Adobe adds iPhone, iPad and BlackBerry PlayBook support to Flash Builder tool

Adobe has built support for the iOS and BlackBerry QNX operating systems into its Flash Builder tools, allowing developers to create applications for the iPhone, iPad and BlackBerry PlayBook using a single platform.

Adobe Flash Builder 4.5 and Flex 4.5 will enable developers to build mobile applications and distribute them to over 80 million BlackBerry PlayBooks, iPads, iPhones and currently-supported Android devices, Adobe said.

Developers can build applications for the desktop, web and mobile platforms and deploy them using Adobe AIR software. Adobe predicts that over 200 million mobile devices will support AIR applications by the end of 2011.

Nick Dillon, an analyst at Ovum, argued that Flash Builder is a well-established tool and by adding support for the Apple and BlackBerry platforms Adobe has made it even more attractive to developers.

"Flash Builder will make it easier for developers to build cross-platform apps, which is something they have been asking for," he told V3.co.uk.

"Using one piece of software to create applications that can be used across multiple platforms is very appealing to developers. It not only saves time but increases potential revenue streams by making apps available to a wider audience."

Apple had previously tried to deter developers from creating apps with third-party tools such as the Flash Builder, he continued.

"Around the time Steve Jobs wrote his open letter regarding Flash, Apple also changed the developer agreement to state that applications could only be built for the iOS platform using native tools.

"However, Apple backtracked on this shortly afterwards as it realised that it was in danger of annoying the developer community. Apple is unlikely to do the same again with the latest version of Flash Builder."

Existing Flash Builder users can upgrade for £37.16 and standalone prices start at £181 excluding VAT.