Adobe Connect Mobile for iOS has been updated to v1.5.9 (its second major version) and now features first-time optimization for the iPad, including an “overview” mode that allows simultaneous viewing of presenter and slideshow. The free app lets users participate in Adobe Connect web meetings on Apple’s iOS devices — view video or slideshows, type in questions, chat directly to other participants, or optionally host their own meetings. The new version also features an updated user interface and two-way video capability that supports both cameras on the iPad 2 and iPhone 4.
Adobe Connect is a system for creating webinars and web presentations that can be viewed live on a variety of platforms, similar to sites like UStream but aimed more at business, academic and other professional users. The app allows users to join existing meetings for free, but being able to host a meeting costs money. The ability to host a meeting works over either 3G or Wi-Fi and can handle video, audio, chat rooms and slideshows simultaneously (for devices that do not have cameras, the software can also host “telephone” or audio-only conferences).
Meetings can actually invite participants by calling them, avoiding the issue of having to punch in dialling codes, and features a navigation bar that lets users enjoy an overview of all activities happening with the meeting or focus in on one aspect (just chat, for example, to make it easy to read previous questions and replies or ask your own, or just the speaker’s audio or video, or just the slideshow). Slideshows can consist of conventional slide presentations such as Powerpoint shows, PDF documents, videos or screen sharing provided by the meeting host or other presenters.
The Adobe Connect system is cross-platform, allowing participants on Mac, Windows, Linux and Solaris platforms as well as iOS and Android devices along with the Blackberry Playbook to participate. The free Adobe Connect Mobile app requires iOS 4 or higher, and works with the original iPad, the iPad 2, theiPhone 3GS or later and the iPod Touch 3rd generation or later.
