• The article explores the newfound synergy between Microsoft’s Snapdragon X Elite series and Google’s subtle yet significant move to develop an Arm64 version of Chrome, signaling a potential breakthrough for Windows on ARM.

• As the tech industry leans towards inevitable ARM computing, this collaboration offers a glimpse into a promising future, with the world’s most popular browser gearing up for the ARM architecture.

Windows on ARM has faced numerous challenges and false starts over the years, but the latest development in the form of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite series could be the breakthrough it needs. Microsoft’s commitment to this new desktop ARM chip is evident, and even tech giant Google is taking notice. In a surprising turn of events, Google is quietly working on an Arm64 version of Chrome, marking a significant shift in its approach to Windows on ARM.

The Troubled History of Windows on ARM
Microsoft’s journey to get Windows running on ARM dates back to the era of Windows 8, a time marked by a standard x86-x64 variant and the ill-fated Windows RT for ARM chips. Windows RT faced criticism due to scaled-back features and a lack of software support, leading to its ultimate demise. While newer Windows versions have gradually improved ARM support, the slow arrival of software has hindered progress.

Microsoft Edge Leads the Way
The Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser has been at the forefront of supporting Arm64 architecture for several years. However, Google’s Chrome browser was only accessible on ARM-based Windows systems through emulation. Microsoft’s x86 emulation has made strides, but it still falls short in speed compared to running native applications. The recent move by Google to support ARM is a positive development for those eyeing Snapdragon X-powered laptops.

Google’s Silent Entry into the ARM Arena: The revelation of Google’s Arm64 version of Chrome did not come through an official announcement but was discovered by eagle-eyed users. Pedro Justo’s post on X revealed the appearance of the Arm64 version in the Canary channel. This channel, preceding the Dev channel, allows users to install it alongside other Chrome versions. Despite Google’s silence on the matter, this move signals a significant step forward for ARM-based desktop browsing.

The Inevitability of ARM Computing
The shift towards ARM computing seems inevitable, especially considering Apple’s successful transition of all its product lines to custom ARM chips. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X, positioned as a competitor to Intel’s mobile chips on the Windows side, adds weight to the momentum. While x86-x64 architecture won’t disappear immediately, having the world’s most popular browser ready for the ARM future is a reassuring sign.

Early Access to Arm64 Chrome
For enthusiasts eager to experience the Arm64 version of Chrome, the Canary build is available for immediate installation. However, caution is advised as Canary releases are the most unstable and prone to bugs. Nightly updates with new features and patches may be appealing, but for a more stable experience, users might consider waiting for the Dev channel to be updated. Given Google’s typical development cycle, it’s likely to be a few months before Chrome on ARM becomes stable enough for widespread adoption.

Conclusion
The collaboration between Microsoft’s Snapdragon X Elite series and Google’s silent embrace of Arm64 for Chrome marks a turning point in the journey of Windows on ARM. With Apple’s success in custom ARM chips and Qualcomm’s competitive Snapdragon X, the era of ARM computing is undeniably approaching. The availability of Chrome on ARM, albeit in early stages, is a positive signal for the future of this technology, promising a more seamless and efficient computing experience.