Music Production Archives

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Windows-on-Arm woes: Amazon warns customers about Surface laptop returns

Qualcomm and Microsoft are enhancing the Windows-on-Arm ecosystem, highlighted during the Microsoft Build event in May 2024. The Surface brand laptops with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors received positive feedback for performance and battery life. However, the Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition) has been flagged by Amazon as a "frequently returned item," prompting buyers to check reviews. Customer feedback indicates that app compatibility issues are a primary reason for the returns. Intel's interim Co-CEO suggested that devices with Snapdragon chips are returned at higher rates due to unmet functionality expectations. Despite this, the market for Windows-on-Arm systems remains strong, with major manufacturers adopting Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. Other Snapdragon-powered devices, like the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, have not faced similar return warnings. The Surface Laptop may have higher return rates due to its popularity and specific shortcomings noted in reviews, such as display quality and keyboard comfort. Microsoft also offers Intel versions of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, which may confuse consumers. Qualcomm and Microsoft are working with developers to improve software support for Windows-on-Arm, with notable applications like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Photoshop now available. Challenges remain, including Qualcomm's discontinuation of its Snapdragon Developer Kit for Windows and limited native support for some applications. Users with specialized needs may prefer traditional x86 Windows versions. Qualcomm plans to unveil its second generation of Snapdragon X processors in late 2025.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Latest Windows 11 build adds full MIDI 2.0 support and improved performance

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27788 in the Canary Channel, which includes significant enhancements to the MIDI standard. This update supports both MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0, designed exclusively for 64-bit operating systems, and extends full MIDI compatibility across all modern Windows architectures, including Arm64-based PCs. The MIDI 2.0 standard features high-speed data transmission, high-fidelity messages, and endpoint discovery and negotiation. The new MIDI stack improves performance with better timing and reduced jitter, and a faster MIDI driver supports both versions with automatic API translation for interoperability. The update also includes a USB MIDI 2.0 class driver developed in collaboration with the Association of Musical Electronics Industry of Japan and AmeNote, ensuring compatibility with both MIDI 2.0 and legacy MIDI 1.0 devices. Additionally, the preview introduces a 1-click resume function for OneDrive and selective installation options for games in the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Windows 11 and MIDI 2.0: The Biggest OS Update Since 1983 is Coming Soon!

Microsoft is releasing Windows 11, which includes a significant update to the MIDI system, introducing native support for MIDI 2.0. This is the first major update to the MIDI standard since 1983. The new Windows MIDI Services enhance MIDI 1.0 functionality on ARM-based devices and improve communication between electronic instruments and computers. MIDI 2.0 offers increased speed, better transmission quality, more precise control, and advanced two-way communication capabilities. Microsoft collaborated with the Association of Musical Electronics Industry of Japan (AMEI) to develop a robust MIDI class driver and introduced a new networking protocol for MIDI 2.0. Extensive SDK support will facilitate integration of third-party software and hardware. The MIDI architecture is currently being tested and will be included in upcoming Windows updates. Additionally, the latest Canary build of Windows 11 features improvements such as new OneDrive functionality, optimized File Explorer, and options to disable backup reminders.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Microsoft makes massive MIDI improvements for musicians using Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced the Windows MIDI Services Public Preview with the rollout of Windows 11 build 27788, which includes full support for MIDI 2.0. This update features a new USB MIDI 2.0 Class Driver that is backward compatible with MIDI 1.0, and a Windows MIDI Services App SDK for managing MIDI settings. Key enhancements include: - Full support for the MIDI 2.0 Standard, enabling high-speed data transmission and improved message fidelity. - Faster transports for better timing and reduced jitter. - Multi-client endpoints allowing multiple applications to access each endpoint simultaneously. - Enhanced endpoint and port management for improved organization. - In-service scheduling for managing timestamped messages. - Built-in loopback and app-to-app MIDI for complex routing. - Automatic translation between MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0. - Expanded device metadata for enhanced functionality. - Improved notifications for device management. - Backward compatibility with the WinMM MIDI 1.0 API. - An open-source initiative for the MIDI Service and associated tools.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

Snapdragon X finally brings MIDI 2.0 and native ASIO to Windows 11!

The Snapdragon X platform supports ASIO and MIDI 2.0, enhancing audio performance and reducing latency for musicians using Windows 11 on ARM64 systems. It enables seamless integration of older plug-ins with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Cubase, Nuendo, and Reaper, which have ARM64 preview versions available. Snapdragon X-based Co-Pilot PCs, starting at approximately €899, are designed for professional musicians and will feature native drivers developed by Microsoft in collaboration with Qualcomm and Yamaha, expected to be fully integrated by late 2025. Industry leaders Focusrite and Steinberg/Yamaha will launch optimized ARM64 drivers for their audio hardware in 2025. The native ASIO support allows for easier use of audio hardware and software, improving the workflow for musicians and producers on Windows systems, with future support planned for x64 systems as well.

Winsage

August 2, 2024

30 best Windows alternatives to the best Mac applications

Mac users have access to a curated selection of productivity applications, while Windows users also have numerous alternatives. For video editing, DaVinci Resolve is a free alternative to Final Cut Pro, with Adobe Premiere Pro and MAGIX Vegas Pro as other options. In music production, Cakewalk serves as an alternative to GarageBand, with Audacity for podcasting and MAGIX ACID Music Studio for electronic music. For disk management, CCleaner is comparable to CleanMyMac X, with WinDirStat and Eusing Cleaner as additional options. Microsoft OneNote is a suitable replacement for Notability in note-taking, while Obsidian offers a minimalist interface. In task management, Trello, TickTick, and Microsoft To Do provide various options for Windows users, while Affinity Photo and Paint.NET serve as alternatives to Pixelmator Pro for image editing. For file archiving, 7-Zip is a free option, with WinZip and PowerArchiver offering premium features.

Winsage

July 16, 2024

With Snapdragon X Elite, if you’re considering switching from Mac to Windows, here’s what you need to know

Qualcomm's latest Arm processor, the Snapdragon X Elite, is making a significant advancement for Windows on Arm, potentially putting Windows PCs back in competition with Apple's Macs in terms of performance, power efficiency, and battery life.

AppWizard

May 14, 2024

Android game and app deals: Cubasis 3, Crying Suns, Backflip Madness, more

- The 256GB OnePlus 12R smartphone is available for [openai_gpt model="gpt-3.5-turbo-0125" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text:

As the tech world buzzes with the latest updates from Google I/O 2024, bargain hunters and Android enthusiasts can still revel in a bevy of deals that refuse to take a backseat. Even amidst the flurry of announcements, the day has brought with it a treasure trove of discounts on coveted gadgets and digital delights.

Leading the charge is the sleek 256GB OnePlus 12R smartphone, now available for a tempting 0. Joining the ranks of today's tech steals are Samsung's ANC Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, perfect for audiophiles seeking noise-cancellation nirvana. Not to be overshadowed, Google's own Pixel Tablet, bundled with the Charging Speaker Dock, presents a compelling offer for those looking to enhance their smart home ecosystem.

But the savings extend beyond hardware. A curated selection of Android games and apps have seen their prices slashed, ready to captivate with immersive experiences and utility. Among the highlights are the likes of Cubasis 3, Crying Suns, Backflip Madness, and Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery, each promising to transform your device into a portal of entertainment and creativity.

Best Android apps and games on sale:

Android app and game deals still live:

Cubasis 3 features:

Step into the world of Cubasis 3, the multi-award-winning mobile DAW that offers a full-fledged music production studio right at your fingertips. Whether you're looking to record, mix, edit audio, or craft beats and loops, this powerhouse app turns your smartphone, tablet, or Chromebook into a hub of musical innovation. Celebrated for its speed, intuitive design, and comprehensive features, Cubasis 3 stands as a pinnacle of audio and MIDI DAWs on Android and Chrome OS.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/9to5toys?subconfirmation=1" target="blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel for all of the latest videos, reviews, and more!

<amp-youtube layout="responsive" width="1000" height="563" data-videoid="iwgLy70gR4k" data-param-playlist="psJsV-et3mQ,twAN-xmrgxw,HB8TLkgbfZ4,0wJ5WwA8A,YID95QxfyH0,AZcNUe5il_E,rrhxPxxxaeo,GXCWmuUOHtU,Z1htmMVXHK0" title="Recent Videos">

" max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"]. - Samsung's ANC Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Google's Pixel Tablet with Charging Speaker Dock are also on sale. - Android games and apps like Cubasis 3, Crying Suns, Backflip Madness, and Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery are discounted.

Tech Optimizer

March 29, 2024

Akai Launches Free MPC Beats App, a GarageBand Alternative for Windows

GarageBand is not available for Windows, and a notable alternative for Windows users is Akai's MPC Beats. MPC Beats is designed for producers and beat makers and is part of Akai's music industry legacy. The software is free and available for both Windows and macOS. It includes essential music production capabilities and does not require the purchase of hardware for installation. MPC Beats offers a simple or advanced workspace, genre-specific starter templates, and instructional videos through the MPC Beats Academy YouTube playlist. The software is a stepping stone to more advanced production tools and is one of several music-making options available for Windows.