New templates and project overview UI, new built-in actions

Aug 9, 2012 11:21 GMT  ·  By

The official Apple-developed tool used to design and assemble rich, dynamic, interactive advertisements for iOS, iAd Producer, has reached version 3.0. The update is a major one, as it ups the ante in the way the tool integrates with core iOS functions.

iAd Producer 3.0 is labeled by Apple as a “major release [that] contains a number of new features and improvements.”

Ad makers will be greeted by a set of new templates that they can use to create stunning imagery, as well as an all-new project overview user interface.

There’s a new layer list with search, re-ordering, and the ability to hide layers, as well as project-wide shared layers, and auto-advance between pages.

The heart of the 3.0 update, however, is the built-in actions module. iAds can now be coded to integrate with core iOS apps and functions, such as Mail, Calendar, Contacts, even the Phone application and iBooks.

According to the change-log, new built-in actions include: add calendar event; send email; place a call; add contact; add ringtone; take screen shot; set content offset for scrollView; add PDF to iBooks; set wallpaper; save to photo library; open URL; take photo.

Last, but not least, iAds JS has been updated to version 1.6. The iAd JS JavaScript framework provides developers with user interface elements that look nearly identical to native iOS components.

“iAd Producer makes it easy for you to design and assemble high-impact, interactive content for iAd,” says Apple. “It automatically manages the HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript behind your iAd to make creating beautiful, motion-rich iAd content as easy as point and click.”

“For advanced developers, iAd Producer also offers sophisticated JavaScript editing and debugging, along with a powerful extension mechanism that lets you create and re-use your own objects,” the Mac maker adds.

“Once you’ve created your ad, iAd Producer helps you optimize the performance of your iAd, and with a few clicks helps you to submit it for certification to launch on the iAd Network.”

Developers can download iAd Producer 3.0 by logging in with their credentials here.