Snapdragon X Elite Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Microsoft tests emulator to bring support for x64 apps and games to Windows on Arm: What it means for users

Microsoft is testing a significant update for systems using Qualcomm's Arm-based processors, introduced in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build. This update includes a tool that enhances Copilot Plus PCs with Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus processors through its Prism emulation layer, allowing a wider range of x64 applications and games to run on these devices. The update aims to enable high-demand games like Starfield and Helldivers 2 on Arm-based Windows devices and is currently being trialed by Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. The update improves the usability of 64-bit x86 software, providing access to processor extensions like AVX and AVX2, enhancing performance and compatibility. However, 32-bit software will still face limitations. Many applications, including Photoshop, Hulu, and Chrome, have transitioned to native ARM64 versions, while others rely on emulation. Adobe has re-enabled Premiere Pro for Windows 11 ARM devices powered by the Snapdragon X chip, allowing it to run under emulation after previously disabling it due to performance issues. Premiere Pro is now available within the Creative Cloud app, although performance may not match that of Intel or AMD-based machines. A native ARM version of Premiere Pro is in development, but no release date has been announced. Photoshop is currently the only Adobe application available natively for Windows on ARM, while other applications like After Effects are expected to gain support through emulation. Adobe's move aligns with its commitment to enhance its Creative Suite for Windows on ARM, and competitors like DaVinci Resolve are also working on native ARM versions of their software. Microsoft's Clipchamp has already been established as an ARM-native solution.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Windows on Arm apps are about to get access to the secret sauce Adobe used to get Premiere Pro 25 to work on Copilot+ PCs

Windows on Arm PCs with the Snapdragon X Elite processor are receiving a preview build of Windows 11 that enhances Prism emulation, specifically Build 27744. This update expands support for various CPU features, allowing non-native Arm applications to run more efficiently. The update increases the range of 64-bit x86 applications that can be emulated, integrating support for additional CPU extensions like AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C. Currently, only x64 applications are supported, and users can provide feedback on compatibility and performance issues. Additionally, the Start menu has been simplified, a new Gamepad keyboard layout is being introduced for Xbox controller navigation, the Task Manager's Disconnect and Logoff dialogs have been updated for dark mode and text scaling, and the detach virtual hard disk button has returned in the Settings menu.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

New Windows Build Brings AVX Support To Snapdragon X For Gaming And More

Recent evaluations of laptops with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors have praised their performance and battery life, but issues arose with the high-end Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 chip in the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, where certain applications were found incompatible due to limitations in emulation capabilities. The Windows operating system uses an emulation layer called Prism to run x86-64 applications on Arm architecture, but it initially lacked support for essential SIMD instructions like AVX2 and AVX. Microsoft announced an update in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 that enhances Prism by adding support for AVX, AVX2, and other instructions, allowing Snapdragon-based Windows machines to run x86 software requiring these instruction sets. However, only x64 applications will benefit from this update, leaving legacy 32-bit x86 applications unaffected. This is significant for gaming, as many recent titles utilize AVX for improved processing speeds, potentially increasing compatibility for previously unplayable games on Snapdragon devices. Despite these advancements, Microsoft has not addressed the potential performance implications of the emulation process. Initial observations suggest that while performance degradation from Prism emulation is less severe than expected, it still does not match that of native Arm applications. Qualcomm is tasked with improving Snapdragon X Elite gaming capabilities, facing challenges with Windows graphics drivers, particularly the Adreno graphics drivers, which may hinder its competitiveness against AMD and Intel in the Windows laptop market.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Latest Windows 11 Insider Preview brings updated Prism emulator for Arm PCs

Microsoft has introduced an updated Prism emulator in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744, improving compatibility with x86-based applications and games. The new emulator supports additional CPU extensions, enabling applications like Adobe Premiere Pro 2025 and games such as Starfield and Helldivers 2 to run on Arm PCs. Devices with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus SoCs can now run more legacy applications and games without native ARM64 versions. The update also includes a new on-screen gamepad keyboard for better navigation and typing on gaming handhelds and touchscreen devices. The changelog for Build 27744 includes various enhancements and fixes, such as resolving display issues for older NVIDIA GPUs, fixing problems with the Emoji Panel and Clipboard History, improving Windows Sandbox performance, correcting dynamic refresh rate issues, and addressing multiple bugs related to remote desktop connections and app functionalities.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Microsoft’s new emulator could bring more games to Windows on Arm

Microsoft is updating Windows on Arm to improve x64 software and game compatibility through advanced emulation, focusing on devices with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors. This update is part of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744, being tested in the Canary Channel. The new emulator will support 64-bit x86 software and various processor extensions, including AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C, but will not support 32-bit software. Popular games using AVX2 technology, like Starfield and Helldivers 2, will benefit from this update. Some widely-used applications, such as Photoshop, Hulu, and Chrome, have native ARM64 versions, but others still rely on emulation. The emulator is currently enabled in a limited capacity on retail PCs, allowing Premiere Pro 25 on Arm to operate. A correction noted that Blender now has an ARM64 version and does not require emulation.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 review: A new generation of Windows computers

The Surface Pro 8 has design shortcomings, particularly in its 'lapability' due to its kickstand. The Surface Pro 11 features upgrades such as new Snapdragon hardware, improved battery life, and enhanced processing power. It represents a shift towards ARM technology, offering advantages like superior battery life, rapid boot times, enhanced security, and low power consumption. The Surface Pro 11 has display options of LCD or OLED, both with a resolution of 2,880x1,920 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. It includes excellent stereo speakers, a 1440p ultrawide webcam, and effective microphone setup for video conferencing. The device handles daily tasks well but is heavier than competitors. It has limited ports and a familiar design aesthetic. The Snapdragon X Plus model with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage is priced at ₹1,34,999, while the total cost with the keyboard and Slim Pen is ₹1,64,899. Battery life averages around 12-13 hours, which is less than some competitors. The base model offers a good price-to-performance ratio, with the Snapdragon X Elite model priced at ₹1,85,999.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

Microsoft: Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs are 5x faster than popular 5 year old PCs

Microsoft's Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs are faster and offer increased battery life compared to older Windows machines. Recent benchmarks show that these devices, powered by Snapdragon processors, can be up to five times faster than popular Windows PCs that are five years old. The evaluation used the Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core benchmark, comparing Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X Elite 12 core and Snapdragon X Plus 10 core configurations against older models. The Copilot+ PCs provide up to 2.3 times more battery life for local video playback and up to 3 times more battery power for web browsing compared to five-year-old Windows devices. Testing was conducted under controlled conditions with specific settings for Wi-Fi and screen brightness.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Announcing the Microsoft Store Awards 2024 winners

Windows serves as an open platform for a diverse ecosystem of applications, with contributions from solo developers and large enterprises. The Microsoft Store is the primary destination for users to explore these applications. The winners of the 2024 Microsoft Store Awards are as follows: - AI category: djay Pro by Algoriddim - Lifestyle category: Diarium Journal & Diary by T. Parti - Personal Finance category: TradingView by TradingView, Inc. - Business category: Gamma by Gamma - Education category: Typing Land by higopage - Productivity category: Todoist: To-Do List & Planner by Doist Inc. - Music category: Apple Music by Apple Inc. - Health & Fitness category: F.lux by F.lux Software LLC - Medical category: Complete Anatomy 2024 by 3D4Medical - Developer Tools category: oh-my posh by jandedobbeleer - Social category: Pinterest by Pinterest Inc. - Creativity category: Adobe Express by Adobe - Game category: Asphalt Legends Unite by Gameloft - Rising Star category: Endel Music: Focus, Sleep, Relax by Endel Sound Each winner will receive a Store Award Winner badge in the Microsoft Store. The list is subject to final confirmation by the winners.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Windows on Arm wins again: Vegas Pro is the latest app to get native support

Vegas Pro will soon support a native ARM64 version, currently in beta testing, optimized for the Snapdragon X Elite CPU and NPU. Users can expect a twofold increase in speed and an eightfold reduction in energy consumption when using the AI-powered Smart Mask tool on Arm processors. Additionally, new features are being developed for all users, including automatic audio ducking, auto normalize for consistent audio levels, and AI text-based editing that generates transcripts for easier video editing.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

“One of the best” OLED laptops we have ever reviewed is now perfectly priced, thanks to this awesome early Black Friday sale

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x has maintained its perfect score and improved since its launch. It features a Snapdragon X Elite processor and a 3K OLED display. The laptop has a recent price drop to 9.99. Its specifications include a 14.5-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite CPU, Qualcomm Adreno GPU, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD, and a 70Whr battery. The dimensions are 325 x 225.15 x ~12.9mm, and it weighs 2.82lbs. The laptop is noted for its performance and battery efficiency, with increasing app availability for Windows on Arm.