Wine Archives

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Meta launches a standalone AI app to compete with ChatGPT

Meta has launched a stand-alone AI application at the LlamaCon event, designed to integrate with its platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. The app utilizes user data from these platforms to offer personalized interactions, allowing it to tailor responses based on individual user preferences. Currently, it is available in the U.S. and Canada and enables users to share personal information to enhance future conversations. The app also includes a Discover feed for users to share their AI experiences with friends, while maintaining control over what is shared. Users are advised to be cautious about how their data may be used, as Meta relies on user data for its advertising revenue.

BetaBeacon

April 27, 2025

What is Steam: The popular gaming platform explained

Steam is a platform and app for distributing video games online that also has social media features and community message boards.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

I tried gaming on Linux — and it’s better (and worse) than you think

The gaming experience on Linux, particularly with Ubuntu, has been positive, with many single-player and co-op games performing well due to compatibility tools like Wine and Steam's Proton. While most Windows games can be played on Linux, limitations exist, particularly for MMORPGs and competitive multiplayer games that rely on kernel-level anti-cheat systems, rendering titles like Fortnite and Valorant unplayable. Some competitive games do offer Linux support, but this is not guaranteed. Additionally, accessory applications for gaming peripherals often lack support on Linux, although open-source alternatives exist. As of 2025, while Linux gaming has improved, significant gaps remain, particularly in compatibility with anti-cheat systems, making it less appealing than Windows for many gamers.

AppWizard

April 6, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Stars and Director Unpack Its Songs and ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ References

The upcoming "A Minecraft Movie" features a connection to Jared Hess' "Napoleon Dynamite," sharing elements of humor and personal experiences from Hess’ Idaho upbringing. The film stars Jason Momoa, Jack Black, and Jennifer Coolidge, with Coolidge portraying a lovesick vice principal. Hess notes that llamas are a humorous aspect in both films, and Jesse Ehrman from Warner Bros Pictures highlights Hess' ability to appeal to both young and adult audiences. Momoa draws inspiration from his childhood, while Black showcases his musical talents with songs like "Steve’s Lava Chicken." Danielle Brooks, although not performing musically in this film, expresses interest in future opportunities for musical collaboration.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

From pixels to pinot: The Windows XP ‘Bliss’ wallpaper hill was real and this is what it looks like now

Windows XP is celebrated for its user-friendly interface and vibrant aesthetics, particularly the "Bliss" wallpaper, which features a real location in Sonoma County, California. The photograph was taken by Charles O’Rear in 1996 and sold to Microsoft before the operating system's launch in 2001. The original image has a resolution of 4,510 by 3,627 pixels, compared to the 800 by 600 pixel version included with Windows XP. Over time, the depicted hill transformed into a vineyard, reflecting Sonoma County's role in California's wine production, which contributed approximately 6% of the state's output in 2021. Microsoft ended support for Windows XP in 2014, with the last version ceasing in 2019. Windows XP was a significant advancement over its predecessors and was used on the International Space Station until it was replaced by Linux in 2013. Windows 11 was released in 2021, with indications that 2025 will focus on a "Windows 11 PC refresh."

Winsage

March 26, 2025

ReactOS drops release 0.4.15

ReactOS has released version 0.4.15, its first point-release in several years, following version 0.4.14 from December 2021. This release includes significant improvements such as enhanced plug-and-play support, improved sound and memory management, better Registry handling, a strengthened security subsystem, refinements in the graphical desktop environment, and upgrades to bundled accessories. ReactOS 0.4.15 can run Firefox 52 and successfully installed VirtualBox Guest Additions, recognizing a VirtualBox display adaptor. The operating system operates as an x86-32 platform, identifying itself as Windows NT 5.2 Build 3790: Service Pack 3. ReactOS can install Windows drivers through clean-room reverse engineering, and it features an integrated app store supporting nearly 400 programs, although some functionality issues exist with the built-in "WINE Internet Explorer" browser. The project appeals to users nostalgic for early Windows NT versions and serves as an alternative for those without a Windows license.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Overclocked Nintendo Switch Modded With 8GB RAM Can Run Kingdom Hearts III, Resident Evil 2 Remake and Other PC Games Surprisingly Well

The Nintendo Switch, eight years after its launch, continues to demonstrate impressive capabilities. A YouTube user tested an overclocked version of the Switch with 8 GB of RAM running 20 PC games, including titles like Dead Space and Kingdom Hearts III. The performance results varied, with demanding games like Rise of the Tomb Raider struggling, while others like Kingdom Hearts III performed well at lower resolutions. The challenges in porting games to the Switch stem from its limited specifications and RAM. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, expected to launch later this year, aims to address these challenges, although it may not match the power of the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. An upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2nd will provide more information about the new system's capabilities.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

CrossOver 25 brings Red Dead Redemption 2 and more to macOS

CodeWeavers has released CrossOver 25, which allows users to run Windows applications on macOS and Linux. This version includes over 5,000 changes for improved compatibility and is built on Wine 10.0, featuring enhanced HiDPI support and upgraded Vulkan drivers. CrossOver 25 supports Red Dead Redemption 2 and other titles such as Street Fighter 6, Need for Speed Heat, Nioh 2, Teardown, Age of Wonders 4, Dragon’s Dogma 2, and The Last of Us Part 1. It introduces a new configuration system for easier gameplay and enables multiplayer for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. Additionally, it features DXMT, a Metal-based implementation of Direct3D 11, alongside other graphics options. CrossOver for Mac is available with a free trial option.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

How to easily run Windows apps on Linux with Wine

Many users are exploring alternatives to Windows 10 as support for it ends, with Linux becoming a popular choice. Wine is a compatibility layer that allows Windows applications to run on Linux, although not all applications are compatible. A searchable database exists for users to check compatibility. The latest Wine release includes enhanced API compatibility, bug fixes for DirectX, improved graphics rendering, support for ARM architecture, new debugging tools, and multi-touch functionality. To install a Windows application on Linux using Wine, users must have a Linux distribution and sudo privileges. The process involves downloading the Windows installer, using terminal commands to run it, and potentially installing 32-bit support. Winetricks can simplify the installation of Windows applications through a GUI. Some applications may require additional configuration, especially games.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

CrossOver 25 improves DirectX 11 support, works with Epic Games Store

CodeWeavers has released CrossOver 25, enhancing the gaming experience for Mac users by expanding support for games from digital storefronts like GOG Galaxy and the Epic Games Store. The update includes Wine 10.0, Wine Mono 9.4.0, vkd3d 1.14, MoltenVK 1.2.10, and D3DMetal 2.1, improving compatibility and performance. D3DMetal 2.1 enhances performance for major titles such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and adds support for The Last of Us: Part 1, along with other DirectX 11 games. The introduction of DXMT allows for running DirectX 11 titles on macOS, with reported performance improvements for lower-spec Macs. CrossOver 25 launches Steam faster and simplifies the setup process, featuring a new configuration system that optimizes graphics settings automatically. It can also enable AVX for titles requiring specific settings to run on Apple Silicon. CrossOver 25 is available for purchase, including a 12-month support option, while CrossOver Life offers a long-term solution for gamers.