Adobe have lauched new software ‘Adobe Air’ which aims to make the transition between the on and offline worlds seamless. Users will be able to use online applications offline on their desktops, and developers will be able to build tools that still have some functionality even when a computer is no longer connected to the net.
The first programs that use the technology have been developed by a host of companies and web sites, and some have already been released. Ebay for example, have built a program that allows users to do much of the legwork required in setting up auctions offline. The next time that the user connects to the Internet, the listing is posted to the website. The BBC is also building prototypes with Air.
You can run any Air application on PCs, Macs and later this year Linux, after a free download. I’m sure they will come in pretty useful when travelling and on the move. Let us know how you get on with them.