Adobe Air, worthwile or a fad?

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Seems like people have started using the new release of Adobe Air (from a recent news thread):

YOU don't get any work done? Today I spent all afternoon playing with Adobe Air

Hehe, whats it like? Might have a blast myself.

Any first experiences, tips & tricks, reviews of sort?

But most important: Do I need Adobe Air, and if so: How does it make my life easier?

 

[superleccy]

Could it be used to distribute DRM-controlled video? Eg, a solution for the BBC's iPlayer?

Apart from that, I really don't see the point.

SL

 

[angelwatt]

I've been intrigued by it from its initial betas. I've seen demos of the Ebay application and can see some good uses for it. I've even developed some very basic apps with it using tutorials. I don't think I'll have real use for it, but I don't even have a need for AJAX so this technology isn't directed at myself. I think Google will make some nice use of this as well as some other companies. It's also a good tool to have if you are away from your Internet connection frequently.

I don't think it's a fad, but also don't believe it'll redefine the web or anything. There isn't that much of a learning curve either if you already know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Also, since the Flex SDK is free there's no cost risk involved, unlike most Adobe products.

 

[angelneo]

I have been using flash frequently and flex occasionally, IMO, we are starting to see even desktop applications going the way of thin clients where some or all of the application logic is stored else where. I don't think it's fad but whether AIR takes off in a big way is still questionable.

I have not checked out Adobe Air yet aside from some demos when it is still in beta. I like what I see, but there are still some performance issue in those beta demos. I will take a look at it again esp the free flex SDK later on.

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Relevant article, over at ars technica: First look: breathe in the Adobe AIR