Win 11 And Snapdragon X Bring Native ASIO + MIDI 2.0

At the Snapdragon Summit where new Snapdragon X ARM64 chips were announced - including the new 8 Elite Chip at the top of the list with extra power for AI, Video and other real-time processes. This is quite a leap forward in the performance to power ratio (up to 44% improvements quoted against other Android platforms and 20% more video playback time than a Macbook Air) and takes them into the same performance areas the Apple's SOC M series chips that have somewhat revolutionized what we can expect.

Running Windows 11 on the new Co-pilot PC,  there's baked in MIDI 2.0 on Windows 11 (coming v soon), plus included class compliant ASIO  integration for higher performance and low latency.

Steinberg has released a preview version  of Cubase and Nuendo for Snapdragon X equipped Co-pilot PCs. Coming soon: Reason and Reaper. (already available for ARM based Apple Silicon)

The full and inevitably corporate keynote is available below: (MIDI/ ASIO at 1:59:10)

But for the short of time, here's a summary:

• Windows MIDI Services: Windows MIDI Services will soon be available as a tech preview in Insider builds for both Arm64 and x64 systems. This update offers backwards compatibility, supporting MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0, with built-in virtual device and loopback support. Musicians can look forward to a demonstration of Network MIDI 2.0 at NAMM 2025.

• In-box USB Audio Class 2 + ASIO Driver: Microsoft is developing a new low-latency USB Audio Class 2 driver with ASIO support, optimized specifically for Arm64 systems and Snapdragon processors. Developed in partnership with Yamaha and Qualcomm, this driver will initially launch for Arm64, with x64 support coming later. The driver will be fully integrated into Windows by the end of 2025, offering a seamless plug-and-play experience.

• Third-party Driver Support: While Microsoft enhances in-box support, companies like Focusrite and Steinberg/Yamaha will provide native Arm64 drivers starting in 2025. These third-party drivers offer additional device-specific optimizations for those seeking advanced features.

• App Support on Snapdragon: Popular DAWs such as Cubase, Nuendo, and Cockos Reaper will be available as Arm64 preview versions the week of October 21, 2024, supporting Snapdragon-powered devices. Reason will follow in 2025.

While progress may feel a little glacial at times, the new Snapdragon X chips and Windows 11 is coming up fast now and we should see implementation very soon.

These new Co-pilot Laptops are available from a variety of vendors now  starting at around £899 and offer a alternative to the Apple silicon. Hopefully this new competition will help us all get more bang for the buck, and its interesting to see these companies focusing on creative applications, rather then students or office work only.

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