In a significant development for the Windows on ARM ecosystem, Google has announced that its Drive app will soon support ARM chips, addressing one of the longstanding challenges faced by users of Snapdragon X laptops. This update is set to roll out in the fourth quarter of 2024, as confirmed during Qualcomm’s IFA 2024 press conference, a revelation that has been met with enthusiasm from the tech community.
Enhancing Compatibility
Historically, the compatibility of applications with Windows on ARM has been a hurdle, with many popular programs lacking native support. However, this landscape is gradually evolving, and the addition of Google Drive marks a pivotal step forward. Currently, the Drive app is unavailable on ARM PCs, but its upcoming update promises to enhance the user experience significantly.
During the same event, Qualcomm also announced that VPN services such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN are now accessible for Snapdragon X laptops, further enriching the software offerings for these devices. This move is particularly noteworthy, as it addresses the previous scarcity of essential applications compatible with ARM architecture.
Google's Expanding Portfolio
Google's commitment to expanding its Windows app portfolio is evident, having recently introduced an “Essentials” suite and successfully launching a native version of Chrome for ARM. Nonetheless, some applications, like Quick Share—Google’s file-sharing tool for Android—remain absent from ARM support, even in emulated forms, highlighting that there is still work to be done in this area.
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