Looks like Adobe is calling time on developing Flash for mobile browsers. According to a forthcoming announcement unearthed by ZDNet, Adobe won’t be launching future versions of FlashPlayer for Android or the BlackBerry PlayBook.
Instead efforts will be focused on developer support for Adobe AIR and HTML5 going forwards. The leaked memo reads thus:
“Our future work with Flash on mobile devices will be focused on enabling Flash developers to package native apps with Adobe AIR for all the major app stores. We will no longer adapt Flash Player for mobile devices to new browser, OS version or device configurations. Some of our source code licensees may opt to continue working on and releasing their own implementations. We will continue to support the current Android and PlayBook configurations with critical bug fixes and security updates.”
Looks pretty genuine; we’re having a natter with our contacts at Adobe now for further comment.
In addition to this memo comes word that Adobe is “increasing their investments in HTML5 in general” alongside built-in Flash and Air apps for mobile.
Existing versions of Flash Player will continue to be supported, so expect regular updates to hit the Android Market as normal.
Of course as the Android platform develops, we’re gradually going to see Flash Player drop off of the radar, browser-wise. Slighty sad times, Flash Player and Android have been the best of buds since the Froyo days. The march of time we guess; we’re expecting a fuller announcement from Adobe later, we’ll keep you posted.
Update: It’s now official. This blog post confirms what we heard earlier today and clarifies Adobe’s position on the future of Flash.
Flash Player will continue to be developed for PC and desktop browsers but not for mobile. Instead, Adobe will “aggressively Contribute to HTML5” going forwards for web browsing mobiles, being the: “best solution for creating and deploying content in the browser across mobile platforms…
We are excited about this, and will continue our work with key players in the HTML community, including Google, Apple, Microsoft and RIM, to drive HTML5 innovation they can use to advance their mobile browsers.”
Source: ZDNet via Android Central
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