Apple Developer Beta
The latest Apple Developer Beta coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Ex-GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke Takes on Centralized Git with Entire's New Distributed Network
Thomas Dohmke, former GitHub CEO, has opened the waitlist for Entire, a startup that builds a distributed Git network mirroring GitHub repositories globally. The service aims to boost code resilience and supply chain security without disrupting existing workflows. Early access is free, with general availability expected in 2027.
Apple’s iOS 27 Beta 3 Puts You in Charge of How Siri Speaks: New Pace and Expressivity Controls Explained
Apple’s latest iOS 27 developer beta introduces Pace and Expressivity sliders for Siri, allowing users to adjust speech speed and emotional inflection. This hands-on analysis explains what changed, what it means for different user groups, and how to get early access while avoiding beta pitfalls.
VS Code 1.128 Brings Windows 11 System-Wide Shortcuts and a Revamped Browser Tab Layout
Visual Studio Code's upcoming version 1.128 introduces OS-level keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11, letting users trigger editor commands from anywhere, along with a redesigned browser tab placement that improves screen space and matches the Windows 11 aesthetic. WindowsForum recommends developers with a specific need for these features begin piloting the build now.
Mesa 26.2 Brings Experimental AV1 Encoding to WSL — Here’s What You Need to Know
Mesa 26.2 introduces experimental hardware-accelerated AV1 video encoding to WSL via its DirectX 12 Gallium driver, allowing Linux apps to use the host GPU's media engine. The feature is a major step forward but is not stable enough for production; users should continue relying on native Windows encoding tools while developers test the prototype. Windows 11 24H2 and a modern GPU with AV1 encode hardware are required.
Budget VPS Gets Serious: IWIHOST.NET’s 2026 Plans Bring KVM, NVMe, and ECC to the Masses
A new independent review of IWIHOST.NET’s 2026 budget VPS plans reveals an aggressive feature set—KVM virtualization, NVMe storage, and ECC memory—at low prices. This article breaks down what the review means for Windows home labbers, developers, and IT pros, and provides a practical checklist for evaluating any budget Windows VPS before you buy.
Mesa 26.2 Brings First GPU-Accelerated AV1 Encoding to WSL via DirectX 12 Prototype
Microsoft engineers merged an initial prototype into Mesa 26.2 on July 6, 2026, enabling GPU-accelerated AV1 video encoding inside WSL using DirectX 12. This marks the first time Linux applications in WSL can leverage dedicated GPU encoders for AV1, promising huge performance gains for content creators, ML engineers, and developers. The feature is still a prototype but signals Microsoft's commitment to full media acceleration parity between WSL and native Windows.
Themia App Reinvents Your Windows Desktop as a Live Productivity Dashboard
XDA Developers highlights Themia, a new app that turns the Windows 10/11 desktop into a live productivity dashboard with configurable widgets for email, calendar, weather, and tasks. It offers a zero‑click alternative to the Windows 11 Widgets panel and harks back to the era of desktop gadgets, but with a modern, privacy‑conscious design.
Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 Reaches Platform Stability: Key Details for Windows Enthusiasts
Google released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 for Pixel devices on July 1, 2026, reaching Platform Stability with build CP31.260618.005 and the June security patch. This milestone finalizes APIs, allowing developers to prepare their apps for the stable release. Windows enthusiasts benefit from improved cross-platform integration, development tools, and enterprise management.
Supreme Court Takes Up Apple’s Contempt Appeal, Joint Motion to Delay Filed
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on June 30, 2026, to hear Apple's appeal of a contempt ruling in its legal battle with Epic Games, while both companies jointly asked a district court to delay enforcement of the ruling. The case could redefine how app stores handle developer steering and fees, with implications for Windows and other platforms.
Microsoft Swaps Tenor for GIPHY in Windows 11 GIF Picker After API Shutdown
Microsoft's June 23, 2026 preview update for Windows 11 replaces the GIF search backend in the emoji panel from Tenor to GIPHY, following Google's deprecation of the old Tenor API. The switch caused a brief outage and has privacy implications due to GIPHY's Meta ownership, but restores functionality for users. Organizations may need to update firewall rules, and the change highlights the fragility of OS features reliant on third-party APIs.
Supreme Court to Decide How Far Courts Can Rein in Apple's App Store Fees
The Supreme Court will hear Apple's appeal against a contempt ruling that restricts its 27% fee on external App Store payments, an outcome that could set key precedents for how courts enforce injunctions against platform owners. The decision carries significant implications for Windows developers, as it may influence Microsoft's own store policies and the broader legal environment for digital commerce across operating systems.
Microsoft's WSL Containers Preview Lands—But Should Developers Ditch Docker Desktop Yet?
Microsoft released WSL Containers (WSLC) in public preview on June 29, 2026, bringing native container support to WSL2 via wslc.exe. While the preview offers dramatic speed improvements and tight Windows integration, missing orchestration features, network configuration, and tooling gaps make it unsuitable as a wholesale Docker Desktop replacement for most Windows 11 developers. A cautious, test-first approach is recommended, with concrete steps to evaluate WSLC for specific workflows.
Microsoft Launches WSL Containers Public Preview, Letting Windows 11 Run Linux Containers Natively
Microsoft has released WSL Containers into public preview, enabling Windows 11 users to run Linux containers natively through WSL without Docker Desktop. The feature leverages the existing Hyper-V Utility VM, offers near-native performance, and integrates deeply with Windows tools. While still in preview, it promises to simplify container workflows and reduce costs for developers and enterprises alike.