.NET Rocks!

Gerald Versluis, a software engineer on Microsoft's .NET team, dives into the latest with MAUI and .NET 10. He shares insights on new features, performance improvements, and developments in XAML that enhance stability and efficiency. The discussion explores cross-platform challenges and compares MAUI's complexity to browser standardization. Gerald highlights partnerships with Uno and Avalonia to expand capabilities, along with the integration of Azure Aspire for seamless backend services. Expect exciting community events and a roadmap for future MAUI innovations!

In this insightful discussion, Shmueli Englard, a key member of the Microsoft Store team, dives into the world of app distribution on Windows. He explains the benefits of using the Microsoft Store for updating and distributing apps, including the use of MSIX packaging. Shmueli contrasts store-managed updates with self-updating apps, highlighting the trade-offs of each. He also touches on enterprise management options, CI/CD automation tools like GitHub Actions, and the flexibility of free versus paid app distribution. A must-listen for developers!

In this engaging discussion, technologist Sam Basu and CTO Jérôme Laban dive into the latest advancements of the Uno Platform post-.NET 10 release. They explore the synergy between Uno and Microsoft’s MAUI, highlighting performance gains and enhanced developer tools. Topics include the integration of AI in application development through Model Context Protocols, migration strategies for legacy systems, and the unique advantages of Uno over alternatives like Avalonia. Discover how AI is rapidly transforming UI development and improving workflows!

The conversation dives into the impressive advancements in energy generation for 2025, with renewables projected to account for 40% of electricity. Solar capacity is surging, particularly led by China, while innovative projects like a massive solar build in Tibet are explored. Battery costs are plummeting, making storage options more viable. The podcast also highlights the impact of AI on power generation and discusses emerging technologies like sodium batteries and enhanced geothermal systems. It's a fast-paced look at how the energy landscape is evolving!

Join an exhilarating discussion about the past year in space! Explore the fascinating interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS and its debunked alien theories. Marvel at SpaceX's record-breaking Falcon 9 flights and the challenges facing the Starship program. Learn about the aging International Space Station and the exciting prospects of new space stations. Dive into lunar missions, like Firefly's Blue Ghost lander, and unravel mysteries revealed by the James Webb Space Telescope. It's a thrilling overview of a remarkable year for space exploration!

Jeff Fritz, a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, and Bill Wolf, a community leader and enterprise architect, dive into the transformative role of AI in software development. They tackle listener concerns about AI costs and transparency, discussing the challenges of integrating AI tools like Copilot in workflows. The duo emphasizes the importance of creating clear prompts and standards for AI code generation. Bill also highlights AI's applications in specialized fields like construction, while they all predict a post-bubble landscape with local models and improved reliability.

Gary Ewan Park, a seasoned software engineer and key contributor to Chocolatey, shares insights on the evolving landscape of package management for Windows. He discusses the rise of various package managers, emphasizing the choices available today. Gary highlights the importance of security in the context of supply chain attacks and suggests using vetted internal repositories. He also covers the automation of installations for cloud VMs and CI processes, and offers intriguing tips for handling GUI-only installers. Get ready to learn how to navigate the future of package management!

Calum Simpson, VP of AI at SSW and mastermind behind YakShaver, discusses building innovative AI tools. He dives into YakShaver's mission to reduce busywork in issue reporting, leveraging video inputs for richer context. The conversation highlights the use of Model Context Protocol servers in the upcoming V2, enhancing functionality by integrating directly with platforms like GitHub. Calum also reflects on the balance of responsibility in AI use, emphasizing the importance of human oversight and clear prompts for optimal outcomes in development.

Tom Kerkhove, a Senior software engineer at Microsoft specializing in Azure API Management, shares insights on creating environmentally sustainable software. He discusses the importance of making carbon footprints visible in applications and the potential of shifting workloads to low-emission data centers. Kerkhove highlights the need to measure emissions before taking action and addresses the issue of wasted CI/CD cycles. He also emphasizes the role of autoscaling in energy saving and the benefits of using API policies to minimize unnecessary workloads.

In this discussion with Leslie Richardson, a product manager on the .NET C# developer experience team, listeners get an inside look at how large language models like Copilot are transforming Visual Studio. Leslie reveals how these tools enhance debugging, improve feature discoverability, and assist in generating LINQ queries. The conversation also touches on balancing helpful interruptions with user experience. Plus, she previews exciting features in Visual Studio 2026 that aim for both advancement and user-friendliness.