Windows on ARM

Windows 10 ARM for Lumia project has just received a big update that adds support for some basic features, including WLAN (WiFi). While it has been possible to deploy Windows 10 ARM to a Lumia 950 or 950 XL, the platform isn’t really intended to work with the desktop environment due to various driver issues.

The developer community has rolled out a new driver package for Windows-on-ARM (WoA) installer with a number of improvements. The update introduces thermals improvements, longer connected Standby, better battery life, auto-rotation support and more.

It’s also worth noting that the Lumia 950 (non-XL) is getting support for WLAN (WiFi) in this release, allowing users to finally connect the device to the internet over a wireless connection. The update addresses heating and connected standby problems on Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL with Snapdragon 808 (MSM8992) and Snapdragon 810 (MSM8994) respectively.

Here’s a full list of all important changes:

  • FM radio signal status (Airwaves) is now available.
  • There’s a new rotation tool that would allow users to manually force rotation feature on Lumia 950 devices.
  • A custom phone dialler app ‘WoA Dialer’ is now an inbox app and it will work if you run Windows 10 May 2019 Update or older.
  • The device will notify you when the installation process is nearly finished.
  • You will notice reliability improvements for battery life, cellular connectivity, WLAN, and RIL stacks/drivers.
  • The update has resolved issues with double notification and a bug breaking down the FM radio service during boot.
  • New drivers will adjust the default vibration motor intensity to 80%.
  • The phones can now automatically detect Single SIMs on boot, but the secondary broadband adapter will be marked nulled.
  • Charging notification sound would play properly when you plug or unplug the device.

There are still some rough areas, but it is likely that Windows 10 ARM for Lumia would be good enough for daily use by the time Windows 10 Mobile stops receiving its monthly updates.

About The Author

Mayank Parmar

Mayank Parmar is an entrepreneur who founded Windows Latest. He is the Editor-in-Chief and has written on various topics in his seven years of career, but he is mostly known for his well-researched work on Microsoft's Windows. His articles and research works have been referred to by CNN, Business Insiders, Forbes, Fortune, CBS Interactive, Microsoft and many others over the years.