Apps
on the x86 architecture have mostly been limited to desktop processors - until
now. At the 2016 WinHEC Conference in China, Microsoft announced that ARM
processors will soon be able to run the full desktop experience of Windows.
During
the Windows 8 time frame, as The Verge recounted, Microsoft implemented Windows
on ARM under Windows RT, which proved to be unpopular since RT was only capable
of running apps from the Windows store - that meant no x86 apps.
This
has been rectified with the software giant's partnership with Qualcomm. Through
emulation that is built into Windows 10, ARM processors will be able to run x86
win32 programs.
Executive
Vice President Terry Myerson noted on Windows Blog: "For the first time
ever, our customers will be able to experience the Windows they know with all
the apps, peripherals, and enterprise capabilities they require, on a truly
mobile, power efficient, always-connected cellular PC."
With
a Snapdragon chipset, Microsoft demoed Windows 10 on ARM running the desktop
Office suite, Adobe Photoshop, and Halo Spartan Assault. This showed how easily
desktop apps might be handled on laptops and tablets by hardware partners, and
even phones with Continuum, all the while taking advantage of the light
footprint that mobile processors provide.
Lumia
950 XL release with Continuum, a feature of Windows 10 Mobile that let's phone
act like computers when connected to a display. While Microsoft did not discuss
Continuum in relation to this x86 emulation, this ARM implementation of Windows
10 could make Continuum that much more potent.
As
it stands, Continuum for Windows 10 Mobile can only be taken advantage of using
apps specifically design under the Universal Windows Platform (UWP)
architecture, but Windows 10 on ARM can bring desktop apps to phones.
Windows
10's support for ARM processors is set to release next year. Stay tuned for
more exciting updates!
