Yesterday, Adobe announced the release of Flash Player 10.1, which will be available for the majority of smartphones, with the notable exception of the Apple iPhone. This announcement marks a significant step forward in making rich multimedia content accessible on mobile devices, but it also highlights the ongoing tension between Adobe and Apple.
As Apple and Adobe have not managed to come to an agreement on Flash for the iPhone, Adobe has introduced a new tool in Flash CS5 that allows developers to convert software written in Flash into standalone iPhone apps. This tool is a game-changer for developers who want to bring their Flash-based content to iPhone users without having to completely rewrite their applications from scratch.
The Impact on Mobile Content Accessibility
The introduction of Flash Player 10.1 for smartphones other than the iPhone means that users of Windows Mobile and Google Android phones will be able to access Flash content directly through their phone’s browser. This includes popular sites like Hulu, which rely heavily on Flash for video streaming. For instance, if you wanted to watch Hulu on a Windows Mobile or Google Android phone, you would be able to do so seamlessly through the phone’s browser. This capability significantly enhances the user experience by providing access to a wider range of multimedia content without the need for additional applications.
On the other hand, iPhone users will not have this same level of convenience. Instead, a standalone application would need to be created using the development tools in Adobe CS5 to convert the software into an iPhone app. This extra step can be seen as both a limitation and an opportunity. While it adds an additional layer of complexity for developers, it also opens up new possibilities for creating optimized, standalone applications that can take full advantage of the iPhone’s hardware and software capabilities.
Developer Perspectives and Industry Reactions
From a developer’s perspective, the new tool in Flash CS5 is a significant advancement. It allows for greater flexibility and creativity in bringing Flash content to the iPhone. Developers can now leverage their existing Flash skills and assets to create iPhone apps, potentially reducing development time and costs. This is particularly beneficial for small development teams and independent developers who may not have the resources to develop entirely new applications for different platforms.
However, the industry reaction has been mixed. Some see this as a positive step towards greater cross-platform compatibility, while others view it as a workaround that doesn’t address the underlying issues between Adobe and Apple. The lack of Flash support on the iPhone has been a point of contention for years, with Apple citing performance and security concerns as the primary reasons for their stance. Adobe’s new tool in Flash CS5 can be seen as an attempt to bridge this gap, but it remains to be seen how effective it will be in the long term.
For those interested in the broader implications of this development, it’s worth considering how it fits into the ongoing competition between mobile platforms. Have a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform might be the best fit for you. This comparison can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, particularly in terms of content accessibility and developer support.
In conclusion, Adobe’s announcement of Flash Player 10.1 and the new tool in Flash CS5 represents a significant development in the mobile content landscape. While it offers new opportunities for developers and enhances content accessibility for many smartphone users, it also underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities in the relationship between Adobe and Apple. As the mobile industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics play out and what new innovations emerge as a result.
via Wired Gadget Lab
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