Adobe has officially begun beta testing its Flash Player for Android. According to Lee Brimelow, an Adobe platform evangelist, private testing is now underway and a public beta will come next.
“There are going to be so many interesting things that you will be able to do,” Brimelow promises.
Adobe Flash: The Android Timeline
“Google and RIM and Palm are going to be releasing versions of Flash on smartphones and tablets in the second half of the year,” he stated.
This is a change from Adobe’s previous target launch date for Flash on Android; the company had originally said the technology would become available in the first half of 2010. Adobe’s CEO, Shantanu Narayen, didn’t offer up any explanations for the delay. He did, however, take a shot at Apple for its progressively extreme steps to keep Flash out of its mobile ecosystem.
“It really isn’t a technology decision as much as it is a business decision,” Narayen said. “They’ve chosen to keep their system a proprietary and closed system, which is why they’re not supporting Flash. I think that hurts customers.”
Adobe Flash for Android: Get in on the Beta
You can sign up to beta test Adobe’s Android Flash Player by creating an account and registering here; Adobe will then notify you once the public beta becomes available.
Adobe is also preparing to test an Android version of its Adobe AIR platform. If you’re a developer and want to be a part of that limited beta testing group, you can apply at Adobe’s AIR for Android sign-up page.
JR Raphael frequently covers mobile technology for both PCWorld and eSarcasm, his geek-humor getaway. He’s on Facebook: facebook.com/The.JR.Raphael