Tag: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7

  • Valve Adds Experimental Arm Support to SteamOS in Runtime Update

    Valve Adds Experimental Arm Support to SteamOS in Runtime Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve is actively working on adding Arm support to SteamOS, confirmed by recent code in the SteamOS GitLab repository.
    2. An experimental version of the Steam Runtime for the 64-bit arm64 architecture is being developed, but it does not support 32-bit ARM binaries.
    3. Arm support in SteamOS may be aimed at the upcoming Valve Deckard VR headset and could also benefit devices like Snapdragon-based Windows on Arm gadgets.
    4. Valve is testing arm64 compatibility with various games, indicating a push to expand SteamOS compatibility beyond x86 devices.
    5. Valve may adopt strategies similar to Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit to enhance compatibility for Arm hardware.

    We have shared multiple times that Valve appears to be working on adding Arm support to its SteamOS, which is based on Linux. Recently, actual code has been discovered in the SteamOS GitLab repository that confirms this development.

    Latest Discoveries

    According to a post by SadleyItsBradley on X, the newest code commit for Steam Runtime discusses an experimental version designed for the 64-bit arm64 architecture. This shows that Valve is gradually allocating developer resources to enhance SteamOS with Arm support, even though the project is still in its early stages.

    Specifications and Limitations

    There is an experimental version of the runtime specifically for `arm64` (64-bit ARM, or `aarch64`). However, it’s important to note that this does not include support for a secondary architecture, meaning that 32-bit ARM binaries won’t be compatible.

    Future Possibilities

    Earlier predictions suggested that the introduction of Arm support in SteamOS was aimed at the upcoming Valve Deckard standalone VR headset. However, supporting Arm would also open the door for devices like the Snapdragon-based Windows on Arm gadgets, such as the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, which is currently priced at $799.99 at Best Buy. Another theory in circulation is that Valve may be exploring Arm support for a future Nvidia-based Steam Deck 2.

    It’s well-known that Apple leveraged Wine, the open-source foundation for Steam’s Proton compatibility layer for Linux, to create its Game Porting Toolkit. This toolkit allows Windows games to run on macOS devices powered by Apple silicon. Therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising if Valve pursued a similar approach for Arm hardware as they continue to develop their experimental Arm64 support.

    Expanding Compatibility

    Valve has also been observed testing arm64 compatibility with various games, including several non-VR titles. When you combine all the evidence, it seems clear that Valve’s goal is to broaden the range of hardware that can run SteamOS, incorporating Arm devices along with the existing x86 options.

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  • Snapdragon X Elite Windows Laptops Surge in Popularity December 2024

    Snapdragon X Elite Windows Laptops Surge in Popularity December 2024

    When Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X ARM APUs, there was a lot of buzz since it seemed like Windows devices would finally match MacBooks in energy efficiency. However, it’s clear now that the Snapdragon X SoCs didn’t live up to the expectations many had.

    Performance Comparison

    To start with, Qualcomm’s APUs aren’t giving any significant performance boost compared to the latest Intel and AMD processors. While the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips are indeed efficient, many laptops featuring Intel Lunar Lake or AMD Strix Point APUs offer similar or even better battery lives.

    App Compatibility Issues

    Another concern is the app compatibility with the Snapdragon X SoCs, along with the absence of affordable Snapdragon X Windows laptops. All these factors led us to conclude that “there are no real arguments for a Windows laptop with an ARM processor” in our review of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.

    Despite these clear drawbacks, Qualcomm has managed to secure a solid market presence as of December 2024.

    Market Share Insights

    In late November 2024, we reported that Snapdragon X-based Windows laptops held a meager 0.8% market share in Q3 2024. This finding was quite harsh, indicating that Qualcomm had a significant challenge ahead to meet its target of 30-50% market share by 2029.

    However, times seem to be improving for Qualcomm. CEO Cristiano Amon stated that “Snapdragon X Series had more than 10% share of the greater than $800 Windows laptops in U.S. retail.” If these numbers are correct, December 2024 shipments show a notable improvement from previous reports.

    Limited Claims on Global Market

    Nevertheless, observant readers may have realized that Cristiano Amon is referring to a >10% share only for laptops above a certain price point. Therefore, Qualcomm hasn’t made any statements about global shipments or laptops priced under $800. This is logical as there’s a shortage of budget-friendly Snapdragon X Windows devices available. Yet, this news is encouraging for Qualcomm and fans of Snapdragon who want to see better performance from Windows ARM laptops.

    That being said, Qualcomm still has considerable work ahead to ensure that Snapdragon laptops can compete evenly with Intel and AMD machines throughout the Windows ecosystem.

    Challenges Ahead

    A major challenge for laptops using the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus SoCs is the inconsistent app compatibility. This has been a concern since Microsoft first promoted ARM-based Windows laptops as a genuine alternative. Although the situation has improved, both Microsoft and Qualcomm still have quite a bit of work left to address these issues.

    Moreover, the absence of budget Snapdragon laptops will certainly limit the company’s ability to reach a broader customer base. This is especially true internationally and in regions where consumer spending habits are much lower than in the U.S. Qualcomm aims to tackle this issue with the introduction of the 8-core Snapdragon X SoC.

    Finally, to truly excel beyond the current x86 competition, Qualcomm must deliver enhanced performance and energy efficiency.

    Regardless of the outcome, it’s encouraging to see Qualcomm making strides in the market. Increased competition is always beneficial for consumers.

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