Microsoft embraces Arm with improved app translation

Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft is making a strong push into Arm-powered Windows PCs with the launch of Surface devices featuring the Snapdragon X Elite processor. This move naturally invites comparisons to Apple's successful transition from Intel to Arm-based designs in its Macs.

A key factor in Apple's success was Rosetta 2, a translation layer that allows users to run most Intel Mac apps on Apple Silicon machines with minimal effort. Windows 11 offers similar functionality, and with the upcoming 24H2 update, it gets a new name: Prism.

Click to read more ...

Microsoft tests app ads in Windows 11 Start menu

The red box highlights the ad (Image: Microsoft)

Microsoft is testing a controversial feature: ads within the Windows 11 Start menu. These ads, disguised as "app suggestions," will appear in the "Recommended" section alongside recently used files.

Currently, only US-based Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel see these ads, and they're disabled on organization-managed devices. However, the ads are enabled by default, which might not sit well with users.

Click to read more ...

Microsoft ends support for Android apps on Windows 11

Image: Microsoft

Microsoft announced it will discontinue support for the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), effectively ending Android app functionality on Windows 11. The change takes effect March 5, 2025. Existing users can continue using previously downloaded Android apps from the Amazon Appstore until the support end date. However, new app downloads won't be possible, and searching for the Amazon Appstore or Android apps in the Microsoft Store will be unavailable starting tomorrow, March 6.

This move comes as a surprise, considering Microsoft's ongoing efforts to improve WSA. While the feature aimed to compete with Apple's ability to run iOS apps on M1 Macs, the reliance on the Amazon Appstore instead of the Google Play Store limited its potential. The lack of access to popular apps likely played a significant role in Microsoft's decision.

Source

Windows 11's major update arrives this year, not Windows 12

Image: Microsoft

We have good news for Windows 11 users but bad news for those expecting Windows 12. Microsoft confirms a major update for Windows 11 (version 24H2) will launch in September or October 2024. This AI-focused update emphasizes user experience and quality-of-life improvements.

Experts speculate Microsoft wants to avoid further user base fragmentation (especially with Windows 10 still popular) and is waiting until Windows 10 support ends in 2025 to transition users to Windows 11 and possibly Windows 12. So, 2025 may be the earliest we'll get the new operating system.

Source