Thursday, November 14th 2019
Microsoft Could Bring x86-64 App Emulation to Windows on ARM
According to the sources close to Neowin, Microsoft is expected to launch x86-64 (or x64 in short) emulation support for Windows on ARM (WoA) devices. Expected to arrive in Windows 10 21H1, or around 2020 for all the Windows Insiders, the new feature will enable a vast majority of apps made for Windows OS, currently built for x64 architecture, to run on ARM ISA and all Windows on ARM computers.
So far, only 32-bit x86 applications were able to be emulated, however, if these rumors are to be believed, many users of WoA devices should get a chance to run all of their favorite 64-bit software that was previously unavailable. The launch of this feature will boost the adoption of the WoA ecosystem with benefits reaching all existing laptop models, including Microsoft's newly launched Surface Pro X laptop that utilizes an ARM-based chip called SQ1 (customized Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx processor).
Source:
Tom's Hardware
So far, only 32-bit x86 applications were able to be emulated, however, if these rumors are to be believed, many users of WoA devices should get a chance to run all of their favorite 64-bit software that was previously unavailable. The launch of this feature will boost the adoption of the WoA ecosystem with benefits reaching all existing laptop models, including Microsoft's newly launched Surface Pro X laptop that utilizes an ARM-based chip called SQ1 (customized Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx processor).
30 Comments on Microsoft Could Bring x86-64 App Emulation to Windows on ARM
At that point, why bother with arm at all?
Doing hardware emulation does not mean that the ISA is just implemented 1:1 and requires the same silicon footprint as for example an Atom core of the same speed. It should still be more area efficient, but also have a hit in performance. Energy wise, depends totally on the implementation.
Look at Project Denver by Nvidia. It never came out, unfortunately.
I really don't see how you can implement an isa 1:1 in hardware without... implementing it, really. I guess adding helpful instructions for software emulation would be one way, but I consider that more a "hybrid" approach.
So basically, as R-T-B said, why bother with ARM CPU if you will have a x86 CPU in the same system???
The future, as I see it, is:
But with a strong ARM CPU, this should be fast enough to run professional software like MS Office, Photoshop or Visual Studio.
So you end up with an ARM laptop that you don't have to turn off (similar to existing tablets), but it can run most of the stuff you need for work or everyday use.
Apple will provide a similar solution.
Of course x86 laptops will still be more robust and faster, but ARM tablets/laptops won't look like poor, disabled cousins anymore.
And in a more distant future (3-4 years?) we may finally see smartphones properly replacing PCs for most users. Today most people still have a Windows laptop lying around, because once a week they need to do something that Android/iOS apps can't help with.
I could be wrong; but I don't see the desktop going anywhere soon. People have been predicting the death of the desktop for 20+ years now?
No doubt mobile will still gain more power though; just after it filters down the pipe...
No one said it will be fast. But try running Photoshop on an Atom x5. Also very slow (maybe worse). And Atom x5 will be rubbish for browsing web and multimedia as well.
The whole point of x86 emulation on ARM is that you'll be able to own a frugal, easy to use ARM device - it'll be very responsive when running ARM-optimized software, but also able to run more capable x86 software when necessary. Slow? Yes. But still more handy / cheaper than keeping and carrying a separate x86 laptop.
Of course this is not a solution for everyone. If you're going to emulate x86 software every day, just get a x86 system.
This is aimed at people who will use such functionality relatively rarely.2 separate things in this comment I have to answer.
I.
I meant x86 in general - not desktops in particular. And yes: x86 will be faster. But this is not a question of who is faster but rather: when will small ARM chips become fast enough for typical users. And this should happen in 3-4 years (ubiquitous 5/7nm).
For many this has happened already, but they still keep a Windows laptop for some tasks (i.e. editing photos from a trip, occasional MS Office and so on). My girlfriend uses her laptop maybe once a week. My parents: maybe once a month.
Functional x86 emulation will mean hundreds of millions of people can throw their laptop away. They'll just connect a mouse to their smartphone/tablet. :)
II.
Desktops are pretty much dead already. Only gamers and residents of poor countries use them.
I think I got tired by the "AMD outsells Intel" belief on this forum, so I won't even try to convince you.
I suggest that you simply check sales figures (mobile CPUs vs desktops CPUs vs gaming GPUs).
So basically a brute force alien CELL PPC CPU reverse engineered emulation fetches 60FPS at FHD...
And some x86 apps will not? It is acceptable as an idea and pretty feasible already to run. ARM is getting really strong.
Transmeta didn't ask Intel's permission.
For every poll that say desktops are on the decline, there is another one that says its on the rise. That means there are more and more gamers, right? or is it more gamers in poor countries?