Adobe Acrobat Reader 8 Debuts

Adobe Systems has announced the availability of Adobe Acrobat Reader 8, as a free download.

The software enables users to exchange information between enterprises, government agencies, constituents and other consumers, to view, print, search, digitally sign and collaborate with PDF files, over the Internet. Adobe Reader 8 also features a new 'Start Meeting' button that launches Adobe Acrobat Connect, an Adobe-hosted software service that provides real-time online collaboration through Adobe Flash Player. The software also has a new interface with user customizable toolbars.

In addition, Adobe Acrobat Professional users can now enable Adobe Reader users to fill and submit forms, save data and digitally sign documents. Adobe Reader 8 also features graphics processing unit (GPU) acceleration, which aims to boost performance while viewing graphics-intense PDF files, such as 3D content.

Kevin Lynch, senior vice president and chief software architect at Adobe said, "As people increasingly communicate and collaborate across the Internet, Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat Connect enable an effective workflow around documents, reliably reaching people around the world. The new streamlined user interface and graphics acceleration in Reader 8 will enable people to more easily engage with ideas and information."

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Adobe Reader 8 is available in English, French, German and Japanese versions, while Chinese and Korean versions are expected to be available in early 2007. The software is available on Windows and Mac, and is expected on Linux, HP/UX, AIX, and Solaris (SPARC) platforms in 2007.

Click here for a free download of Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.