In a move that will delight Windows on ARM users, Google has announced plans to update its Drive app with native support for ARM-based processors. This development, slated for the fourth quarter of 2024, comes as welcome news for owners of Snapdragon X laptops and other ARM-powered Windows devices.
The announcement was made during Qualcomm's IFA 2024 press conference, highlighting the growing ecosystem of apps supporting Windows on ARM. This update addresses one of the key challenges faced by ARM-based Windows devices: the limited availability of natively supported applications.
Google's decision to bring ARM support to its Drive app follows its recent efforts to enhance its presence on the Windows platform. The tech giant recently introduced an "Essentials" suite of apps and brought native ARM support to its popular Chrome browser.
The Drive app's integration with Windows File Explorer offers significant advantages over the web-based version. Users can access files, back up folders, and set offline access directly from the familiar Windows interface, making it an indispensable tool for heavy users of Google's cloud storage service.
This move by Google is part of a broader trend of major software developers adapting their applications for ARM-based Windows devices. Recently, popular VPN services NordVPN and ExpressVPN have also released versions compatible with Snapdragon X laptops, further expanding the range of available software for these devices.
As the Windows on ARM ecosystem continues to grow, users can expect improved performance and battery life from their devices. The addition of Google Drive to the list of natively supported apps is a significant step forward, promising a smoother and more efficient experience for ARM-based Windows users.
While the wait until Q4 2024 may seem long, this announcement demonstrates Google's commitment to supporting diverse hardware platforms and improving user experience across different devices.