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Adobe Brings Back Flash to iPhone
Thursday, 30 September 2010 10:11

 

Adobe System has readobe_logocommenced developing Packager for iPhone that permits software developers to create native Flash-based iOS applications, since Apple has relieved the restrictions that blocked advertisements by Google's AdMob and prevented access by Packager for iPhone to Apple's iOS applications.

Earlier, Apple barred Adobe's Flash-to-iPhone project, announced in 2009, by changing license terms, which compelled Adobe to go back on its Packager for iPhone development program. In April, Adobe shipped Packager for iPhone as part of Flash Professional C35. On April 9, Apple imposed the restriction. Adobe withdrew from Packager for iPhone on April 21.

Adobe publicly criticized this protectionist act by Apple and initiated an ad campaign. Apple explained its decision to bar Flash by the fact that “the cross-platform nature of Flash means it's harder to make applications that feel like native citizens of the iOS community." Adobe emphasized that it was not intending to target Apple's iOS devices directly, like it had come out with Google and its Android OS.

The loosening of restrictions is great news for Packager and other developers. Besides, it is vital for Adobe for the simple reason it uses Flash in its tools, which is used for games, animation, streaming videos, etc.

Today, Flash is confronted with new challenges, as Adobe is attempting to fit it to the small-screen mobile segment with different interfaces and more limited processing power. Flash developers are now encroaching upon iPhone, iPod and iPod Touch, which opens up broad horizons for Adobe. On the other hand, a number of advanced and user friendly technologies, such as CSS, JavaScript, SVG, HTML and WebGL are threatening to bite a pretty piece off Flash's pie. Therefore, the green light for iPhone, iPod and iPod Touch is a salvation for Adobe in realizing its ambitious plans.