Adobe Acrobat, the popular PDF reader and creator, is getting a face-lift with its new version 8. Adobe has just released new versions of its Acrobat Reader and Acrobat Professional which includes a streamlined menu bar, GPU acceleration and built-in document security.

The new version also includes Adobe Acrobat Connect which is an online collaboration tool. By clicking the connect button, users can discuss and edit the same document. Adobe is offering a free trial of the service until the end of the year. In early 2007, the company hopes to bring a commercial version of Connect for $39 a month.

We found the new reader to be error free and easy to use. In our new HowTo video page you will find two screen capture videos that show off the new interface and features of Acrobat 8.

Adobe Acrobat Reader 8 is currently available as a 20.8 MB download through Adobe's webpage. Trial versions of Acrobat Professional 8 are also available.