The first word on Adobe Connect Pro 8
For the first time since Adobe, Inc. acquired Macromedia Breeze and renamed it Connect, there has been a complete rewrite of the program.
The UCD account that ANR is using is version 7.5. In March 2011, the account is scheduled for migration to version 8.
Some key principals still remain: Users do not have to install software and anyone can be invited to a meeting. The only technical requirements are a computer with an Internet connection and a browser. Mac, PC, Linux, it doesn't matter.
Also, an Android OS 2.2 app is available! The iPhone version is still in development.
Here are some of the differences between 7.5 and 8 versions:
Easier to use
A primary focus of Adobe Connect 8 is usability. With a new simplified interface featuring enhanced layouts and better organized controls, accessibility functions, and one-click sharing, Adobe Connect is now more powerful and easier to use. New usability features include:
- Simplified and more intuitive user experience.
- Enhanced audio and video controls. Centralizes the controls in one place--currently in three places.
- Unified attendee management. The attendee list will centralize controls that affect participant settings used by the host.
- Optimized screen use. The meeting interface rescales intelligently to provide optimum viewing experiences for any screen size or resolution. No longer optimized for 4:3 screen ratio.
- Improved accessibility. Navigate the Connect 8 interface by completely via keyboard. Several hot keys are also supported for direct access to important functions and capabilities. Significant improvements in screen reader compatibility include JAWS and Win-Eyes support and accurate focus-location tracking by screen magnification software.
Better collaboration
To collaborate effectively, dispersed teams need to be able to share ideas and communicate freely, as well as capture decisions and results. With Adobe Connect 8, collaboration capabilities are now more flexible and robust, enabling teams to drive better results. New collaboration features include:
- Advanced chat. Organize chat into separate tabs for public and private conversations and reduce errant chat messages. Participants can choose the color and text size of their chat messages.
- Rich Notes pod. Use rich formatting capabilities in the Notes pod, such as bold, italics, multiple colors, and bullets.
- Simplified Q&A pod.
- Enhanced Whiteboard.
Richer audio and video experiences
Adobe Connect 8 allows you to provide rich multimedia experiences to your participants with integrated audio and video conferencing. New features include:
- Two-way Universal Voice. Bridge the audio from any audio conferencing provider into an Adobe Connect room and provide two-way communication between VoIP and telephone audio to deliver richer experiences for all participants.
- Video conferencing integration. Leverage existing investments in video conferencing solutions. With this new feature, meeting hosts now have the option of bringing a live audio/video broadcast stream directly into an Adobe Connect meeting room.
Improved access and extensibility
New and enhanced plug-ins for Microsoft Outlook, Adobe CS5 and Microsoft Communication Server clients improve productivity. Access and extensibility features include:
- New optional desktop client. Set up and manage meetings more easily with the new optional Adobe Connect Desktop AIR client. Invite participants to meetings right from their desktop. You can also instantly search for archived Adobe Connect sessions, and download and playback recordings offline.
- New and enhanced plug-ins. Use the Microsoft Outlook add-in to schedule meetings from your Microsoft Outlook Contacts based on their Exchange Free/Busy time. Using Microsoft Office Communicator, you can see when contacts are online and available, then invite them to meet using their existing IM client, or via the Adobe Connect Desktop Air client.
Increased security and enterprise support
Adobe Connect 8 is web conferencing for the enterprise. With strengthened security capabilities and improved support for virtualization and meeting resiliency, Adobe Connect is even more suited for enterprise deployments. New features include:
- Passcode-protected meeting rooms. Allows for the use of shared passwords.
More information about ANR's use of Adobe Connect Pro 8 will be posted when it becomes available.
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