Moonlight 2.0: Microsoft and Novell Loosen Agreement
In close collaboration with Microsoft, a Novell team behind developer Miguel de Icaza has released version 2.0 of its Silverlight clone Moonlight.
Silverlight is Microsoft's attempt to embed modern content such as videos and animation in the Web. It's often viewed as a direct competitor to Flash. Because the Silverlight .NET application runs on Windows only, Mono developer Miguel de Icaza's team at Novell has been working on a corresponding open source version called Moonlight.
The current Moonlight 2.0 release is technically in a status somewhere between Silverlight 2.0 and 3.0 and depends on the recently released Mono, Cairo and Gtk+. The development is prioritized on the most desired features, among them transmission of the Vancouver Winter Olympics and the Microsoft Photosynth tool.
Like Mono, Moonlight development isn't without controversy, considering that Microsoft owns a number of its software patents. As a rule Microsoft's proprietary WMA and WMV video and audio formats also apply (the tool installs the corresponding codecs from the Internet). Novell therefore sealed an agreement with Microsoft from the start whereby Microsoft agreed not to hold claim against users of the Novell implementation. The two firms have now renewed and expanded the agreement. Users of other Linux and BSD distros can now use Moonlight and distributors can deliver Moonlight packages without the risk of being sued over patent infringement.
The catch is that only the Novell version will have access to licensed media codecs so that other distros will have to forego automatic codec support. A few options are available, but the matter is still based on the agreement being between Microsoft and Novell only.
The current Moonlight runs on Firefox browsers, but work is underway on a corresponding implementation for Chrome on Linux, according to de Icaza in his blog.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.