VMware Fusion Tech Preview 2023 is now live

[ChrisD.]

Massive improvements:

• New hotness for Fusion on Apple silicon includes:
• DX11 3D Graphics support!
• Tools installer!
• Super-fast drag-drop/copy-paste!
• Auto-fit guest resolution!

https://blogs.vmware.com/teamfusion/2023/07/vmware-fusion-2023-tech-preview.html

 

[ChrisD.]

Let me know if you have any feedback, I can pass it on to the Product Manager.

 

[ChrisD.]

For anyone wanting to install Windows 11, you need the tools installed. During the installation, you can insert the Tools CD, then do Fn + Shift + F10 to get to the command prompt to launch the installer (d:\setup.exe). Then if necessary fn + option + tab to get the installer up.

Granted, no where near as fluid as Parallels as HACO mentions, but it works and should be as performant, if not more.

 

[ChrisD.]

is VMWare fusion free?

No, however the Tech Preview is IIRC as it's considered beta.

 

[ChrisD.]

Can you even game on ARM then? I mean just install Steam like you can on Intel/AMD Windows without limitation.

Yes, you can. You can play native Apple Silicone games via Steam and other launchers, or using Rosetta you can play x86 games (with a performance penalty) using game launchers also.

If you want to play Windows only games, you'll get the best performance if they are ARM ready, or they would have to be emulated if not but again there's a performance penalty.

 

[ChrisD.]

Do you think the official release will come out when macOS 14 is released to the public? I haven't had any real issues with the tech preview but it would be nice to get the official release at some point.

We have internal release candidates, however I can't share any more detail than that.

 

[ChrisD.]

Is the tech preview fully free or trial bounded? I got a popup for buying a fusion 13 pro key today? But I think that version is older than the 2023 tech preview right?

I believe that the Tech Preview is free, however it is expected that you provide feedback. The full version of Pro has a fee.

How can you participate? It’s easy, and it’s free!

1. Download and install the Fusion 2023 Tech Preview
2. Check out the Testing Guide
3. Install or Upgrade Windows 11 and install VMware Tools! (step by step instructions in the Testing Guide)
4. Play some games, run some apps, do what you do!
5. Let us know how it went in the Fusion 2023 Tech Preview VMTN Community

 

[ChrisD.]

There is a minor release of 17 due within the next few weeks, however this may slide to the right.

 

[ChrisD.]

Do you happen to know what version UEFI it uses?

I've asked the question...

 

[ChrisD.]

@Cromulent should be UEFI 2.7.

 

[ChrisD.]

Thank you!

UEFI Interactive Shell v2.2
EDK II
UEFI v2.70 (EDK II, 00010000)

that's what ver outputs in the "power on to firmware" and then choosing the EFI Interactive Shell options.

 

[ChrisD.]

No probs, is it what you were hoping for?

 

[ChrisD.]

There is a minor release of 17 due within the next few weeks, however this may slide to the right.

17.5 released.

VMware Fusion 13.5 and Workstation 17.5 are Live!

https://blogs.vmware.com/teamfusion/2023/10/fusion-13-5-is-live.html Enjoy!

forums.overclockers.co.uk

 

[ChrisD.]

It's VMware, the large W in the name was dropped in 2000 or so.

I don't think network fault simulation is something that is going to come to Fusion or Workstation, as you can use a Linux VM as a gateway and inject packet loss using the right software. Then again I haven't used Workstation in many years so perhaps it's an option. Perhaps send a Tweet to Michael Roy - https://twitter.com/mikeroySoft

 

[ChrisD.]

I genuinely didn't even know that was a thing.

Fusion does have it as well:

 

[ChrisD.]

Hmm. Just had an email saying that Broadcom has bought VMware and that I should move my VMware support account to Broadcom. If I don't do it by May the 6th the support account will stop working.

Details here:

Getting Started with your Support Portal Account for VMware Customers

knowledge.broadcom.com

 

[ChrisD.]

May 10th Update - We continue to work diligently to complete the migration of VMware products, downloads, license keys, and support cases as quickly as possible and anticipate the large majority of these activities will be completed within the next 48-72hrs. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time, and we thank you for your continued support.

Give it a few days chaps, it's a massive migration and there's bound to be teething issues.

 

[ChrisD.]

I did create a new thread as I think it's worthy of one, but I'll mention it here also:

VMware Fusion Pro (and Workstation Pro) are now free for personal use!

Great news! https://blogs.vmware.com/cloud-foundation/2024/05/14/vmware-desktop-hypervisor-pro-apps-now-available-for-personal-use/

forums.overclockers.co.uk

VMware Fusion/Workstation Pro are now free for personal use!

 

[ChrisD.]

That is good news. I hope with the acquisition Broadcom will release more regular updates.

13.5.2 was released a few days ago and I expect now that things are settled we may see a more regular release cadence.

 

[ChrisD.]

I do agree on the scale, but it's very difficult when you are being lambasted because you can't raise cases, or license new services with the portfolio you pay >£10m a year to.

I know mate, and I'm sorry. I'm sure it will be sorted soon, if you have a TAM then make your feelings known although I suspect it would just get lost with the noise from all the other customers complaining too!