At the keynote to open its Max conference in Los Angeles today, Adobe announced that it is discontinuing development of its Creative Suite software in favor of working on Creative Cloud products exclusively. The company is readying a new release of “CC” branded apps for release on June 17th.
In making the decision to stop developing Creative Suite apps, Adobe said it wanted to focus efforts specifically on Creative Cloud apps. So while users will still be able to buy Creative Suite 6 and be supported, Adobe won’t do any further development except for bug fixes and compatibility upgrades.
“Hundreds” of new features are rolling out with the new release, in each of the major apps. Adobe showed off new versions of Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects and other tools coming next month.
Creative Cloud launched in April 2012, at the same time Adobe released Creative Suite 6. Creative Cloud offers users all of the same software included with Creative Suite 6, but Adobe charges a $50 monthly subscription fee for access. Users upgrading from CS3-CS5 are eligible for a discount to $30 per month; CS6 users who want to switch will pay $20 per month. Adobe also allows users to buy access to just one app if they need to.
Adobe showed off new iOS apps in development including a version of its Kuler color palette app running on the iPhone, and a Creative Cloud app that enables users to share files and folders and look at content stored in the cloud. Cloud integration is key from here on out, and Adobe emphasized collaboration at every turn, including deep integration with Behance, the professional portfolio sharing service Adobe acquired in 2012.
Adobe also gave a peek at some hardware projects it has underway, including a Bluetooth stylus working on an iPad that’s able to import content and settings from Creative Cloud, and a ruler that helps iPad users draw straight lines, arcs and angles, like a drafting tool. The company has also collaborated with Condé Nast’s Wired magazine on an ambitious project to rework the way that magazines layout their pages, making the entire process virtual using sophisticated touch-screen walls and tables. All of the hardware efforts are works in progress; Adobe offered no timetable or price estimate for any of the new technology.