Version 9.5 of Adobe Connect will be packed with new features – including support for HTML5 and local MP4 conversion.
In addition to adding new features, Adobe have also rolled out a new logo for Adobe Connect. The new logo reflects the ability to connect consumers across devices for a multitude of use cases and it will also reflect as a new icon in the toolbar.
Support for HTML content in Virtual Classrooms
This release, puts a great deal of emphasis into better support for web standards. With Adobe Connect 9.5 users can import HTML5 learning content from Adobe Captivate and Presenter into an Adobe Connect virtual classroom. This enables instructors who have moved from Flash eLearning content to HTML5 to continue to import their courses into their virtual classrooms.
The new functionality is built into the Adobe Connect 9.5 add-in, meaning that participants in the virtual classroom using only a browser and the Flash Player will need to download the latest add-in to view the content. An indicator on the Attendees pod shows the instructor if anyone in the classroom isn’t using the add-in.
Local MP4 Conversion
In 2013 with Adobe Connect 9.1, MP4 conversion service for customers was introuduced – which enabled them to convert their Adobe Connect recordings to the mobile-friendly MP4 format. This service is still available and continues to be a great option, but many customers have shared their want for the ability to easily convert their recordings themselves without having to use a paid service.
In Adobe Connect 9.5, users will be able to locally convert Adobe Connect recordings (including recordings made prior to the 9.5 upgrade) to MP4 files. The workflow is similar to the offline FLV conversion that users may be familiar with, with one important exception. The new MP4 conversion process enables users to control the quality and size of the the output, choosing the best balance for their needs. The recording settings dialog features four helpful presets to set the quality from Mobile to Full HD. If users are comfortable with video settings, they can turn on the ‘Advanced Options’ checkbox to manually set the resolution, bandwidth profile, quality, frames per second, and MP4 profile that will be used during the conversion process. While the app uses the standard Adobe Connect add-in to perform the conversion, there’s no additional downloads or software required.
Improved Customer Experience
In addition to the big features listed above, users will also notice smaller changes. For example, Adobe improved the video pod. The film strip mode is ideal when many people are sharing their camera. Adobe Connect now automatically optimises the bandwidth by pausing the streams that are not visible when using the film strip mode to ensure the best use of meeting bandwidth.
Users will also notice the connection status icon has changed. Adobe have changed it to the now ubiquitous connection bars seen on most cell phones.
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