Adobe AIR

Adobe AIR (Adobe Integrated Runtime) from HARMAN is a versatile and cross-platform runtime environment developed by Adobe Inc.

It enables developers to build and deploy rich web applications that can run on various operating systems and devices. Adobe AIR for Windows PC combines the power of HTML, JavaScript, ActionScript, and Flex to create engaging and interactive desktop applications.

HARMAN has assumed responsibility for the continued development and support of the Adobe AIR, a versatile cross-platform framework utilized by a diverse array of applications and games.

AIR facilitates swift development, allowing for the integration of animations crafted in Adobe Animate. Furthermore, it enables the deployment of applications on both desktop and mobile platforms, even allowing Windows users to create and distribute iPhone and iPad applications.

Key Features

Cross-Platform Compatibility
It supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, making it easy to develop applications that work seamlessly across multiple devices and operating systems.

Rich Multimedia Support
It offers extensive support for multimedia content, including audio, video, and vector graphics, making it ideal for multimedia-rich applications.

Offline Access
It allows users to use applications even when they are not connected to the internet, enhancing user convenience.

Native Extensions
Developers can leverage native extensions to access device-specific features, such as camera, microphone, and geolocation, enhancing the capabilities of their apps.

Cross-Device Compatibility
It can be deployed on desktops, smartphones, and tablets, providing a consistent user experience across different devices.

User Interface

It can have a wide range of user interfaces, from simple and minimalistic to complex and visually appealing. The flexibility of HTML, JavaScript, and ActionScript allows developers to create custom and engaging UIs tailored to their application's requirements.

Installation and Setup

• Download: Visit the Adobe AIR website or FileHorse and download the installer for your specific operating system (Windows or macOS).
• Installation: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
• Development Tools: To develop Adobe AIR applications, you'll need Adobe Animate or Adobe Flash Builder, which are the primary tools for creating AIR applications.

How to Use

• Development: Write your application using HTML, JavaScript, ActionScript, or Flex.
• Testing: Use the software testing environment to check your app's functionality.
• Deployment: Package your app and distribute it to users on the appropriate platforms.
• Updates: It supports automatic updates, making it easy to roll out new features or bug fixes.

FAQ

Is Adobe AIR free to use?
Yes, Adobe AIR is free to download and use for both developers and end-users.

Is Adobe AIR still actively supported and updated?
Adobe’s support for AIR finished at the end of 2020. HARMAN have released “version 33” and the latest version supports the same platforms as Adobe had i.e. Android, iOS, Windows and MacOS, plus now adding support for some Linux computers. HARMAN will also be fixing bugs within the runtimes and framework, and adding new features based upon the requirements of the AIR community.

What is HARMAN's involvement with Adobe AIR?
HARMAN has a longstanding partnership with Adobe, particularly in relation to Flash Player and AIR technologies. However, since Adobe has ceased support for Flash Player and AIR at the end of 2020, HARMAN has entered into an agreement with Adobe to take over the responsibility for maintaining and supporting the AIR runtime and SDK. While HARMAN does not generate revenue from the sale of tools like Adobe Animate or Adobe Flash Builder, they are now providing the AIR SDK as a commercially licensed software package. They also offer a free tier of the SDK to support hobbyists and individuals or businesses with very limited income. HARMAN's goal is to continue enhancing and supporting the AIR software, ensuring it remains a valuable and competitive framework for efficient cross-platform application development.

Can I develop mobile apps with Adobe AIR?
Yes, it supports mobile app development for iOS and Android platforms.

Are there any alternatives to Adobe AIR for building cross-platform desktop apps?
Some alternatives include Electron and NW.js, but Adobe AIR remains a popular choice, especially for multimedia-rich applications.

Can I use Adobe AIR to create games?
Yes, Adobe AIR is suitable for game development, and it offers features like GPU acceleration and access to native extensions for game developers.

Which operating systems are compatible for AIR application development?
When developing AIR applications, developers have the flexibility to work on various desktop platforms, including macOS, Windows, and Linux x86_64. With these platforms, developers can create applications tailored for the specific host platform or generate platform-independent '.air' installers that leverage the common AIR runtime. HARMAN is committed to maintaining the SDK to ensure support for upcoming versions of these operating systems.

System Requirements

The system requirements for this applications can vary depending on the specific application. Generally, it is compatible with Windows 7 (32bit or 64bit) or later and macOS 10.9 or later.

Mobile app compatibility depends on the target platform's requirements.

PROS

• Cross-platform compatibility.
• Rich multimedia support.
• Access to native device features.
• Offline access.
• Free to use.

CONS

• Requires Adobe Animate or Adobe Flash Builder for development.
• May have a learning curve for newcomers to Adobe technologies.

Conclusion

Adobe AIR is a powerful and versatile platform for building cross-platform desktop and mobile applications. Its support for multimedia content, offline access, and access to native device features make it a preferred choice for developers looking to create engaging and interactive applications.

While it may require some familiarity with Adobe's development tools, the benefits of cross-platform compatibility and rich feature support make Adobe AIR a valuable asset in the world of application development. It's a platform worth considering for both experienced and aspiring developers looking to create web-based desktop and mobile applications.

Also Available: Download Adobe Air for Mac