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Adobe adds iPhone, iPad and PlayBook support to Flash Builder and Flex

Toolchain spreads across multiple platforms

Adobe adds iPhone, iPad and PlayBook support to Flash Builder and Flex
When Adobe lifted the lid on Creative Suite 5.5 back in April, the firm cited Android, iOS and BlackBerry as the platforms set to benefit from its refreshed roll out.

However, two Creative Suite components - Flash Builder 4.5 and Flex 4.5 – only offered support for Google's OS, with the firm now pushing out support for iPhone, iPad and PlayBook as originally promised.

Matter of the mix

Both Flash Builder and Flex allow developers to use a single tool chain, programming language and code base that reduce the amount of time and money spent building up each app.

Their delivery across iOS and PlayBook OS will, for the first time, take that time saving cross-platform.

"With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, enterprises now need to ensure that their applications work seamlessly across many different types of devices," said VP of development tooling Ed Rowe at the time of Creative Suite 5.5's release.

"Flash Builder 4.5 and Flex 4.5 will now allow companies to standardise on a common platform capable of delivering rich and consistent application experiences that perform great across Android, BlackBerry Tablet OS and iOS devices."

Up in the AIR

Of particular interest is Adobe's focus on delivering apps via AIR, which is being pitched as a workaround to Apple's block on aspects of Flash.

Adobe believes 200 million mobile devices will support AIR by the end of 2011, with Flash Builder enabling developers to create Flex and ActionScript apps that can be delivered across platforms thanks to the AIR environment.



[source: Adobe]

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.