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iosactionscript-3apache-flexair

Do I use AIR or native code for iOS application?


I have been using Flex for desktop development for years. I'm new to mobile development and need to create an app for the iPhone 6 but have no idea whether I should be using Flex/AIR or native code.

The requirements of the iOS app is as follows:

  • Record video to local storage within app
  • Playback video from local storage within app
  • Pause/seek video within app
  • Overlay controls on top of the video such as TextInput, TextArea and DropDownList so user can make notes as video is being recorded
  • Data entered via TextInput/TextArea/DropDownList is saved to local storage
  • Option to upload video and text data to local server

Can I achieve all of this using AIR or should I be using native code?


Solution

  • Can I achieve all of this using AIR?

    Yes. Use CameraUI to capture video on the device (using the device's native camera UI), and StageVideo to play the video (using GPU). Overlay your app UIs (Flex or your own) to control video playback. Save local data using File or EncryptedLocalStore or SharedObject. Upload to a server using File/upload().

    Or should I be using native code?

    That's up to you. There are trade-offs, and everyone will have their own opinion. If you have a lot of experience with Flex/AS3, then you should be able to work out this app in AIR quite easily and see if it meets your needs.