14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft launched Windows on ARM with much fanfare, promising massive battery life improvements without a drop in performance on an avalanche of products.
This avalanche of products was supposed to come not only from Microsoft but also from its partners, and while several devices have indeed launched in the last few years, Windows on ARM is yet to take off.
The reason is as simple as it could be: these devices are way too expensive, and it makes little sense to invest in such a platform at this price point when the Intel alternatives have a similar price.
Qualcomm’s Senior Director Miguel Nunes has recently told Golem in an interview (via DrWindows) that the first Windows on ARM devices had what he described as “inadequate pricing,” so customers were reluctant to buy them.
Microsoft itself has tried to address this problem with more affordable Surface models, but of course, the entire ecosystem needs to follow in its footsteps and launch cheaper Windows on ARM products.
Major improvements since 2017
Launched in 2017, Windows on ARM has evolved substantially, so it now supports x64 emulation as well. Microsoft says it’s continuously working with Qualcomm on evolving the platform even further.
“With developers increasingly supporting ARM64 apps natively, emulating x64 apps is an important step in our journey with Windows 10 on ARM. Through working with Qualcomm Technologies, Windows 10 on ARM PCs continue to deliver incredible battery life, connectivity capabilities with 4G LTE and 5G, and immersive experiences with AI acceleration, pen and touch capabilities – all features we believe to be more essential as we work, learn, and connect from home and other remote locations,” the company said
Whether or not Windows on ARM would eventually become a hit is something that remains to be seen, but at this point, the price of the available devices is apparently the main thing that makes people walk away.