While the switch to Intel is great performance-wise, one of the problems is that lots of software needs to be developed as a universal binary. Software like GarageBand and Ableton Live is already universal, but you also need your plugins to be a universal binary. And where would we be without plugins?!? It is encouraging to see that many high profile companies are hard at work at providing UB's of their software ASAP. This article at the Apple Developer Connection gives a good look at how some of these companies are dealing with the transition, and the problems they encounter. Here are the main issues:
- It is urgent to get started and bring your universal product to market ASAP. It takes some planning. Your QA effort will go up. But having a universal version can demonstrate your commitment to the Mac and differentiate you from the competition.
- The gain in general product performance that comes with running on the Intel processor is significant. Many applications immediately benefit. Customers are made very happy quickly.
- More speed means you may be able to consider new features that were previously not feasible.
- If your are compiling on the Intel-based Macs, your own productivity goes up as well, even if you have previously been using CodeWarrior.
- If you are using CodeWarrior, you need to bite the bullet and change over to Xcode ASAP.
- The transition from CodeWarrior to Xcode can be relatively easy, or it can be more time consuming, depending on things like how youre projects are set up.
- Addressing the endian issue is a chore rather than a major engineering problem.
I certainly hope we'll see more universal plugins soon. In the meantime keep a close eye on Create Digital Music's Mactel watch.
[Via: CDM]
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