Adobe launches open source project to encourage multi-device Flash players

David May 1st, 2008

I have been impressed with how much Adobe has been utilizing the open source methodology as of the last few years.  Just a year ago they released the Flex source code as open source.  To encourage porting Flash content to mobile devices, Adobe has started Open Screen Project in partnership with media companies ARM, Chunghwa Telecom, Cisco, Intel, LG Electronics Inc., Marvell, Motorola, Nokia, NTT DoCoMo, Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics Co., Sony Ericsson, Toshiba and Verizon Wireless, and leading content providers, including BBC, MTV Networks, and NBC.

The Open Screen Project is working to enable a consistent runtime environment – taking advantage of Adobe® Flash® Player and, in the future, Adobe AIR™ — that will remove barriers for developers and designers as they publish content and applications across desktops and consumer devices, including phones, mobile internet devices (MIDs), and set top boxes. The Open Screen Project will address potential technology fragmentation by allowing the runtime technology to be updated seamlessly over the air on mobile devices. The consistent runtime environment will provide optimal performance across a variety of operating systems and devices, and ultimately provide the best experience to consumers.

devices

Specifically, this work will include:

  • 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

Of course video content is not the only functionality that will benefit from this arrangement. FamilySearch Labs have several applications which utilize Flash.  Won’t it be nice to use your mobile device to look up scanned census records or browse your family tree using a player designed specifically for your it?

RIA Dev Shed conference this Friday

David March 31st, 2008

SLCFUGThe Salt Lake ColdFusion Users Group (SLCFUG) is sponsoring a Rich Internet Applications (RIA) conference this Friday, April 4, 2008.  If there is still room, you can register here. 

You’ll learn about cutting edge Flex, AIR, and AJAX programming. You’ll be readying for the next phase of web development.

More than just theory, sessions are focused on practical application. Three simultaneously running tracks ensure that whether you’re looking for an introduction or hoping to expand existing skills there will be something for you. In addition, we’ve lengthened the time of each presentation slot to allow our speakers to go into greater depth.

I have been very impressed with the demos for Adobe’s RIA technologies. I was hoping to be able to go, but the timing does work for this year.  If you are curious who is already using these technologies, head over to FamilySearch Labs and check out a few of their prototypes.