AutoCAD will run native on Mac, plus iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch

Software maker Autodesk this fall is introducing a new AutoCAD for Mac version of its well-known pro design/engineering package, as well as AutoCAD WS, an app for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, indications of how increasingly decoupled we are from our workstations, and perhaps that Apple has increased its share of the overall computing market recently.

According to Amar Hanspal, Autodesk's senior VP for platform solutions and emerging business, AutoCAD for Mac signals the return of pro design/engineering software to the Mac platform. "Over 5000 customers have helped develop this product through our beta program and they are delighted to have the choice of a native Mac version of AutoCAD," he added.

Another probable motive for this move: Apple, though still a single-digit player, has notably increased the Mac's share of the overall computing market in recent year, a fact many attribute to the broad acceptance of the iPhone and iPod, and more recently the iPad. "Apple is thrilled that Autodesk is bringing AutoCAD back to the Mac and we think it's the perfect combination for millions of design and engineering professionals," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing.

Autodesk says AutoCAD for Mac product has an interface familiar to Mac users, supports many of AutoCAD's features and functions, and takes full advantage of Apple's Mac OS X operating system. For example, users can graphically browse design files using Apple's Cover Flow feature, and pan and zoom using the multi-touch gestures built into Mac notebook trackpads, And Apple's Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad.

Since files can be created and edited in the DWG format, AutoCAD for Mac allows collaboration with suppliers, customers, clients and partners working on most any platform. Files created in previous versions of AutoCAD will open seamlessly in AutoCAD for Mac, says Autodesk.

Availability: AutoCAD for Mac and the AutoCAD WS app will be available this fall, the latter through Apple's App Store. The Mac version will be available in North America and Europe, and AutoCAD WS are worldwide. For details and purchase options for the Mac version, click here. In addition, AutoCAD for Mac will join the more than 25 Autodesk software products available free through its Autodesk Education Community for personal education use, as contrasted with classroom or lab use.—immeditorial@cancom.com