Wine 3.0 open-source compatibility layer now available

Although Wine is a free, open-source product, a survey conducted in 2007 revealed that about a third of the Linux users used this compatibility layer to run Windows applications back then. This group of users was larger than the one not running Windows apps in Linux at all, but also slightly more populated than the entire group of users running x86 virtualization programs. Now, Wine 3.0 is available and brings quite a few interesting changes.

According to the official announcement, this second Wine release since the transition to an annual release schedule comes with Direct3D 10 and 11 support, an Android graphics driver as well as a full audio driver for Google's mobile operating system, the Direct3D command stream, not to mention the introduction of improved DirectWrite and Direct2D support. 

Sadly, a few anticipated features have been pushed to the next development cycle. Their list includes Direct3D 12 and Vulkan, as well as OpenGL ES support, a change that would finally bring Direct3D support to Android.

Almost a year ago, Wine 2.0 arrived with support for Microsoft Office 2013 and the ability to run 64-bit apps on macOS. That version was also the major update that began an annual release schedule. So far, it looks like the team behind Wine was able to keep its promise, so we should get ready for Wine 4.0 to arrive by the end of January 2019. In the meantime, those who want some extra features and improved support, but all on a Wine core, could go ahead and take CrossOver for a spin. The only problem could be its price because CrossOver is a commercial product, but those interested have no excuse for not taking it for a spin, since a fully functional 14-day trial version is freely available.