Adobe Systems Inc. announced today the availability of the Open Screen Project, meant to improve Internet experiences on television, personal computers, mobile devices and computer electronics. The company unveiled that top industry leaders, such as LG Electronics, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba, Motorola, Verizon Wireless and others are supporting the Open Screen Project, together with BBC, MTV Networks and NBC Universal.
The purpose of the Open Source Project is to enable a consistent runtime environment for developers and publishers, allowing them to publish content and applications on desktop and other devices, such as mobile phones, MIDs or set top boxes.
Adobe said it will continue to open access to Adobe Flash technology, including 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 and removing licensing fees – making next major releases of Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR for devices free.
“Adobe is spearheading the Open Screen Project with support from industry leaders who share a common vision to provide rich, interactive experiences across computers, devices and consumer electronics,” Shantanu Narayen, chief executive officer at Adobe, said in a statement. “A consistent, more open platform for developers will drive rapid innovation, vastly improving the user experience.”
By 2009, Adobe expects its Flash Player to reach more than one billion handsets and mobile devices, meeting consumer expectations and demands. “Adobe Flash Player is the world’s most pervasive client runtime,” the company said, adding that it delivers “unparalleled creative options, highly engaging user experiences, stunning audio/video playback and universal reach.” In order to do that, Adobe says software applications and video should seamlessly work on a wide range of devices.