Microsoft Corp. today announced broad support for the Universal Audio Architecture (UAA) initiative, which will help to ensure an improved audio experience and improved audio device driver support for users of Windows�. Microsoft also announced the availability of the first version of the Microsoft� High Definition Audio Class Driver, based on the High Definition (HD) Audio specification developed by Intel Corporation. Through the UAA initiative, Microsoft also is delivering a set of Windows audio class drivers based on other key audio technologies, including USB Audio and 1394 Audio.

Universal Audio Architecture is a Microsoft-led initiative to provide a transparent "it just works" consumer experience and to improve the quality of audio on Windows-based PCs. Announced first at WinHEC 2002, the UAA initiative was established by Microsoft not only to enhance consumer audio experiences, but also to lower support costs, improve the functionality and quality of PC audio for current and future operating systems, and save time and resources for manufacturers. The Microsoft UAA HD Audio Class Driver 1.0 is available as an out-of-band release for Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server (TM) 2003. For future operating system releases, Microsoft intends to ship the UAA class drivers as part of the operating system. The Microsoft UAA initiative proposes UAA class driver compliance from audio solutions on all PCs running Windows.