Native Instruments has announced its development plans regarding the newly announced Intel-based Macintosh computers.

The company welcomes Apple’s move towards new, powerful processor technology and is already working on enabling its products for use on the upcoming iMac and MacBook Pro computers.

As part of Native Instruments´ commitment to the new platform, all future product releases will include “Universal” versions that will take full advantage of the new Intel-Mac platform while maintaining compatibility with PowerPC-based Macintosh computers.

Existing NI products will be updated to support Intel-based Macs within 2006, with flagship products such as GUITAR RIG, REAKTOR and TRAKTOR DJ Studio due in the second quarter of this year.

Updates will come in the form of either a dedicated Intel-Mac update that will be made available for a small fee, or as part of a major product update for all platforms. A detailed overview and timetable will soon be available on the NI website at www.native-instruments.com/intelmac.info

Native Instruments does not recommend, or offer technical support for, using its products within the “Rosetta” environment on Intel-based Macintosh computers. Although NI software might generally run within the emulation layer, the reduced performance makes it unsuitable for use in a professional audio production environment.

Native Instruments will also continue to support PowerPC-based Macintosh computers with new product releases and updates for an unspecified amount of time and until further notice.

Users of third-party instruments based on KONTAKT, KOMPAKT or INTAKT technology should contact the respective manufacturers for information about the planned availability of updates for Intel-based Macs.

More information is available at the Native Instruments site