Adobe Opens Flash To More Development Across Devices

Adobe's Flash player is a common feature on desktop computers. Adobe hopes to make this the case on mobile phones, set-top boxes, and anything else that can run Flash formatted files (SWF< FLV/FL4) and content by opening up the application programming interface (API) and licensing to promote development.

The Open Screen Project

Dubbed the Open Screen Project, Adobe's goal is to have Flash become the write once/run everywhere type of environment for games and other applications.

In the case of mobile devices, Flash has not see the kinds of inroads that has made it a successful development platform for rich media and content-heavy applications. The Open Screen Project is an effort by Adobe and several other manufacturers to increase the presence of Flash-based software and its use.

Not a New Runtime Environment

Unlike recent endeavors such as Silverlight, or past ones like Java, the Open Screen Project is not pushing for there to be another runtime environment, or application layer, in order for Flash content to become cross compatible. Part of the Open Screen Project's aim is to create a container that would combine Flash and Adobe's latest application platform AIR so that devices regardless of type would be able to use the content.

This is possible because Adobe's Flash and AIR use vector-based graphics which are more cross platform than rastor graphics. And Flash and AIR are able to be used both online and offline to generate and read various types of multimedia content.

Goals of the Open Screen Project

Specific goals for the Open Screen Project are:

• Removing restrictions on use of the SWF and FLV/F4V specifications
• Publishing the device porting layer APIs for Adobe Flash Player
• Publishing the Adobe Flash Cast protocol and the AMF protocol for robust data services
• Removing licensing fees - making next major releases of Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR for devices free

Currently, companies such as Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Qualcomm, Verizon, and Samsung have signed on in support of this effort. Of those that have not yet announced involvement within the Open Screen Project, Apple is the most notable that is absent.

While this is not a release in terms of most software releases, the fruits of companies and developers working within the Open Screen Project will be seen in the coming months as more Flash-based user interfaces and AIR (online, offline, and hybrid) applications are introduced.

Related Articles:

• Microsoft Bringing Flash Lite to Windows Mobile