How to have fun at the expo without queuing?
Wile walking around the pavilions we saw many visitors taking pictures in front of each pavilion. Usually they showed the peace sign with their hands and smiled. This is was our reaction: :)

(Please open the article to see the flash file or player.)

My talk about MojoFont at L.A. Flex User Group

Unfortunately the picture quality is not really good but if you want to know more about Font Embedding with MojoFont read my post about Font Embedding in Actionscript 3.

What is Adobe MAX? Adobe Max describes them self as following:

We are in a software revolution fueled by social computing, client and cloud, and the spread of rich media across screens and devices. For four unforgettable days this October, MAX 2009 will bring together thousands of designers, developers, and decision-makers to shape the future. (Source max.adobe.com)

My feedback after visiting this event in Downtown Los Angeles.

Adobe MAX is the most expensive event I ever went. Because I could not afford to buy a ticket I signed up as a Teacher Assistant where I got a 50% discount. I had to work in a couple of labs where I mainly helped Designer to build Flashsites or to write a few lines of Actionscript 3 Code.  Lou Barber, in my opinion one of the best Actionscript Teacher I have ever meet, showed in a easy way what Actionscript is and how to write it. I worked three times in his lab and helped the attendees to write their very first program. In times I didn’t had to work and I had the possibility to visit a couple of labs and sessions. The Lab about Adobe Catalyst was very good. We set up a complete Flex Application in only a couple of minutes. I will definitely use Catalyst in the future for my next Flex application. The Session about the Open Media Framework was very interesting and I use it currently at work. During MAX we had party’s at night. One night I had the change to visit the Influxius party. I think nearly all Flash developer where there. :)

Whats new

I‘m sure nearly everybody of you heard that the new Flash IDE will be able to compile Flash projects into iPhone apps. That doesn’t mean that the iPhone will be able to run Flash in the browser (unlike other phones). It only means that the flash movie or the Flash program will be compiled as an iPhone Application. I look forward to see this in action. But for me the highlight of the new features was not the Flash to iPhone compiler. In my opinion it was Flash Player 10.1. I really look forward to see this plug-in on all Android Mobile Phones and other mobile devices. As far as they said it will be able to run Flash projects on Mobile devices a lot faster.

If you could not attend to Adobe MAX you can find many sessions online. http://tv.adobe.com/

On Sunday, October 4th, I had the change to visit a workshop about the Ribbit mobile service at the Rich Media Institute in Venice. I could see some examples how to build a Text message application in Flex or Flash and saw different ways to build a phone application. The combination between Actionscript 3 and a telephone system is quite interesting and I see a great potential in it.

The only problem with Ribbit is that they currently only in the USA operate. As soon as they will have other branches in Europe it could be a very interesting alternative to other VOIP systems because it can be build in Flash and integrated in many devices and websites. Ribbit offers many possibilities like Google Voice. A message to Text function is currently one of the coolest feature they have and I look forward to see whats the new version is going to bring.

If you think Ribbit might be a solution for you, contact me. I would like to build a Ribbit application.

LAFlashapaloozastock IV is a FREE event for interactive designers, developers, artists, companies and the people that enjoying hanging with. This year is scheduled to be the biggest event so far, as a pre-MAX 09 “free festival”:

* Top Studios set up booths to interview, meet and greet the community.
* Amazing presentations by top industry talent
* Job Stock helps the regional industry and community by matching prospective employers with the talent they need.
* Budding Talent – encourages college students and recent grads to demonstrate their skills and portfolios, to help them find entry level positions in the industry.
* Raffle – still unconfirmed, past years prizes included the new Adobe Creative Suite, Nintendo Wii, and books from Friends of Ed.
* Street Party a celebration of art music and creativity featuring one of a kind entertainment, art showcases, delicious food, and live music & dancing.

A quick rundown

* Event: LAFLPS IV
* Date: Saturday Oct 3rd, 2009
* Time: 10:30am – midnight
* Location: Almer/Blank – LA Flash Factory
* Address: 525 Venezia Avenue, Venice CA 90291
* Description: A free event for interactive designers, developers, artists, companies and the people that enjoying hanging with– top studios hiring, amazing workshops, raffles, and street party/mixer.
* Parking: Venice Blvd/ Abbot Kinney South

Why the name? And whats the History?
Los Angeles + Flash + LaLaPalooza + Wood Stock + Venice Beach + Free Cool Stuff = LAFlashapaloozastock

So…. it’s a yearly conference, festival, job placement , showcase, mixer and party. Back in 2005, after going through a full keg, the event ended with an infamous Frisbee war (on the day before the Anaheim MAX)! In 2007, we chilled in the patio eating freshly made tacos and watching exotic fire dances. In 2008, attendees saw GMUNK, Ralph Hauwert, Lee Brimelow and Brandon Hall present and made many networks during our mixers in between talks.

In other words, LAFlashapaloozastock IV will ROCK to the top of Mt. Fuji! We’ve got Flash gods, jobs, food, music, liquor, art, and free stuff (and not to mention all the hot peeps from Venice).
Who goes to this event?

Flash Designer, Flash Developers, Motion Graphic Artists, Digital Artists and anyone in or having an interest in Flash and digital media. From our technical presentations for the beginner, the intermediate, and the super advanced, to the inspirational creative sessions, there is always something to choose from.

Source: flashapalooza.com