
Media Foundation is new with Windows Vista, whereas DirectSound, DirectMusic, and the waveXxx and mixerXxx functions are supported in Windows 98, Windows Millennium Edition, and in Windows 2000 and later. These higher-level APIs use the Core Audio APIs to share access to audio devices.
Windows multimedia waveXxx and mixerXxx functions. These APIs serve as the foundation for the following higher-level APIs: This documentation describes the Core Audio APIs. For more information about the improvements and new features added, see What's New for Core Audio APIs in Windows 7.
The Core Audio APIs have been improved in Windows 7.
Software abstraction of the audio endpoint devices (for example, speakers, headphones, and microphones) that the user manipulates directly. Assignment of particular system-wide roles (console, multimedia, and communications) to individual audio devices. Improved security (processing of protected audio content takes place in a secure, lower-privilege process). Improved reliability (many audio functions have moved from kernel mode to user mode). Low-latency, glitch-resilient audio streaming. These capabilities include the following: This is a new set of user-mode audio components provides client applications with improved audio capabilities. The Core Audio APIs were introduced in Windows Vista. This documentation provides information about Core Audio APIs for the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems.