Multi-Device True Native App Development

Embarcadero has launched its RAD Studio XE4 app development suite for building true native apps for PCs, tablets, and smartphone with one codebase.

With no scripting or interpretive layer, the attraction to true native apps is fairly clear to most of us.

Developers are agreed to get better control, tighter security, and the chance to create (for the most part) a better user experience. Because of this, many multi-device solutions today rely on virtual implementations or are interpreted at runtime - and so are not true native apps.

"[Embarcadero has] a history of delivering solid development tools. Developers can create multichannel apps that are truly native for each platform, and do it using one code base in a single development environment," said Gary Barnett, principal analyst at Ovum.

Embarcadero senior vice president of products Michael Swindell points out that RAD Studio XE4 delivers multi-device development for ARM and Intel devices, including Apple iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Mac OS X, Windows PCs, Slates, and Surface Pro tablets.

"Developers or designers can quickly create no-code, visual mockups with live or simulated data and deploy to actual target devices (PC, phone, tablet) or simulate on Windows or Mac, giving clients and team members a far more accurate and impressive prototype experience," said Swindell.

RAD Studio XE4 includes a full application framework for iOS, Windows, and Mac OS X, with support for Android coming soon; a full visual designer for iOS, Mac, and Windows user interfaces with multiple device types, resolutions, and orientations.