Last month, we discussed Google's collaboration with Qualcomm to brings a version of Chrome to Windows 10 on ARM. At the time, I talked about this as a blow to Microsoft's own Edge web browser. However, we were surprised today to hear Microsoft is actively helping Qualcomm with the integration.
When first announced, Qualcomm senior director of product management Miguel Nunes confirmed work alongside Google. He said Chrome would likely come to Windows 10 on ARM during the second half of 2019.
A new report from 9to5Google suggests Microsoft is actually offering the most contribution towards the Chrome integration.
Indeed, the report says two Microsoft developers have taken the lead on the project and most contributions have been used in the Chromium branch. While Chrome on Windows 10 on ARM could cause problems for Edge, it makes sense for Microsoft to embrace Chromium.
Building Success
The company wants Windows 10 on ARM to be a success, which will mean providing access to the leading services. Windows 10 on ARM has had mixed results so far, not least because Microsoft's app issues are ever present. While Snapdragon-powered laptops can handle native Windows apps easily, it struggles with third-party solutions.
It seems likely Qualcomm, Microsoft, and Google are working towards a full native ARM64 version of Chrome. Under emulation, the browser runs poorly on Windows 10 on ARM, so a native solution makes sense.
None of the companies involved have said when Chrome will come to Windows 10 on ARM.
