Adobe launches digital magazine viewer

Undeterred by Apple’s banning of Flash, Adobe has launched a digital viewer for magazines, allowing publishers to create apps like the flagship iPad verion of Wired.

The reader can be used with the company’s new InDesign CS5 to create a digital version of their publication and then distribute it bundled with the viewer.

“We aim to make our digital viewer software available to all publishers soon and plan to deliver versions that work across multiple hardware platforms,” said David Burkett, vice president and general manager for creative solutions at Adobe. 

“It’s safe to say that if you are already working in InDesign CS5, you’ll be well on your way to producing a beautiful digital version

of your publication.”

As seen in the Wired version, the viewer incorporates fancy navigation and animation features, and allows video content, slide-shows, 360 degree images and the ability to rotate the page.

The benefits for publishers, says Adobe, include the ability to deliver high-impact, interactive brand campaigns. “Our partnership with Adobe allowed us to re-imagine and rebuild a print issue into an amazing digital magazine experience on iPad,” said Thomas J Wallace, editorial director of Condé Nast. “Wired’s visionary execution of Adobe technology expands the potential of this new medium for all Condé Nast magazines.”

He said the company plans to offer more of its publications through the Adobe app in the coming months.