∞ Adobe focuses on "digital viewer" for iPad magazines

Adobe Systems and Apple may be at an impasse when it comes to allowing Adobe’s Flash technology on the iPad, but that’s not stopping Adobe from finding other ways to support the platform. On Tuesday Adbobe introduced new “digital viewer technology” that enables magazine publishers to bring their periodicals to the iPad.

The showcase for Adobe’s new technology is Condé Nast’s June issue of Wired magazine, which has already been published for the iPad and is available for purchase and download from the App Store for $5.

The digital viewer works with Adobe’s Creative Suite 5 software “and additional Adobe publishing technologies,” according to a statement from the company. Adobe said that it soon expects to deliver the software to help other publishers distribute electronic editions via the iPad and other devices. The software passes muster with Apple’s App Store reviewers, as the Wired magazine app is now available.

“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 of 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.”

The digital viewer technology enables magazine publishers to include video content, slideshows, 360-degree images and horizontal and vertical orientation. Adobe is also touting the technology’s ability to deliver new interactive advertising.