Its official: Apple to use Intel microprocessors

At its Worldwide Developer Conference, Apple announced plans to deliver models of its Macintosh computers using Intel microprocessors by this time next year. It also plans to change all Macs to using Intel microprocessors by the end of 2007. 

Apple previewed a version of its critically acclaimed operating system, Mac OS X Tiger, running on an Intel-based Mac to the over 3,800 developers attending CEO Steve Jobs' keynote address. The vendor also announced the availability of a Developer Transition Kit, consisting of an Intel-based Mac development system along with preview versions of Apple's software, which will allow developers to prepare versions of their applications which will run on both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs. 

“Our goal is to provide our customers with the best PCs. Looking ahead, Intel has the strongest processor roadmap by far,” said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. “It's been ten years since our transition to the PowerPC, and we think Intel's technology will help us create the best personal computers for the next ten years.” 

“We are thrilled to have the world's most innovative personal computer company as a customer,” said Paul Otellini, President and CEO of Intel. “We plan to create future versions of Microsoft Office for the Mac that supports both PowerPC and Intel processors,” said Roz Ho, GM of Microsoft's Macintosh Business Unit. 

“We think this is a really smart move on Apple's part and plan to create future versions of our Creative Suite for Macintosh that support both PowerPC and Intel processors,” said Bruce Chizen, CEO of Adobe. 

The Developer Transition Kit is available for $999 to all Apple Developer Connection Select and Premier members. Intel plans to provide industry leading development tools support for Apple later this year, including the Intel C/C++ Compiler for Apple, Intel Fortran Compiler for Apple, Intel Math Kernel Libraries for Apple and Intel Integrated Performance Primitives for Apple. 

DQC NEWS BUREAU 

MUMBAI