Although Windows 10 on mobile devices hasn’t really taken off, Microsoft still believes there is a future for the platform, and Continuum is the key.
Continuum could save Windows 10 on mobile
Continuum is the feature that allows Windows 10 Mobile devices to connect to an external monitor and keyboard and mouse converting a phone into a PC-like experience. However, there is one “little” inconvenience, users are limited to run only those new modern apps from the Windows Store. The main (and only reason) is because traditional desktop applications (e.g, Chrome, Photoshop, Spotify, iTunes) run on x86 architecture commonly supported on Intel and AMD processors. Mobile devices on the other hand, especially phones, run applications built for ARM64 architecture only supported on ARM processors.
Microsoft’s x86 app emulation on ARM chips
If there was a way for ARM-based devices to run x86 applications using an emulator, it could unlock the full potential of Continuum. This would allow users to run mobile apps as well as traditional desktop applications on a phone. And this is exactly what Microsoft seems to be doing. A new report from Mary Jo Foley at ZDNet unveils that the software giant is working on an emulator (internally known as “Cobalt”) to enable x86 apps to run on ARM-based devices.
Cobalt could require new hardware
Of course, it’s not just about software. It’s a combination of software and hardware working together, meaning that ARM processors have to provide reliable performance for the emulator to deliver a good user experience. In part this could be the reason why project “Cobalt” won’t be available until Qualcomm launches its Snapdragon 830 processor, which will include the features required for Windows 10 to run the emulator. As a result, it’s likely that in order to run x86 applications on ARM-based devices, you may need to buy new hardware. According to Mary’s reports, Microsoft’s new Cobalt technology is aimed primarily at phones, and possibly even tablet and desktop computers, but not servers. Also, the company is expected to target business users as they’re the ones in more need of this technology (at least initially). What do you think about x86 emulation on ARM-based devices? Tell us in the comments below. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
