PipeWire 1.2 brings asynchronous processing, explicit sync metadata, and more

PipeWire has released version 1.2, maintaining API and ABI compatibility with previous 1.1.x and 1.0.x releases. The update introduces support for asynchronous processing and a new node.sync-group concept, ensuring synchronized scheduling for nodes when JACK transport is initiated. Config parsing errors are now reported earlier and more precisely, with line and column numbers indicated.

Version 1.2 also adds support for mandatory metadata during buffer parameter negotiation and explicit sync metadata. Multiple data-loops in the server and clients are now supported, including CPU affinity and priorities for these loops. Log topic debug levels can be changed at runtime using metadata.

Additional updates include the merging of UCM conflicting devices patches, the introduction of the snapcast-discover module for streaming to Snapcast servers, and a rework of peer linking and counter updates. The release also brings numerous GStreamer element updates and various other fixes and improvements.