The FlashSound API (FSAPI) is a freely available, open source JavaScript library (developed by Hayden Porter) that enables developers and musicians to easily add backing music, interactive sound and streaming voice narration to a conventional web site. Based partly on the native Flash JavaScript API, the FSAPI handles player detection, embedding and error checking, freeing you to focus on sonification.

Consequently, you can take advantage of the ubiquitous install base and audio features of the Flash player to bring sonified content to a very large percentage of web users, without requiring that they first download a plug-in.

If you have a site using the FSAPI please contact me. I love to hear and see how people are using the FSAPI.

Testing the FSAPI

• Test your browser/flash configuration for FSAPI support.
• Use the test suite to test all aspects of the FSAPI.

Note about Mozilla support. The FSAPI works correctly with windows versions of Netscape, Mozilla, and Firefox. However, there seems to be a problem where the Macromedia Flash installer does not install the XPConnect component, which enables javascript interaction, in the correct location if your computer has multiple Mozilla type browsers installed on your computer. One resolution is to simply reinstall the Flash player. This seems to work for most people. This does not seem to be a problem if you have only one Mozilla type browser on your system.

SWFSound Free FSAPI sounds and templates
SWFSound is offering a free package of sounds and code templates specifically for use with the FSAPI.

Emotisounds Mod for phpbb
Chris Faust released "Emotisounds" mod for phpbb using the FSAPI to sonify emoticons.

Flash 9 beta available
Test your FSAPI sites using the new Flash 9 beta, and also run it through the test suite.

Released 2.2 July 25, 2005
Update adds new initiateAutoInstall() method. Also updated embed methods to detect HTTPS urls and add HTTPS to CODEBASE parameter to prevent messages about mixed insecure and secure content on HTTPS page.