Adobe Reader 8 is available for immediate download starting today, Wednesday December 6, 2006. Delivered as a free download from Adobe Systems Incorporates, Adobe Reader 8 provides virtually the same functionality as its predecessor, but with a plus.

The most evident changes were introduced via the new streamlined interface that enables users to customize and personalize the toolbars. Adobe Acrobat Connect will be directly accessible from Adobe Reader 8 via the incorporated "Start Meeting" button.

"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," said Kevin Lynch, senior vice president and chief software architect at Adobe. "The new streamlined user interface and graphics acceleration in Reader 8 will enable people to more easily engage with ideas and information."

The basic functions of view, print, search, digitally sign and collaborate with PDF files will be delivered with extended speed as the application now features graphics processing unit acceleration capabilities. This means that graphics-intense PDF files will benefit from the performance boost of Adobe Reader 8.

Moreover, Adobe has revealed the publishing of the sixth edition of the PDF Reference in support for an open ecosystem. The PDF Reference is a free guide addressing third-party developers that are involved with integrating the open PDF specifications in their products.

Adobe Reader 8.0.0 has been tested by Softpedia as being 100% Free and is available for download here.