Edible Apple

Though Apple won’t be allowing Flash to run on its iOS devices anytime soon, we think it’s safe to say that the beef between Apple and Adobe is ancient history. This past September, Apple revised its developer guidelines to allow the use of third party cross development tools like Flash. The updated guidelines read:

In particular, we are relaxing all restrictions on the development tools used to create iOS apps, as long as the resulting apps do not download any code. This should give developers the flexibility they want, while preserving the security we need.

And sure, Apple’s change of heart probably had a lot more to do with an interest in avoiding an FTC/DOJ probe, but the fact remains that Apple’s anti-flash crusade is not what it once was. Further, Apple in November approved a web browser app called Skyfire that lets users watch Flash video content by converting Flash video to HTML 5 video on the fly.

And now it’s Adobe’s turn.

In conjunction with the release of Creative Suite 5.5, Adobe today announced a new Photoshop Touch SDK that lets users create mobile and tablet apps that interact with Adobe Photoshop CS5. With the new SDK, Adobe has already developed three Photoshop CS5 companion apps for the iPad, Adobe Color Lava for Photoshop, Adobe Eazel for Photoshop and Adobe Nav for Photoshop. “The apps are designed to enable users to create custom color swatches, paint and drive popular Photoshop tools from tablet devices.”

“The apps that we announced today show some of the creative ways tablets can work with Photoshop and over the next few months Photoshop’s vibrant developer community is going to dazzle us with innovative apps that further integrate tablet devices into creative workflows,” Adobe senior vice president John Loiacono said in a press release.

Adobe Eazel

With Adobe Eazel, you can use your iPad and your fingertips to paint beautiful works of art. Paint across your entire iPad screen, and easily access the tools you need. Send your artwork directly to Photoshop CS5 from any location—all you need is a network connection between your iPad and computer. Or do all your painting in the app, and share via email.

Adobe Nav

With Adobe Nav and a network connection between your iPad and computer, you can customize the Photoshop CS5 toolbar on iPad to easily access the tools you use most. Browse, reorder, view, and zoom in on up to 200 open Photoshop documents on iPad. Tap a document on iPad to make it the active document in Photoshop CS5. Disconnect from the network and use iPad to easily share files in person with others.

Adobe Color Lava
With Adobe Color Lava, you can use your fingertips to mix colors on your iPad and create custom swatches and five-swatch themes. Instantly access them in Photoshop CS5—all you need is a network connection between your iPad and computer. Or use the app wherever inspiration strikes, and then bring your colors into Photoshop CS5 when you’re connected. Share colors via email, too.