AIR (Adobe Integrated Runtime) is Adobe’s open-source technology that lets Web developers and programmers create Rich Internet Applications that run outside of any Web browser. This Visual QuickPro Guide teaches everything you need to know to begin creating applications that combine the rich experience of a traditional desktop application with the power and reach of the Internet. The book uses a visual, step-by-step approach and covers all the fundamental AIR concepts, without the fluff, confusing segues, and technical jargon that bog down so many other computer books. Author Larry Ullman has a well-earned reputation for writing books that are accessible, easy-to-follow, and, above all, useful. This book focuses solely on developing AIR applications using HTML and JavaScript, although formal knowledge of JavaScript is not required.

Learn to program a Flash based Mp3 music player using Actionscript 3. The Features List (and roughly what's taught) includes…

-Dynamically load track locations from a text document (or simply write them in the Flash file). Easily update your player without republishing by simply editing file names (like "track1.mp3" ) in a text document.

-Use ID3 tags (embedded meta-data) in the MP3 file to display track name, artist, album and year. All this player requires is the location of your MP3 file, you do NOT have to specify the track info yourself.

-Change the audio balance by sliding between the left and right speakers. This is the first two types of sliders you'll learn to programm, the volume slider is the second.

-Minimize or Maximize the player (using that triangle in the bottom right). Switch the player to a more compact mode while not choosing tracks. You can decide how much you want to mask out.

- Spectrum bars animate based on highs and lows of the left and right speakers. Yes finally a player with working spectrum bars. You can adjust the visuals for this to look however you want.

-You always have the option to change the visual appearance of the player. Tint it, stretch it, brand it, do whatever you want to the player art.

-Drag it! The entire player can be repositioned by dragging the shell.

Essential Skills–Made Easy!

Learn to program with Flex 3, the powerful tool for building multimedia-rich, interactive Flash applications for the Web. Flex 3: A Beginner's Guide is an easy-to-follow, fast-paced tutorial that allows you to fully grasp the fundamentals, including MXML, ActionScript, Flex Builder, states, transitions, and behaviors. You'll learn how to customize your applications with styles, skins, and themes; access remote data using the XML HTTP Service Request; profile and debug your applications; and manage media assets.

Designed for Easy Learning

• Key Skills & Concepts–Chapter-opening lists of specific skills covered in the chapter
• Ask the Experts–Q&A sections filled with bonus information and helpful tips
• Try This–Short, hands-on exercises to practice your skills
• Notes–Bonus information related to the topic being covered
• Tips–Helpful reminders or alternate ways of doing things
• Cautions–Errors and pitfalls to avoid
• Annotated Syntax–Example code with commentary that describes the programming techniques being illustrated

Learn to program with Flex 3, the powerful tool for building multimedia-rich, interactive Flash applications for the Web. Flex 3: A Beginner's Guide</em> is an easy-to-follow, fast-paced tutorial that allows you to fully grasp the fundamentals, including MXML, ActionScript, Flex Builder, states, transitions, and behaviors. You'll learn how to customize your applications with styles, skins, and themes; access remote data using the XML HTTP Service Request; profile and debug your applications; and manage media assets.

Designed for Easy Learning

• Key Skills & Concepts–Chapter-opening lists of specific skills covered in the chapter
• Ask the Experts–Q&A sections filled with bonus information and helpful tips
• Try This–Short, hands-on exercises to practice your skills
• Notes–Bonus information related to the topic being covered
• Tips–Helpful reminders or alternate ways of doing things
• Cautions–Errors and pitfalls to avoid
• Annotated Syntax–Example code with commentary that describes the programming techniques being illustrated

Learn How to Use XML to Create a Flash Based RSS Reader. Plus How to Export to Adobe Air!
Learn to parse RSS/XML files using ActionScript 3 and create your own custom readers for displaying the information.
You can connect up the reader with your own RSS feeds or Thousands more from other sites. Multiple Feeds are supported too.
The Flash reader can optionally display HTML tags, for example the reader to the right displays pictures because the source feed (Yahoo) includes image tags.
Example Flash files are provided for these two readers, but the design possibilities are limitless. You can choose how it can look to fit your site's style and brand.
This tutorial also includes a seperate movie file which describes how to update your version of Flash CS3 for creating an Adobe AIR Application. Ultimately the same RSS reader can be published as an installable application on your desktop.
This Lesson is compatible with Flash CS3