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I've been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything
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.
Microsoft's wins, fails, and WTF moments of 2024
Winsage
December 28, 2024

Microsoft’s wins, fails, and WTF moments of 2024

In 2024, Microsoft made significant advancements and faced challenges. The Surface Pro 11th Edition, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, showed improved compatibility with applications like Slack and Google Drive. The Microsoft Recall feature encountered skepticism due to delays and privacy concerns. The Windows 11 2024 Update confused users with multiple release channels and contradictory hardware requirements. The Surface Laptop 7 received praise for its battery life and design. Game Pass evolved into a complex array of tiers, complicating user experience. The Surface Studio 2+ was discontinued, disappointing fans. Microsoft’s Copilot initiative faced challenges, and the HoloLens 2 quietly exited the commercial market. Flight Simulator 2024 struggled with technical issues at launch. Microsoft integrated generative AI into core applications like Paint and Photos. The Windows95Man Paperclip emerged as a cultural phenomenon.
Windows Recall support for Intel & AMD PCs: Eligible PC List
Winsage
December 26, 2024

Windows Recall support for Intel & AMD PCs: Eligible PC List

Microsoft has introduced an AI feature called Recall for Windows PCs, enabling users to retrieve actions or searches by capturing and storing screenshots in an encrypted format. Users can search for specific content using keywords, but Recall will only be available to select Windows 11 PCs. Initially exclusive to Snapdragon X SoCs, Recall now supports newer Intel and AMD CPUs with a 40 teraflops Neural Processing Unit (NPU). To use Recall, the system requirements include: - Windows 11 PC enrolled in the Insider Program (Canary or Dev channel) - 16 GB RAM - 256 GB SSD - CPU with 8 logical processors - NPU with 40 teraflops - Windows Hello for sign-in security and device encryption activated. Compatible devices include: - Acer Swift 14 AI - ASUS Vivobook S 15 and ProArt PZ13 - Dell Latitude 7455, XPS 13, and Inspiron 14 - HP OmniBook X 14 - Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x and ThinkPad T14s - Microsoft Surface Laptop Copilot+ PC - Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+ PC - Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge Supported CPUs are: - AMD Ryzen AI 300 series - Intel Core Ultra 200V series - Snapdragon X Elite - Snapdragon X Plus More compatible systems and CPUs are expected by 2025.
Five lesser known Task Manager features in Windows 11
Winsage
December 25, 2024

Five lesser known Task Manager features in Windows 11

Windows 11's Task Manager includes several features that enhance productivity and system management: - Users can generate a live kernel or full crash dump to troubleshoot crashes, which can be analyzed for root cause identification. - Holding the CTRL key pauses the Task Manager updates, allowing users to easily locate processes, while the F5 key refreshes values for real-time updates. - The "Efficiency Mode" can be activated by right-clicking on an app or process to limit CPU usage, reducing power consumption and freeing up resources. - The Startup Apps section provides an overview of applications that launch at boot, allowing users to disable unnecessary ones to improve startup time and system performance. - The App History tab shows resource usage by applications since the last shutdown, helping users identify which apps are consuming significant resources.
Has Microsoft given up on the System requirements not met Windows 11 watermark?
Winsage
December 24, 2024

Has Microsoft given up on the System requirements not met Windows 11 watermark?

Microsoft has announced that users attempting to upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported devices would face consequences, including the introduction of an incompatibility watermark. This watermark began appearing on some users' desktops in 2022 but has not been implemented in stable builds of Windows 11 as of 2025. Despite many PCs being deemed incompatible due to the TPM 2.0 requirement, Microsoft has not enforced the watermark and even released an official registry fix to hide it. The watermark was initially spotted in preview builds but was rolled back in stable versions. Concerns were raised about its placement, as it could confuse users with other system messages. There is a growing sentiment that Microsoft should allow users to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware at their own risk, without the watermark reminder.
Silent Hill 2 уже на торрентах — и это тот случай, когда нам печально об этом писать
TrendTechie
December 23, 2024

Silent Hill 2 уже на торрентах — и это тот случай, когда нам печально об этом писать

On October 7th at 3:00 PM, KONAMI's remake of Silent Hill 2 received a 96% positive rating on Steam, but the online player count peaked at just under 9,000 concurrent users since its early access release. The game lacks Denuvo anti-piracy protection, which may have contributed to its modest online engagement. The full release is scheduled for October 8th. Additionally, the game features a Russian voiceover from the Mechanics VoiceOver studio.
Ремейк Silent Hill 2 появился на торрентах
TrendTechie
December 22, 2024

Ремейк Silent Hill 2 появился на торрентах

The remake of Silent Hill 2 has leaked on pirated platforms two days before its official release. It has received an early score of 86 out of 100 from critics, who praised its narrative, atmosphere, and soundtrack. The remake features improvements to the combat system and environmental interactions, along with modernized controls. The official release is scheduled for October 8, exclusively for PS5 and PC.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 появится на торрентах в день релиза? В игре нет защиты Denuvo
TrendTechie
December 21, 2024

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 появится на торрентах в день релиза? В игре нет защиты Denuvo

On November 20, GSC Game World will release S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, which will not include Denuvo anti-piracy protection and will be available on the GOG digital store without DRM. It is expected that pirated versions of the game will appear on torrent sites within hours of its release. The minimum system requirements for the game are Windows 10, Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580, 8 GB RAM, and 150 GB disk space (SSD recommended). The recommended requirements are Windows 10/11, Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super or AMD RX 5700 XT, 16 GB RAM, and 150 GB disk space (SSD required). Initial impressions from major publications and gaming expos are positive, highlighting the game's visual fidelity, mechanics, NPC intelligence, nonlinear quests, and expansive map, though some concerns were raised about a lengthy introduction and technical glitches. Journalists were not allowed to record gameplay footage, which has led to apprehensions about the unfiltered gameplay experience.
The best Windows laptops we tested in 2024: Our pick lasts longer than the M4 MacBook Pro
Winsage
December 20, 2024

The best Windows laptops we tested in 2024: Our pick lasts longer than the M4 MacBook Pro

The landscape of Windows laptops in 2024 features a variety of options, including robust workstations powered by Qualcomm technology, dual-display devices, and discreet gaming machines. The 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is highlighted as the top choice, equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite processor and exceptional battery life. The HP Omnibook X 14 is noted as the best mid-range option, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is recommended for budget-conscious users. The Lenovo Yoga 9i (Gen 9) is recognized as the best 2-in-1 laptop, and the Alienware m16 R2 is identified as the best gaming laptop. Upcoming models include the Dell XPS 13, HP Omnibook Ultra Flip, and Framework Laptop 13, with updates expected after testing. The HP Omen 17 gaming laptop received mixed reviews, praised for performance but criticized for keyboard, speakers, and battery life.
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