Execute the .exe file for Chrome or Firefox within Bottles (or comparable environment).
Execute the .exe file for Chrome or Firefox within Bottles (or comparable environment).
I'm using MX Linux 25 KDE. All our PAID streaming services like Netflix work in Linux native Chrome/Firefox. Except Peacock. i tried all kind of tricks, no dice. and yes, i realize on Linux they often give me less resolution. So my idea is to run the .exe version of those browsers. I installed wine and bottles (Flatpack version). With chrome i can get to the point it starts the .exe file to install. But nothing happens With Firefox i managed to install (so it appears). but when i launch Firefox from the bottle, it also appears to launch, but nothing shows up. Am I missing some simple trick? Or do they just not work at all? What other options would i have? My only other idea is to remote into a Windows PC to watch Peacock... but that isn't convenient at all. I'm trying to deploy this PC to the living room, so i want all the streaming to work as seamlessly as possible.
It's not related to the browser, it's about DRM. Any site that spots a Linux OS and has partial/drmed issues will show lower quality.
I agree, but I’m hoping for an .exe version of a browser that can mimic Windows. Some older hacks show how to make Linux browsers look like Windows, and certain extensions do the same. However, none of those methods helped me before. I think the latest updates have sealed those shortcuts. That’s why I’m considering installing Windows browsers directly. Edit: My machine has only 8GB and an i5-7500 processor, so VM options won’t be feasible.
I've tested VMs with less powerful hardware, so that's likely your best option. The current Chrome version doesn't appear to work well with Wine: https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.p...n&iId=8177
I noticed that issue too, but Firefox still doesn't function properly even after continuing through the steps. If I'm stuck using Windows inside a VM, the best approach would be to simply switch to... Windows. I understand this DRM/streaming situation isn't the responsibility of Linux. However, it doesn't affect the user's experience. Until recently, Netflix operated smoothly on Chrome.deb, but yesterday it stopped working in Chrome. It functions correctly in Firefox (Linux version). Personally, I'm comfortable with these workarounds and rarely rely on paid streaming services (99% of the time for me). But most of my family prefers to just turn on the PC, open the browser, and enjoy the content without getting involved in technical details.
Thank you for the details. If I must rely on Windows for my work, I’d avoid Linux and opt for a bare metal setup. Running Windows inside a VM removes many of Linux’s benefits, such as its lightweight nature and simplicity. My aim is to stick with Linux, even using a compatibility layer like Wine or something similar.
Based on the information available, Peacock actively prevents Linux from running, and Wine/Proton doesn't resolve the issue. A suitable alternative to the Widevine DRM plugin isn't currently available for Linux. You might consider using an Android app within an emulator, though it may not be very convenient for everyday use.
I also saw that Reddit thread before. Honestly, I don’t want to admit I lost, but for that machine I’d probably prefer a W11 LTSC or something else running Windows. Perhaps there’s a way around it, maybe not. Still, in the end, browsers get updated, or streaming platforms might cause another issue tomorrow, and then everyone gets frustrated watching a show while the TV isn’t smart enough. That would mean relying on the PC connected to it. If we ever get a smart TV, I might reconsider my Linux setup. Why bother with a PC when you have a smart TV? You can run any browser extension, watch YouTube ads-free, and stream from regular websites—things you can’t do on a smart TV. Plus, I use a keyboard and don’t have to scroll with a remote like a primitive person. And I own four 6th/7th gen PCs with almost no resale value. DRM is just a hassle for paying customers.
I prefer to cease paying for a service that handles Linux users this way rather than returning to Windows. If customers stop supporting us financially, companies won't understand our needs.