Posted on 11/22/2018 6:37:25 AM PST by dayglored
Microsoft and Google engineers appear to be collaborating to support a version of Chrome running on Windows on ARM. 9to5Google has spotted various commits by Microsoft engineers assisting with the development of Chrome for Windows 10 on ARM. The details follow claims by a Qualcomm executive last month that the chip maker was working on an ARM version of Chrome for Windows 10.
A native ARM version of Chrome would make a lot of sense for Qualcomm, Microsoft, and Google. Chrome is one of the most popular desktop apps available on Windows 10, and without a native version for ARM it’s difficult to take ARM-powered Windows 10 devices seriously for many. However, it was only last year that Microsoft pulled Google’s Chrome installer from the Windows Store, because it violated store policies. Those policies restrict rival browsers to using Microsoft’s own Edge rendering engine, specifically that “products that browse the web must use the appropriate HTML and JavaScript engines provided by the Windows Platform.” Microsoft also blocked similar browser apps for Windows 8.
Unless Microsoft relaxes its rules then this native Chrome support for Windows on ARM won’t be found in the Windows Store. Microsoft and Google’s work could still help improve performance for Electron-based apps like Slack and Visual Studio Code which rely on parts of Chromium. Microsoft and Google have also been working closely to add a Windows 10 dual-boot option to Chromebooks recently, codenamed “Campfire.” If the two companies are working more closely on these types of projects, it does show that the Scroogled days are well and truly in the past.
Writing error. Copiously uses the acronym ARM without ever explaining what ARM is.
Kind of an unfortunate choice of codename, given recent events in that area.
Ah, so. Right you are.
ARM is an alternative CPU architecture. Completely separate and very different from Intel's x86/x64 CPU architecture.
ARM CPUs power most of the world's devices. Notably, Apple uses a version of ARM in its iPhone/iPad line.
And with a little special sauce stirred in, ARM CPUs can run Intel-based software, too.
“Campfire” is probably not the best name to use for this product.
They're everywhere.
Look, the ARM CPU design—with enough on-chip cache—can already approach the speed of Intel’s current x86-64 CPU’s. I wouldn’t be surprised that Apple finally shows off a Mac model running the A13 SoC by the 2019 World Wide Developer’s Conference, using the latest ARM CPU core design.
Microsoft not afraid they’ll boot into Chrome and never use Windows ,LOL
9to5Mac: ARM-powered Mac idea boosted by firm claiming its chips can out-perform Intel
Advanced RISC Machine
Just another type of CPU. They generally use less power and sacrifice some performance for use in devices that are mainly battery powered.
What the hell is ARM?
I hate it when tech-heads just rush into using the latest buzzword without explanation.
Establish this rule, oh ye writers! For 1 year after a new term appears, every article mentioning it must explain, in parentheses, what it means, and not just by giving the words that form the acronym.
This is not generally done. Not even in magazines that present new technology to the public.
Sorry, FRiend, I should have put something in my initial comment. Belatedly I did, in comment #5 above.
What you said for smaller, battery powered devices is quite true.
However, the latest ARM CPUs are already on a par with the big Intel x64 machines. I predict ARM performance will surpass x64 within two years; maybe less.
I am thankful for Google because it is the greatest tool for self education of all time.
The writer met your requirement, then. ARM has been around for more than a year. (More like 20 or 30 years).
But I think your standards are too lax. Buzzwords should always be explained in the popular press unless 80% of the populace knows what they are without prompting.
Can you remove me from the list?
Thanks!!
33 years. 1985.
Done!
Can you add me to the list?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.