Adobe Systems has released the beta versions of AIR 2 and Flash Player 10.1 software for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.
The Flash Player 10.1 is also available for x86-based netbooks, and will be available across smartphones and other internet-connected devices in 2010. AIR 2 and Flash Player 10.1 can also be updated across all supported platforms.
The AIR 2 features include, enhanced support for mass storage devices, native application processes, as well as peer-to-peer and UDP networking. It allows developers to create feature-rich applications in the desktop context, and can add AIR 2 functionality to update current AIR 1.0 applications, the company said.
According to Adobe, the Flash Player 10.1 is a consistent browser runtime release of the open screen project that will enable web browsing of applications, content and high definition videos across the desktop and devices. It utilises new media delivery options using HTTP streaming coupled with content protection powered by Adobe Flash Access 2.0. In addition, the software supports hardware decoding of H.264 video on Windows PCs, netbooks and mobile devices.
Flash Player 10.1 and AIR 2 enable developers and designers to use the same code, assets, frameworks, tools and services to create applications, content and video for the browser and the desktop as well as mobile platforms in the future. It also allows developers to create new types of applications that use multi-touch points and gestures on touch screen devices, the company said.
David Wadhwani, general manager and vice president of Adobe Platform Business Unit, said: “With the beta availability of Adobe AIR 2 and Flash Player 10.1 today, we are taking an important step toward realising the open screen project vision to enable rich internet experiences across any device, anywhere.
“Content creators will provide multi-screen experiences with uncompromised web browsing and standalone applications across desktops and netbooks, and in the near future across a wide range of mobile devices.”
