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The Windows transition to Arm just found the missing piece of the puzzle

Posted on by Vaseline

The transition to Arm architecture for Windows has progressed rapidly, with Arm64 versions released for many key applications. However, one important application was missing from the list: Slack. Fortunately, that has now changed.

Slack has released an Arm64 native client, closing a significant gap in the ecosystem. Considering Slack’s importance as a communication and productivity tool, this update is a significant relief for many users who rely on it every day.

Most important points:

  • Emulation improvements: While recent improvements in emulation are notable, a native version of Slack ensures optimal performance on Arm devices, making the transition smoother and more efficient.
  • Beta availability: The Arm64 native client for Slack is now available in beta, allowing users with Windows on Arm devices to experience the benefits immediately.

The impact of Copilot+ on the transition to Arm

The release of Slack’s Arm64 client coincides with anticipation of Microsoft’s Copilot+ line of Windows on Arm products. This upcoming product line is expected to be a major catalyst in the ‘real’ transition to Windows on Arm, driving the development of more native apps and improving the overall user experience.

Benefits of Windows on Arm:

  • Increased battery life: One of the most exciting aspects of Windows on Arm laptops is the potential for nearly double the battery life compared to x64 and x86 versions.
  • Improved performance: With native apps like Slack and new emulation software, users can expect efficient and seamless performance.

Challenges and delays:

  • AI function delay: Despite the progress, there have been some setbacks. One notable delay is the Recall feature on Copilot+ PCs, which has been delayed due to security concerns.

The release of Slack’s Arm64 native client marks a significant step forward in the Windows transition to Arm. It promises better performance and efficiency for users, and ties in well with upcoming Copilot+ products. Despite some challenges, the future looks bright for Windows on Arm, with improved battery life and improved performance for a growing number of native applications.