January 13, 2026
Hot takes, hotter videos
Show HN: Microwave – Native iOS app for videos on ATproto
Microwave video app hits beta—HN torn between “brainrot” jokes and big applause
TLDR: Microwave, a new short‑video app for Bluesky’s ATproto, launched a public TestFlight beta. Comments split between “brainrot” jokes, praise for unusually thorough testing notes, and curiosity about ATproto—making this a buzzy moment for decentralized social video.
Hacker News lit up as “Microwave,” a native iOS short‑video app built on ATproto, dropped a TestFlight beta. The crowd instantly split: one camp rolled their eyes at another endless scroll of clips—cue whiterock’s deadpan “yay, more brainrot =)”—while others cheered the launch and the dev’s unusually detailed testing notes. mcny dubbed it “the most comprehensive what to test notes,” turning bug-hunting into a weird flex the community respected.
This thing is experimental—expect breaks, swipe through a fast feed, a minimal interface, and a chance to shape what comes next. You can hop in via TestFlight after grabbing TestFlight on the App Store. ATproto, the open social plumbing behind Bluesky, means creators post to a network where different apps can play with the same content. That’s why zingplex asked: “What are your thoughts on ATproto,” fishing for dev gossip and real‑world pain points.
Drama report: doomers vs dreamers. One side jokes their attention spans are being “microwaved,” the other celebrates meticulous beta notes and the promise of decentralized video. The vibe? Curious chaos: snack‑sized clips, a 90‑day test window, and a community debating whether innovation or brainrot is being served hot. Even the name “Microwave” became a meme, with folks asking if it comes with a popcorn button for the algorithm.
Key Points
- •Microwave – Videos is an experimental short-form video app available as an early beta via Apple TestFlight.
- •Joining the beta requires installing TestFlight and opening the provided public invitation link.
- •Supported testing platforms include iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Apple Watch, and iMessage.
- •OS requirements include iOS/iPadOS 16+, macOS 13+, tvOS 18+, visionOS 1+, and watchOS 9+.
- •TestFlight builds are testable for up to 90 days; in-app purchases are free only during beta and do not carry over to App Store versions.