Adobe unveiled the Flash 10.1 player, which will enable all Adobe Flash content to be accessible on smartphones. This means you’ll be able to play Flash-based games and view Flash-based videos and Web sites. And yes, that includes Hulu.
iPhone owners, however, aren’t so lucky. Adobe said that they are still working to make the Flash Player compatible on the iPhone OS, but are hindered by limitations within the platform. Although Apple is left out this time around, the absence of Flash probably won’t hurt the iPhone. The iPhone is already above and beyond other OS’s in terms of its multimedia and gaming capabilities.
Apple will want to jump on board soon, though; Flash Player 10.1 opens up some interesting multimedia possibilities for other platforms. The player supports multitouch, accelerometer and screen orientation, all of which makes for the optimal video-watching experience. It also supports gesture-based controls, which is a boon for gaming. Adobe said that the player won’t be a drain on battery life, either. For example, the player goes to sleep when you receive an incoming call.
A public developer beta will be available for Windows Mobile and Palm webOS will be available later this year. Betas for RIM BlackBerry OS, Nokia Symbian and Google Android will arrive in 2010. Adobe said that they are working with 19 out of the 20 major handset manufacturers so it is likely the Flash 10.1 player will eventually be available for non-smartphones as well.