Former RoboDemo product gets Flash, Breeze links Macromedia on Monday is announcing Captivate, formerly known as RoboDemo, for recording onscreen activity and building software demonstrations and interactive simulations.New features in Captivate include tighter linkage to Flash and the company’s Breeze Web conference platform as well as the ability to visually adjust the timing of objects, such as a text caption or image. Also featured is a recording mode for instantly recording demos, including mouse movements, or for recording simulations.The product’s name was changed because the company believed RoboDemo created a perception that the product was just for screen recording, but the product also is for interactive content and simulations, said Silke Fleischer, product manager for Captivate at Macromedia. Demonstrations built with the product can visually show steps required to complete a task, serving as an alternative to step-by-step, text-based instructions, according to the company. Simulations provide an interactive learning experience requiring user input. Both content types can include audio, animation, and scored interaction.Captivate delivers Macromedia Flash content that can be immediately viewed by Web users. “Directly from within Captivate, you can export to Flash MX 2004,” Fleischer said.A RoboDemo user who has tested Captivate said the Flash capability will be useful. “It’s going to allow a lot more flexibility on the Flash side. It’s going to integrate more with Flash,” allowing development of animated tutorials in a short amount of time, said Jeff Freeman, a technical writer at a credit service. He requested his employer’s name not be published. Used together with Macromedia Breeze Web conferencing, Captivate can provide rapid training and e-learning, according to Macromedia. “You can really turn passive viewers into active participants and really enhance the Breeze experience” by inserting interactive simulations into Breeze meetings or presentations via Captivate, said Fleischer.Captivate is due to ship on Nov. 9. Pricing is $299 for upgrades from RoboDemo Versions 4.x and Version 5.x and $499 for new users. Software DevelopmentSmall and Medium Business