Adobe focuses on cross-platform app development

Adobe has updated its developer toolset to include support for iPhone, iPad and BlackBerry PlayBook app creation.

The release brings Flash Builder and the open source Flex platform up to version 4.5 and builds on the Android support unveiled last year.

Under the banner of "More power. More Devices. Less Code," Adobe is hoping to attract developers to the software with the promise of being able to develop and publish seamlessly for the web, desktop and across mobile platforms from one set of tools and code without having to completely re-write applications.

"Today we're happy to announce updates to Flash Builder and the Flex framework that now offer support for iPhone, iPad and BlackBerry PlayBook," the companysaid on its Flash Platform blog.

"As a result, developers can quickly build and distribute apps through the Android Market, BlackBerry App World and Apple App Store using one tool chain, programming language and code base."

Adobe is also keen to promote feedback, encouraging developers to use the Flash Builder 4.5 widget to upload videos of current projects using the software.

"As always, we'd love to see and hear what you're creating with our technology whether it's mobile, web or desktop apps," it added.

The updated Flash Builder software is available to developers as part of the Creative Suite 5.5 Web Premium and Master Collection, but both Flash Builder and Flex also come as stand-alone packages and Flex's open source nature means you can have it for free.