Adobe Systems Inc., San Jose, Calif., and Facebook, Palo Alto, Calif., announce a joint effort to enable web developers to create applications using the Adobe Flash platform and Facebook platform.

  Officially supported by Adobe and Facebook, the new ActionScript 3.0 Client Library for Facebook Platform is a free and open source programming language library. It is expected to be a complete resource supporting all Facebook application programming interfaces (APIs), including Facebook Connect, according to the companies.

  Documentation, example applications and code are now available for developers to start building applications with Adobe Flash and Flex software, and Facebook Platform. The ActionScript 3.0 Client Library for Facebook Platform is available immediately as a free download along with developer documentation and tutorials.

Olympus Imaging America Inc., Center Valley, Pa., announces its new entry-level 10-megapixel E-450 DSLR, which the company says continues the E-400 series' small and portable design with powerful features. The E-450 also features Art Filters pioneered with the E-30 and E-620. The three Art Filters -- Pop Art, Pin Hole, and Soft Focus -- bring greater creativity and freestyle experimentation to the new E-450, says Olympus. The creative filters were first introduced in Olympus' E-30 prosumer DSLR earlier this year.

  The E-450 also provides a 2.7-inch LCD, On-Screen Autofocus, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and Perfect Shot Preview to get the most out of the live view shooting experience. The new and improved HyperCrystal II Technology delivers twice the contrast and better viewing in extreme lighting conditions, a broader range of color detail, and a wider angle of view on the LCD up to 176 degrees off-center. The E-450 also includes 18 preset scene modes and full manual controls.

  Olympus' TruePic III+ Image Processor produces clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible for every photo with accurate color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies, and precise tonal representation in between, says the company. TruePic III+ also lowers image noise by one step to reduce graininess in images shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations. Additionally, the image processor on the E-450 enables it to shoot up to 3.5 frames per second in sequential shooting mode. The Olympus Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter. The patented ultrasonic technology vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor and captures it on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on.

  Olympus is scheduled to launch the E-450 DSLR on multimedia retailer QVC on May 9. "Thanks to our strong relationship with Olympus, we are not only offering the most innovative new products but we are also giving our customers the opportunity to order them before they hit stores," said Rob Ellerstein, director of electronics merchandising for QVC.