Depreciating JS/Obj-C

[Giraldo Rosales]

Also with the advancement in Flash to apps conversion, we are going to be depreciating the JS/Obj-C solution to an AS3 solution. There are a couple reasons for this move.

• The Javascript/Obj-C communication via the WebView has a lag. This lag is noticeable in games and apps that require a quick response.
• The LiquidGear AS3 library is being optimized for Flash 10.1. This will take advantage of the new optimization features for mobile devices in Flash and increase speed and efficiency.
• Adobe is creating an iPhone compiler that will convert SWFs to a native iPhone app in the upcoming CS5. The only downside is limited access to the iPhone API. For more information you can check out: http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/flashcs5/appsfor_iphone/
• ELIPS Studio 3 will also be bringing a compiler this Spring which will compile a SWF into Android, iPhone, Symbian, and Windows Mobile. You can also tie in custom Obj-C code into your projects if needed. We will be focusing our library on ELIPS. More information at: http://developer.openplug.com
• There are a couple other solutions out there such as Corona and Cappuccino but find ActionScript is the closest to JS and therefore a faster learning curve for those who have not programmed Flash.
• We will be focusing on the Android and iPhone OS.
• We will be keeping our Obj-C library for the iPhone and expanding it, as well as adding a Java library for Android to assist in the development between your app and the operating system API.
• The current JS/Obj-C library will be archived.

So basically, the solution we had was good for the time but is now becoming the typewriter in today's word processor. We feel that the apps you have created will be more stable and efficient using ActionScript. You will not only have the flexibility to port your apps to Air for deployment on Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux, but also run them in the browser.

With the LG AS3 library in conjunction with either the Android or iPhone library, developing your apps will be a snap. If you have any questions and/or concerns feel free to contact me.

Thanks,

-Giraldo