With every new release, Flash is getting smarter and ready to take on new developments in the industry. Flash 4.6 is the new release which has expanded tools for mobile application development. Designers have always loved Flash for animation clips and its superb toolkit for presentation. Although there are many limitations when it comes to web development, but undoubtedly Flash is a leader in creating vector-based movies and animations – not to forget greeting cards – as well as eye-catching presentations.
So, whats new in Flash 4.6?
Flash 4.6 is free upgrade released including support for newly accessible Flex 4.6 SDK with expanded tools of mobile app development.
New Flash 4.6 with Flash Player support
Flash 4.6 offers all tools needed to take benefit of new features of the Adobe AIR 3.0 as well as Flash Player 11.
AIR Extensions
Amongst the exciting and new abilities for desktop and mobile developers is capability to count the AIR application having native code. The Adobe AIR Extensions permit you to connect Objective-C, native C, and the Java libraries having Flex code and ActionScript. The new functions open new prospects for the mobile as well as desktop applications. You may add platform particular features into your applications, which leverage APIs of Google Android, Apple iOS, and Blackberry Playbook.
Flash 4.6 offers end-to-end workforce for building desktop and mobile applications, which leverage the Adobe AIR Extensions. You just need to advantage the native codes within the application is dropping the AIR native extension file or .ANE to the Flash project through Flex Building Path subdivision for project properties body. You will get a new tab called “Native Extensions” there, which helps in managing different extensions added for the project. Use Add ANE… switch for adding respective native extension for the project or Add Folder… switch to incorporate the directory for twofold native extensions.
Captive run-time
Another strong new attribute of the Adobe AIR 3 is its capability to implant run-time within the final application. The new packaging method for your mobile and desktop application is known as the ‘confined run-time’. It easily removes the demand of the users having AIR pre installed on the device or computer. When you are all set to package the application, Flash offers new option throughout Export Release Build procedure. Under Deployment tab of every targeted platform, choose Export application having integrated AIR run-time for packaging AIR run-time inside the application.
New mobile development tools
Flash 4.6 provides two features, which were earlier only accessible for the browser and desktop projects. FlexUnit activity and fashionable Network Monitor are enabled for the mobile projects. One can also get device list backed by desktop emulator as well as design view and is updated with respective new tablets and devices.
Mobile applications for Unit testing: For some, unit testing is very critical for general application quality as well as process, which it’s the firm requirement however adoption incurs important burden. To assist in making the unit testing simpler, Flash 4.6 supports popular and open-source framework called FlexUnit for the mobile projects now. Flash will assist you in executing the unit tests living on the related device over the WiFi connection.
Network activity monitoring for the mobile applications: While building the applications, which talk to cloud or the other services, correcting network communication may be really difficult. Appreciatively, when you require knowing perfect data being accepted or sent for the mobile application, the Flash 4.6 incorporates in built network monitor. While debugging the device over the WiFi connection, the Flash displays all data being received and sent.
Flash 4.6 Updation
The users of Flash 4.5 won’t be notified automatically about updates. Not very sure which version you are having? In Flash, go to Help option and select Flash Notices & Credits option in the bottom. At bottom right side, you’ll find version and the build number. In case, it doesn’t display Version 4.6, then you have to upgrade.
You may also download full installer straight from the Adobe.com. Your present Flash 4.5 version is matched with the Flash 4.6. When Flash 4.6 is installed, you’ll find that the updated Eclipse 3.7 version is incorporated. Nevertheless, Flash 4.6 also supports the Eclipse 3.6 as the plug-in if you aren’t prepared for updation.
