Google Drive Launching Soon for Windows on ARM

Shortly following the announcement of two new eight-core Snapdragon X Plus processors, aimed at making Copilot+ PCs more accessible to a broader audience, Qualcomm’s CEO disclosed that Google would soon launch its Drive client for Windows on ARM. Currently, users are unable to run Google Drive on ARM devices, even via emulators, as installations are blocked. Nonetheless, a native version is expected to be released later this year.

In addition to the Google Drive client, Windows on ARM is set to receive native versions of several popular VPN services, including NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Unlike Google Drive, these applications are currently available, further bridging the app gap on Copilot+ PCs.

The first Copilot+ PCs equipped with Qualcomm’s latest processors were launched earlier this year and received positive reviews due to their energy efficiency and strong performance. However, the challenge of the app gap persists, and both Microsoft and Qualcomm are diligently working to ensure numerous programs operate natively on ARM-powered Windows devices.

Increasingly, developers are focusing on optimizing their applications for this platform, and the introduction of more affordable Copilot+ PCs is expected to accelerate the adoption of Windows on ARM. Additionally, the release of the Surface Pro 7 for Business and the Surface Laptop 7 for Business should further promote this new category among commercial clients.

At this time, Snapdragon-powered computers are available exclusively in laptop and tablet formats. However, Qualcomm and its partners are endeavoring to extend these chips to additional form factors, including desktop computers and possibly servers.

If the application you require is not yet natively supported on Windows on ARM, you can explore emulation options using Microsoft’s revamped Prism emulator, which features substantial performance and efficiency gains. Nevertheless, not all applications, particularly games, may function on Copilot+ PCs, making the decision to purchase one still somewhat uncertain for many users.

Via The Verge

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