Windows 11 is getting some nice changes for people who enjoy making music

When the term “MIDI” is mentioned, many may conjure images of nostalgic Geocities fan pages, where the format played beloved TV and movie themes through a charmingly tinny array of instruments. However, the landscape of MIDI technology has evolved significantly, with Windows 11 now embracing MIDI 2.0.

MIDI 2.0 arrives on Windows 11

According to the latest updates from the Windows 11 Canary patch notes, MIDI 2.0 is making its debut on Microsoft’s operating system. For those unfamiliar, MIDI 2.0 was officially introduced in 2020, yet its absence from mainstream platforms has hindered musicians from fully utilizing its capabilities. This development is particularly noteworthy, considering the original MIDI format dates back to 1983.

The rollout of MIDI 2.0 in the Canary branch signifies a pivotal advancement in making this technology more accessible. While it’s still in the testing phase and will take some time to reach the Stable channel, the progress is promising. For those eager to explore, the Canary build is available for immediate use.

The comprehensive notes on MIDI 2.0 reveal a wealth of features that may resonate more with seasoned users than casual observers. Key highlights include:

Full support of the MIDI 2.0 Standard, which encompasses high-speed data transmission, enhanced message fidelity, increased resolution for controller values, and complete endpoint discovery and protocol negotiation.
Faster transports that improve timing and minimize jitter.
Enhanced USB MIDI driver offering full compatibility with both MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0.
Multi-client endpoints, allowing multiple applications to access a device simultaneously.
Improved endpoint and port management.
In-service scheduling for both outgoing timestamped messages and incoming messages, tailored for applications utilizing the new Windows MIDI Services App SDK.
Integrated loopback and app-to-app MIDI functionalities.
Automatic translation between MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 based on specific API, application, and device requirements.
Expanded device metadata accessible to applications.
Enhanced notifications for device addition, updates, and removals.
Backwards compatibility with the WinMM (MME) MIDI 1.0 API, enabling applications to leverage new features without modification while still accessing MIDI 2.0 devices at a MIDI 1.0 feature level.
Open source components, including the MIDI Service, all transports, tools, tests, and SDK, developed in collaboration with global hardware and software partners.

In addition to the MIDI 2.0 update, Windows 11 introduces a new OneDrive feature designed to facilitate seamless transitions between mobile and PC work. Nevertheless, the spotlight undoubtedly shines on the implementation of MIDI 2.0, marking a significant milestone for music creators and enthusiasts alike.

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