Article Tools

• 

Adobe Systems Inc. has unveiled its Flash Player 10.1 software for smart phones, smart books, netbooks, PCs, and other Internet-connected devices, allowing content created using the Flash platform to reach users wherever they are. A public developer beta of the browser-based runtime is expected to be available for Windows Mobile, Palm webOS, and desktop operating systems. Public betas for Google Android and the Symbian operating system are expected in early 2010. Also, Adobe and RIM will collaborate to bring Flash Player to BlackBerry smart phones, while Google has joined almost 50 other companies in the Open Screen Project initiative.

According to Adobe, Flash Player 10.1 is the first consistent runtime release of the Open Screen Project that enables uncompromised Web browsing of expressive applications, content, and high-definition videos across devices. Using the Flash platform’s Web programming model, the browser-based runtime enables designers and developers to reuse code and assets and reduce the cost of creating, testing, and deploying content across different operating systems and browsers, Adobe says. The company also says that Flash Player 10.1 is easily updateable across all supported platforms to ensure rapid adoption of new innovations.

The browser-based runtime is designed to use the graphics processing unit (GPU) for accelerated video and graphics while conserving battery life and minimizing resource utilization. New mobile-ready features that take advantage of native device capabilities include support for multitouch, gestures, mobile input models, accelerometers, and screen orientation. Flash Player 10.1 also will take advantage of media delivery with HTTP streaming, including integration of content protection powered by Adobe Flash Access 2.0. Code-named Zeri, this open format will be based on industry standards and provide content publishers, distributors, and partners the tools to use HTTP infrastructures for media delivery in Flash Player 10.1 and Adobe AIR 2.0 software.

“With Flash Player moving to new mobile platforms, users will be able to experience virtually all Flash technology-based Web content and applications wherever they are,” said David Wadhwani, general manager and vice president of Adobe’s Platform Business Unit. “We are excited about the broad collaboration of close to 50 industry leaders in the Open Screen Project with 19 out of the top 20 handset manufacturers worldwide. It will be great to see first devices ship with full Flash Player in the first half of next year.”

The Open Screen Project aims to provide a consistent runtime environment across mobile phones, desktops, and other consumer devices. It addresses the challenges of Web browsing and standalone applications on a range of devices while removing the barriers to publishing content and applications seamlessly across screens, Adobe says. Members include Antena 3, Atlantic Records, ARM, BBC, Burda, Cell, Chungwha Telecom, Cisco, Comcast, Conde Nast, Daum, Disney Interactive, Fox Mobile, Google, HTC, Intel, LG Electronics, Lionsgate, Marvell, Motorola, MTV Networks, NBC Universal, Nokia, NTT DoCoMo, Nvidia, OpenTV, Palm, Paramount, QNX Software Systems, Qualcomm, Stern.de, RIM, RTL, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Texas Instruments, the New York Times, Toshiba, Verizon Wireless, and Ziilabs.