Microsoft SQ2 Review: A Disappointing Emulation Experience

The release of Microsoft's Surface Pro X and Windows 10 on ARM devices by partners like Samsung was met with high expectations. However, Microsoft's emulation approach fell short of the mark, leaving a lot to be desired. In contrast, Apple's ARM-based machines delivered significantly better performance.

One of the primary reasons for this disparity is Apple's closed nature of its operating system. This allows developers to focus on creating apps that are optimized for the ARM architecture, resulting in faster and more efficient execution. Additionally, Apple's strict rules on packaging software ensure that all apps meet a high standard, which in turn enables better performance.

In contrast, Microsoft's emulation layer, designed to run Intel-based apps on ARM hardware, has limitations due to its focus on supporting a wide range of devices and operating systems. This results in older apps performing similarly on newer hardware, rather than seeing significant improvements.

It is important to note that Apple's ecosystem is inherently different from Microsoft's, with a closed-access operating system and a limited footprint of devices. As such, it was expected that Apple would prioritize performance over other considerations. With the Pro X having a twelve-month head start over Apple's transition to ARM-based Apple Silicon for the full Mac range, it is clear that Microsoft is still playing catch-up.

In conclusion, while Microsoft's Surface Pro X and Windows 10 on ARM devices showed promise, their emulation approach fell short of expectations. Apple's focus on performance and optimization yielded better results, highlighting the importance of a closed ecosystem in achieving optimal device performance.

Microsoft sq2 review