Adobe Connect 9 Goes Live, Connect Mobile 2.0 App for iOS & Android Debuts

Adobe launched its new desktop and mobile versions of its popular Connect videoconferencing tool, and the powerful solution looks to be a winner.

That's especially true for the mobile version, and Connect Mobile 2.0 on the new iPad seems like it could be downright fun.

Video Streaming Dominating Web Use

Despite the downfall of online streaming companies like OnLive, video continues to become more popular on the Web. More people are viewing more videos from more devices, and video advertising is following. People are visually oriented, and powerful, rich videos are more engaging and even more valuable in search results. Adobe has tried to tap into this as much as possible with Connect 9 and Connect Mobile 2.0.

Adobe Connect Mobile 2.0 for iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPad and iTouch 3rd and 4th generation. Android device compatibility listed below.

Connect 9 has a new Egagement Dashboard to find out which people are the most involved, a new highlight feature to help identify who is currently speaking and integration with SiteCatalyst for analytics. Other new features in Connect 9 are support for HTML5 and SCORM standards for e-learning initiatives and training sessions.

Webinar Features

As a webinar solution, Connect 9 includes persistant meeting rooms that can have content preloaded, an optional email reply tool and the ability to connect with up to 1,500 people in one meeting. Additionally, Adobe has included social media integration, simple event login with email instead of a password and API integration with Salesforce, Eloqua and Marketo for working leads post session.

Adobe Connect Mobile 2.0 includes full host controls for video and audio meeting recording.

Current Adobe Connect customers with hosted configurations will be getting the update by the end of the year as Adobe phases in the new system. For those with on premises deployments, Adobe will be sending out emails in the next two weeks with details on how to upgrate. There's a 30-day free trial for new customers and an Adobe ID is needed to log in and use the hosted trail version.

Mobile Office vs Bring Your Own Device

For those who like to bring their iPads to the office or for those who like to work remotely, Connect Mobile 2.0 could be a decent option. Launch meetings remotely, share documents from mobile devices and even use the devices front and rear cameras during a presentation. There's also a handy whiteboarding feature for better interactivity on touchscreen devices.

Both the iOS and Android versions are free, but they require AIR Runtime 3.2 to be installed first. Supported Android devices are tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Tab 2, ASUS Transformer, Motorola Xoom and Xoom 2 with a BlackBerry PlayBook app soon to come.

For Android phones, support is currently available for the HTC One X, Samsung Galaxy Note and Galaxy SIII and the Verizon branded Motorola Droid Razr 4G LTE. Pricing for connect is based on individual or enterprise licensing and can be hosted per use, per month or annually. On premises deployments and enterprise pricing will vary with number of licenses.

Tell us in the comments if your company uses the same vidoeconferencing software across departments or if people are free to choose different tools like Skype and FaceTime.