Apollo session at Spring [br /] Conference

Ben Forta led the lunchtime session by discussing Apollo. Apollo was developed to help solve some of the limitations of the web browser. "Apollo is a cross-operating system runtime that allows developers to leverage their existing web development skills (Flash, Flex, HTML, Ajax) to build and deploy desktop RIA's." It is not/does not replace a web browser.

Demonstrated "Ascension" Apollo application: music player + flickr mashup + other things. Apollo adds file I/O to Flash.

Demonstrated "Maptacular" -- google maps + flash contact overlay with drag+drop. Web rendering is done by WebKit open source engine--used in Safari and KTHML.

Features: Offline/occasionally connected, apps can run in background, expanded network protocols, file i/o, custom chrome (shape, alpha), and more! Desktop integration: install/uninstall, app shortcuts, drap/drop, clipboard access, cross-app communication, notifications, and more! Scripting: AS3 in Flash/Flax, JavaScript - HTML/CSS/AJAX, complete access to Flash Player, HTML DOMs, and APIs.

Demonstratred "ScreenPlay" -- Apollo application that allows you to draw on the screen.

Free book--"Apollo for Flex Developers Pocket Guide", available on labs.adobe.com

And of course, "When is being released??" 2007 :-)

How do I start developing? Download the Apollo extensions from labs.adobe.com (for Eclipse/Flex Builder), then select New -- Apollo Project to begin. Ben created a simple "web browser" that created a 149K .air file--all that functionality in a little package.

Great session!