Flash format is becoming the new reference for animation on the web, especially when large community websites such as MySpace and YouTube use it extensively. To strengthen its position, Adobe decided to launch the "Open Screen Project", a smart way to push developers to use Flash.
The Open Screen Project is dedicated to driving consistent rich Internet experiences across televisions, personal computers, mobile devices, and consumer electronics.
While the project is supported by technology leaders, including Adobe, ARM, Cisco, Intel, and others, and leading content providers, including BBC, MTV Networks, and NBC Universal, Apple is not in the list. Maybe Cupertino is waiting for the iPhone 2.0 to bring support for Flash, a real missing feature in the current iPhone.
The Open Screen Project aim to enable a consistent runtime environment to eliminate barriers for developers and designers and to make their published contents and applications across desktops and consumer devices (phones, mobile internet devices (MIDs), etc.) independent of operating systems and devices.
To achieve such goals, Adobe is ready to free the Flash format, as indicated below:
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
