Since the Intel-based Macintosh computers were first announced by Apple back in January, hardware and software manufacturers have been working tirelessly to make all their products compatible with both Intel- and PowerPC-based Macs. (The term for this is “Universal Binary.”) Here’s a partial listing of compatible products.
- Ableton updated their Live software to version 5.2 a while back. Live owners who purchased Live 5 after 1/10/2006 can download v5.2 free of charge. Users who purchased Live 5 before that date can update for $49.00.
- Presonus just posted Universal Binary drivers for its Inspire, Firepod, and Firebox audio interfaces.
- Propellerheads posted a free update to Reason (version 3.0.5) for registered users.
- M-Audio has released Intel-Mac compatible drivers for all its USB and Firewire audio and MIDI interfaces.
- MOTU has Intel-Mac compatible drivers available for all its USB and FireWire audio and MIDI interfaces and is committed to having an Intel-compatible version of Digital Performer by late June, with Audiodesk to follow.
- Digidesign has promised a Pro Tools update that will be Intel-Mac compatible by the end of this month.
- As you’d expect, Apple already has Universal Binary versions of almost all the company’s applications, including Logic.
- Several other manufacturers are expected to go Universal soon, including BIAS (Peak, Deck, SoundSoap), Steinberg, MakeMusic (Finale, PrintMusic), and Sibelius. We’ll keep you posted as they become available.