The industry’s most advanced HTML5 mobile application development framework gives developers the ultimate tool for creating rich, responsive apps that reach their customers wherever they are: on the Web or via an app store. With one powerful tool, developers can write and deliver amazing app experiences for a huge number of mobile devices.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.: Sencha, the leading provider of HTML5 frameworks and tools for desktop and mobile application developers, has shipped Sencha Touch 2, a major upgrade to its market-leading HTML5 mobile application development framework. Sencha Touch 2 lets developers deliver multi-platform HTML5 apps that look and feel native on Android, Apple iOS, and Blackberry devices.
Sencha Touch 2 is the cornerstone of the Sencha HTML5 Platform, the suite of Sencha technologies that spans the entire app development lifecycle, including the design, development, packaging, and deployment of HTML5 applications. This latest version of the industry’s most popular mobile development framework includes new features that enable developers to tap into native device APIs and Web data sources to and enhance the functionality and power of their HTML5 apps.
“This new version of Sencha Touch builds on the innovation and success of our groundbreaking initial release, which established Sencha as the leader in the exploding mobile HTML5 application development market. Sencha Touch 2 makes it easy to build both consumer apps like newspapers, using our rich layouts, or business apps, using our enhanced MVC architecture,” said Aditya Bansod, senior director of product management at Sencha. “As the line between native apps and HTML5 apps continues to blur, Sencha Touch 2 lets top brands and marketers build great experiences for the mobile ecosystem, harness open Web standards, and gain access to millions of users and consumers.”
“Sencha Touch 2 provides a strong set of mobile Web UI components that look and feel like their native counterparts. We get the best HTML5 user experience across multiple versions of the leading mobile platforms’ Web browsers, and faster development time,” said Brett Cortese, president & CEO of Universal Mind. “What used to take weeks with other frameworks can now be accomplished in days with the Sencha Touch advanced component model and comprehensive architecture. Using Sencha Touch 2, we spend more time addressing our clients’ business requirements rather than cross-platform differences.”
Develop powerful Web apps that rival native apps
Sencha Touch 2 gives developers a tool that is easy to learn and maximizes productivity. Sencha Touch 2 is the only HTML5 framework that gives developers:
- HTML5 app execution from within the browser with performance rivalling that of native apps;
- A complete set of appealing and ready-to-use mobile UI components that provide the look and feel of native apps;
- Native packaging on Mac and Windows that enables apps to be deployed in the iTunes App Store and the Android Market.
New features expand the functionality and reach of Web apps
With this release, Sencha’s engineers aimed to make standards-based Web apps rival native apps on all the top devices and browsers. Sencha Touch 2 includes an updated and easier to use API, enhanced MVC, and richer documentation. To harness local hardware and system services, Sencha Touch 2 provides access to a wider set of native device APIs, allowing HTML5 developers to take advantage of hardware features. To broaden the reach of apps created with Sencha Touch 2, a free native packager is now included enabling app distribution to the Apple App Store and the Android Market. When coupled with other Sencha technologies such as Sencha Designer and Sencha.io, Sencha Touch 2 is the ideal choice for developers looking for the complete package of frameworks, tools, technical support, professional services, and training.
To learn more about the features included in Sencha Touch 2, read the Sencha Touch 2 blog post.
“Sencha Touch is, hands down, the most advanced JavaScript framework to date, and will revolutionize the way everyone develops HTML5 mobile applications,” said Jay Garcia, CTO of Modus Create. “The three new features that stand out for us are the intelligently designed class system, performance, and API documentation. First, Sencha Touch 2 builds on the lessons learned with Ext JS 4 to deliver a class system that delivers power above and beyond vanilla JavaScript. Second, the Sencha Touch 2 layout and animation engines make extensive use of CSS3, delivering silky smooth transitions and lightning-fast orientation changes. Third, the API documentation for Sencha Touch 2 is best-in-class and is a showcase for the technical excellence that Sencha delivers in its products.”
“Sencha Touch 2 makes it easy for us to develop and test web apps on desktop and mobile and then deploy to a kiosk,” said Mike Suiter, lead software development engineer at CSG International. “We get a consistent, professional UI that can be easily customized for our clients. We found it easy to learn Sencha Touch 2 because of the familiar MVC framework. Plus, the documentation was a great resource along with the examples and forums, which got us up and running quickly.”
Since its launch last year, more than 500,000 developers have downloaded Sencha Touch and created tens of thousands of apps that run across the most popular touch-based smartphones and tablets. Some of the best Sencha Touch applications are featured in the Sencha Touch App Gallery, with more added every week.
Sencha Touch pricing and availability
Sencha Touch 2 is available as a free download from www.sencha.com, under either the open-source GPLv3 license or free under the Sencha Commerical License.
