New tricks for updated Adobe Acrobat
Collaboration software now offers richer interface, native support for flash and improved performance.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6xsygChqE447bapBE289iK-311-80.jpg)
Adobe has unveiled version 9 of its Acrobat document creation software with the big addition being native support for Adobe's Flash, enabling video to be embedded directly into PDF documents.
The free Adobe 9 Reader now contains the Flash runtime, enabling native cross-platform support and readability of PDFs containing Flash content.
Other new Acrobat 9 features include PDF Portfolios that enable users to integrate a mixture of audio, video and 3D objects into multiple PDF documents, which can be navigated via a new carousel style front-end.
Adobe said that the new version makes it easier to create forms from Microsoft Word or Excel documents and additionally it now support 256-bit AES encryption.
Stephen Partridge, business development manager for Adobe, said that he believed that the software offered features that will really change the way people work. "Acrobat 9 will make a real change to how you can communicate - it will make a real difference."
Adobe also said that the new version is two to three times faster, as version 9 offered speed enhancements. Recalling the sluggish opening speed of previous versions, Partridge said: "We've done what we can to make it as fast as possible."
Three new versions will be offered: Standard, Pro and Pro Extended. Adobe has confirmed that the Pro version will be integrated into its forthcoming Creative Suite 3.3 Editions.
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Adobe 9 is also designed to work with its new Acrobat.com service, currently in beta. This will enable users to store and share PDF documents using its ConnectNow offering, in a similar fashion to the collaborative tools offered by Google Docs.
Adobe also offers its 'Buzzword' word processor, which it acquired in a deal last year .
Benny Har-Even is a twenty-year stalwart of technology journalism who is passionate about all areas of the industry, but telecoms and mobile and home entertainment are among his chief interests. He has written for many of the leading tech publications in the UK, such as PC Pro and Wired, and previously held the position of technology editor at ITPro before regularly contributing as a freelancer.
Known affectionately as a ‘geek’ to his friends, his passion has seen him land opportunities to speak about technology on BBC television broadcasts, as well as a number of speaking engagements at industry events.
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