Two weeks after its previousย 9.17 release, the Wine Project, renowned for enabling Linux and macOS users to run Windows applications, announced the release of the brand-new Wine 9.18.
Among the highlights of this update are:
- New Media Foundation Backend Using FFMpeg: One of the most significant updates is the implementation of a new Media Foundation backend that utilizes FFMpeg. This advancement aims to improve media playback compatibility, allowing a broader range of Windows multimedia applications to run smoothly on platforms like Linux and macOS.
- Initial Support for Network Sessions in DirectPlay: Wine 9.18 brings initial support for network sessions in DirectPlay. This update is particularly exciting for gaming enthusiasts, as it revives the multiplayer capabilities of classic Windows games that rely on DirectPlay for network communication.
- New Desktop Control Panel Applet: The introduction of a new Desktop Control Panel applet enhances user experience by providing a centralized location to access and configure Wine settings. This applet simplifies the management of applications and system preferences within the Wine environment.
- Various Bug Fixes: Continuing their commitment to stability and performance, the developers have addressed numerous bugs reported by the community. These fixes contribute to a more reliable and seamless user experience.
In addition to new features and improvements, the Wine team addressed 18 bugs identified in previous versions, thus enhancing the softwareโs overall stability and usability.
For more information, visit the announcement. Wine 9.18โs source code can be downloaded fromย GitLabโs project pageย for those interested in trying out or upgrading their current installation. The binary packages for various distributions are expected to be available shortly.
