MWC: Flash 10.1 supports Adobe AIR and Android

by Stevie Smith - Feb 15 2010, 05:20

Putting current platform tensions with Apple Inc. to one side, software specialist Adobe Systems has this week used the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona to formally reveal Flash 10.1, the latest iteration of its hugely popular online video player.

Of the advancements users can expect to receive from Flash 10.1, the company was keen to highlight the imminent arrival of compatibility with Google’s increasingly popular open-source Android operating system.

Coupled with upcoming support for Android, Flash 10.1 will also benefit from the inclusion of Adobe AIR, a consistent runtime environment for standalone applications to come out of the Open Screen Project – an industry initiative led by Adobe.

“AIR provides developers with a feature-rich environment for delivering rich applications outside the mobile browser and across multiple operating systems via mobile marketplaces and app stores,” trumpeted Adobe.

“AIR leverages mobile-specific features from Flash Player 10.1, is optimised for high performance on mobile screens and designed to take advantage of native device capabilities for a richer and more immersive user experience,” it added.

Adobe also announced that the Flash 10.1 beta has been made available to content providers and mobile developers worldwide, while the beta platform’s general availability is expected before the close of 2010’s second quarter.

According to January 2010 estimations offered up by Strategy Analytics, more than 250 million smartphones are expected to support the Flash Player by the end of 2012.

Beyond bolstering the appeal of Flash, Adobe also indicated that mounting market pressure being placed on Apple would eventually cause the Cupertino-based gadget giant to embrace the Flash player on its iPhone smartphone and recently unveiled iPad tablet computer.

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