As expected, Macromedia last week announced the release of Captivate, its newly named and reformed version of RoboDemo.

Captivate, like RoboDemo, lets users record onscreen activity and create software demonstrations and interactive simulations – without having to know the intracacies of Flash or software development. It lets any designer include audio, animation and scored interaction within both types of e-learning material.

Unlike RoboDemo, however, the new Captivate now offers seamless integration with Macromedia’s Breeze online conferencing product. This means that any end user with Flash can now fully participate in a Captivate demo or simulation, without having to download or install any additional software, the company said.

Specifically, Captivate lets users:

• Create simulations and demonstrations, without the need for any programming knowledge or multimedia skills.
• Develop content quickly, including recording, editing, and integrating using multiple automated features.
• Increase the effectiveness of simulations and ensure audience attention by easily adding interactivity or rich media anywhere in a project.

Available now, Captivate costs $499 for new users and $299 for upgrades from RoboDemo versions 4.x and 5.x.