows laptops are becoming available, including high-end Copilot+ PCs and budget-friendly options. A curated list of the best deals for 2024 is being compiled, which will be updated as Black Friday nears. Windows laptops are categorized into three primary types: 1. Notebook: A classic clamshell design, often used for gaming. 2. Convertible: Heavier, pricier laptops with 360-degree hinges and touch displays, suitable for media and creative tasks. 3. 2-in-1: Devices with a detachable keyboard, allowing tablet-like use. AI PCs, equipped with processors that include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), are gaining attention in 2024. Examples include Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen AI 300. Microsoft's Copilot+ PC program enhances the AI experience for laptops with NPUs. However, for most users, having an NPU may not be essential, and focusing on overall performance is recommended. The evaluation process for Windows laptops includes testing hinge strength, chassis durability, port speed, camera quality, speaker performance, fan noise, display quality, and battery life. All laptops in the Black Friday collection have ratings of four stars or higher. Black Friday 2024 is scheduled for November 29, 2024, with many retailers already offering deals. Cyber Monday will follow on December 2, 2024, focusing on online shopping, with some tech deals continuing from Black Friday.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

Don’t look now, but Macs are finally getting good for gaming

The evolution of gaming on Mac has progressed significantly, with notable improvements in performance, particularly with the introduction of the M-series chips. The Mac Studio M2 Ultra and the 16-inch MacBook Pro M3 Max have demonstrated impressive gaming capabilities, with the latter achieving nearly 90 frames per second in Baldur's Gate 3 and maintaining around 50 FPS at high graphics settings. Historical data shows a clear trajectory of improvement in gaming performance across different MacBook models, with the M3 Max able to run Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 120 FPS at 1200p resolution. Despite these advancements, MacBooks still face challenges compared to dedicated GPUs from competitors like AMD and Nvidia. Upcoming M4 MacBooks are expected to further narrow the performance gap with Windows laptops, particularly as some Windows devices struggle with compatibility issues.

Winsage

October 26, 2024

Google rolling out new update for Quick Share app on Windows

The latest update for the Quick Share app on Windows, version 1.0.2002.2, focuses on bug fixes rather than new features. Key issues resolved include: - Elimination of a crashing issue related to files with non-ASCII characters. - Resolution of a problem preventing the app from saving settings upon closure. - Fixing a crash during Bluetooth usage. Additional fixes include: - Improved handling of files from unknown senders with identical payload IDs. - Resolved issues opening received files with non-ASCII characters. - Corrected problems with reading and saving user preferences on certain system configurations. - Ensured the Quick Share shortcut icon appears in the Start menu after installation. - Addressed crashes when reading input files and connecting via Bluetooth. - Fixed multiple GATT reads during device discovery and stopped Wi-Fi LAN advertising. - Resolved issues with the Wi-Fi hotspot profile, including recovery during file transfers. The Quick Share app has not yet received an update for Windows on Arm, making it incompatible with laptops using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips.

Winsage

October 22, 2024

Blender and other Windows apps are now available for Snapdragon X Windows PCs

Qualcomm showcased its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor for smartphones and highlighted its Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips for Windows 11 PCs at its annual developer summit. The company announced that various content creation applications will natively support its chips for Windows 11 devices, known as Copilot+ PCs. Notable applications include Blender, which has a new version available for Snapdragon X-based Windows PCs, and Qualcomm has joined The Blender Foundation. Additionally, Qualcomm introduced a free NPU-based plug-in for Blender that simulates rendering on the NPU using a neural network. Other applications set to offer native versions for Snapdragon X-based Windows PCs include CaptureOne, a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo, and Moises. Qualcomm has not announced plans for a next-generation Snapdragon X chip.