Just as it did previously with Java, which is widely known for its security vulnerabilities, Apple has now blocked out-of-date Adobe Flash plugins on Safari. The change has already been implemented, and so when users attempt to access Flash content using an older version of the plugin, they will instead be present with the notification box in the screenshot above.

The user will be notified that he or she is using an outdated version of Flash, and will be provided with a link to download the latest version. Once downloaded, the Flash content will be loaded and all will be well. While some might consider this to be an inconvenience, it has been implemented in light of critical security issues with Flash Player.

On Tuesday, we reported that Adobe has rolled out an emergency update for Flash Player to patch security issues that allowed hackers to attack users running Firefox. On February 14, Adobe had also rolled out updates to its Acrobat and Reader to correct vulnerabilities that were actively being exploited in the wild.

[via ars technica]

The security updates are for Flash Player version 11.5.502.146 and earlier for Windows and OS X, and version 11.2.202.261 and earlier for Linux. The Android security update is for version 11.1.111.31, and is for Android versions 3.x and 2.x. All of the updates take care of security vulnerabilities leaving the various systems open to attack.

This follows reports that CVE-2013-0633 is being actively exploited in the wild in an attack that tricks users into downloading and opening a Word doc included as an email attachment. The file contains harmful Flash content, and is specific to Windows users running ActiveX. Those who download the security update won’t have to worry about this.

Likewise, reports have also rolled in showing that CVE-2013-0634 is also being exploited, this one via malicious Flash content found on websites. The content specifically targets Flash in Safari and Firefox for Mac users. The same is also used to exploit Windows users via the tainted Word doc attached to an email.

[via Adobe]

What’s the big deal?  Adobe isn’t being overly explicit in the problem, but it says that an attack using this particular exploit can cause the Flash plugin to crash and a allow a malicious program to take over the affected system. Unlike many of Flash Player’s well-documented security issues, this one seems to have been spotted by Adobe themselves, and they’re actively publishing a solution. If your Windows or OS X computer is equipped with Adobe’s auto-updater, you’ve either already been updated or will be soon.

Adobe says that they’ve observed examples of this particular exploit in the wild, with hackers using it to get unknowing users to click on an email attachment. Though the exploit can technically be delivered on any platform without the Flash Player update, there’s at least some good news: it’s only been implemented for Internet Explorer users so far. If you read SlashGear on a regular basis, you’re probably using something better else.

[timelline]

[via PCMag]

The update fixes two critical memory corruption vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit to remotely take control of your system. An exploit code can be remotely executed on your system if you’re running Windows, Mac OS X, Linus, Solaris, or even some versions of Android. However, this is more of a preventative measure as Adobe is not currently aware of any exploit codes for these two particular bugs being available anywhere at this time.

Adobe Flash Player 11.1.115.7 and some earlier versions of Android 4.x are not affected by these issues. Users with other versions are recommended to update to version 11.2 within the next 30 days.

Windows users will also get the option of having future security updates automatically installed. The updater pings Adobe servers every hour to see if there are any new versions of the software. If the server responds with no updates then the hourly pings would stop and the updater checks back 24 hours later.

[via MSNBC]

The collaboration with Unity Technologies will allow games developed using Unity technology to be published to Flash Player using premium features directly within Unity tools. Adobe notes that it will also be working with Unity to integrate the future Adobe Digital marketing services and developers into Unity tools to help developers make money off the games. That integration will also help Adobe make money off developers’ games since there are now fees associated with these premium features. The premium features will give developers access to hardware accelerated graphics in combination with the domain memory used by C/C++ cross compilers.

Adobe will now be charging some developers 9% of game revenues when the premium features are used. Adobe notes that the first $50,000 of application revenues are not taxed. The premium features are also offered free for content published prior to August 1, after that day charges will start. Adobe does note that the use of premium features within Adobe AIR for mobile applications on iOS or Android will be royalty-free.

The new API is code-named “Pepper” and is intended to provide a layer between the plug-in and the browser to take away any differences between the browser and operating system used. The goal of Pepper is to provide an implementation of Flash Player, which will work for all x86/64 platforms that the Google Chrome browser operates on. Adobe notes that after the release of Flash Player 11.2, the Pepper API will only be available via the Google Chrome browser and will not be offered for direct download.

Adobe also pledges to provide security updates on non-Pepper distributions of 11.2 on Linux for an additional five years from the release date. Flash Player 11.2 is targeting Q1 2012 for release according to the roadmap. After the 11.2 launch, Adobe will begin working on another version code-named “Cyril” targeting Q2 2012 for launch. After “Cyril” comes “Dolores” in the second half of 2012. Flash Player “Next” is also in the works with Adobe stating that it will be a modernized version to serve the needs of developers over the next 5 to 10 years.

Flash Player for ICS was released near the end of 2011, Adobe’s final mobile flourish before it turned its attentions to HTML5. The decision to end Flash Player development for mobile devices followed long-standing criticism of the technology, most notably from Apple founder Steve Jobs, though the proliferation of Flash content online meant that for many users it was a necessary evil.

For now, Chrome for Android is only available if you’re on 4.0, meaning it’s a small percentage – around 1-percent, in fact – who get to play with the new app. If you’re interested in porting the browser to earlier versions of Android, meanwhile, developer Al Sutton points to the direct tarball download for your tinkering delectation.

For everything Chrome for Android can do, check out the full SlashGear review.

This Ice Cream Sandwich compatible version of Adobe Flash Player 11 is essentially the same as it was yesterday before it was available for download on Ice Cream Sandwich devices. It’ll work just fine for you and yours and as always, it’s a free download on the Android Market. Now as far as making this download available here and now for Ice Cream Sandwich instead of some weeks ago we’re not aware of any good reason for it other than Adobe was simply not ready for a solid release.

Those of you fretting over the absence of this application on your brand new Nexus device, never fear, Underdog is here, but remember that it won’t be updated forever. Head down to our timeline for Flash and you’ll see that the mobile version isn’t long for this digital world, the teams at Abobe handing over the reigns to the pages of history upon realizing that HTML5 had won. Whoa are we for that!

Meanwhile also feel free to check out our initial hands-on video and photos with this device from earlier today and stay tuned for the full review coming up soon!

With the current war on Flash being driven by another technology company, Google themselves hasn’t entirely killed off Flash on YouTube, however. Some significant changes introduced today for the YouTube flash player includes buffer-free playback and seamless transitions between different video-quality settings. These settings haven’t been pushed out to all videos yet, but expect them to be very soon in the coming time.

This is great news for companies who have embraced HTML5 rich content on the internet, and, well, not so good for Adobe, which recently just for their mobile flash player. And full-on 1080P support on the HTMl5 player is yet another thorn in the side of Flash development ans sustainment in general. SlashGear readers, have you transitioned from the Flash to the HTML player on YouTube already? Leave your answers and thoughts in the comment section below.

[via The Verge]

Those of you about to have a heart attack over this would do well to note that it was inevitable as Adobe announced that they’d be axing the mobile version of Flash in favor of HTML5 earlier this month. Then if you’ll go ahead and read what Google has let us know, you’ll see that the story isn’t necessarily completely over for Adobe’s mobile version of Flash. Even though the app and support for Flash will be ending relatively soon, Google had the following to say:

“Flash hasn’t been released for ICS yet so as far as we know, Adobe will support Flash for ICS.” – Google

Have a peek at the gallery below to see several signs that Adobe Flash Player isn’t active in Ice Cream Sandwich, and note that these screenshots are taken on the non-Verizon version of the Galaxy Nexus. You can see the rest of our Galaxy Nexus coverage by heading to our giant and ever-expending [Galaxy Nexus Portal] while the same situation is true for Android 4.0 in our [Ice Cream Sandwich portal].

And of course above all – don’t forget to check our our full reviews of the OS and the device separately this weekend here on SlashGear!

If you currently own a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, you should automatically get a notification for the software update. You can also check for it under the Software Update section in the settings menu. PlayBook tablets purchased after October 6 will have the update installed automatically during the setup process.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the major BlackBerry Tablet OS 2.0 update that’s been rumored. The update is expected to add native email, contacts, and calendar functionality as well as the Android app player. However, it’s believed that RIM will release the update later this month during the BlackBerry DevCon event.

[via RIM]

The updates are expected to bring hardware-accelerate 2D and 3D graphics rendering through Stage 3D. Adobe promises up to 1,000 times faster rendering performance in comparison to Flash Player 10 and AIR 2, which means up to 60FPS rendering and console quality games.

Additionally, LG and TiVo have been announced as the latest partners to bring Flash-based apps to its connected TVs via AIR, while Samsung SmartTVs already support Flash. AIR 3 will also allow developers to convert code to native apps for other platforms, including Android, BlackBerry Tablet OS, and iOS.

The announcement took place during the company’s MAX conference today, where it also revealed six new tablet-optimized apps, including Photoshop Touch, which will be heading to Android tablets first starting next month. For more details on the downloads, you can visit Adobe’s blog post.

[via Android Community]

Adobe’s platform general manager, Danny Winokur, posted an official response on the Adobe Blog addressing concerns regarding Flash support in Windows 8′s Metro UI. Winokur reminds that Flash will still be supported in the Windows 8 desktop interface, just not in the touch-friendly Metro tablet interface.

“We expect Windows desktop to be extremely popular for years to come (including Windows 8 desktop) and that it will support Flash just fine, including rich web based games and premium videos that require Flash,” said Winokur.

He also points out that Flash-based apps can still be delivered to the Metro version of Windows 8 via Adobe AIR, much like how they are currently deployed on Android, iOS, and the BlackBerry tablet OS.

However, it does seem like Adobe will have to do some transitioning to adapt more HTML 5 into its repertoire. Winokur says that the company is now more focused on providing the tools to enable publishers and developers to deliver the richest user experiences regardless of the technology behind it, be it HTML 5 or Flash. Adobe also looks forward to working with Microsoft, Google, Apple and others in the HTML community to further develop HTML 5 for delivering rich content.

The company seems to think that many iOS users still prefer to use the Safari browser and hence instead of making them replace that with the Skyfire browser, they’re now offering the Flash video component as a standalone player. It works almost like the Read It Later app, letting users import links via email, the clipboard, or a bookmarklet installed in Safari to queue Flash videos for viewing later.

On top of that, the VideoQ app also has a discovery facet to it. It offers various channels to browse, including News, Sports, Technology, Humor, Kids, and Anime. It also has a “Hot” list that highlights the most popular videos being watched. VideoQ is compatible with both iPhone and iPad interfaces and can be downloaded for $1.99 from the iTunes App Store.

[via iPodNN]

In the release notes, Adobe mentions enabling NEON optimizations for OMAP 4 processors, a corrected issue on the Galaxy S where some videos at resolutions of 720p and below were not displayed, and some fixed issues with browser plugins for Honeycomb. There are also some fixes for the EVO S, and a fix for an issue that caused video frames to stop rendering on longer streaming videos (over an hour). So it looks like some good stuff in there.

Anyone upgraded yet? Encounter any issues?

You can see the full release notes here. And the Android Market page here.

[via Adobe]

In addition, there’s support for USB keyboard and mouse, which should make content creation on the GTab more straightforward. ViewSonic has also added a couple of new languages, an energy-saving lock screen and support for an external docking station.

The GTab update is being delivered OTA, and owners of the tablet should get a notification in the top bar that the new software is available when they next power-cycle or turn on.

[Thanks n900mixalot!]

Google jumped the queue because of its deal with Adobe over Flash integration in Chrome, getting early access to the latest builds including the bug-fixed version currently in the pipeline. Those not using Chrome could still fall foul of the exploit, which embeds a Flash file in an Excel document that, if opened on a PC, can open that computer up to hacker access. Adobe hopes to release a fix for Flash Player on other browsers this week.

“Adobe will offer Flash Player 10.2 pre-installed on some tablets” Adobe’s Matt Rozen confirms, “and as an OTA download on others within a few weeks of Android 3 (Honeycomb) devices becoming available, the first of which is expected to be the Motorola Xoom.” That suggests that 10.2 will be released in mid-March.

It could well be that by the time Samsung releases the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and LG the G-Slate, Adobe will have already pushed Flash Player 10.2 out of the door. That will leave only the very earliest of Honeycomb early-adopters impacted by the timing mismatch.

The updated version also includes support for multiple display full screen playback, native mouse cursors – at the whim of Flash designers – and sub-pixel text rendering tweaks. Meanwhile there’s also preparatory work done for GPU rendering in Internet Explore 9.

Stage Video will require some server-side modifications by sites in order for Flash Player 10.2 to take advantage of the full hardware acceleration, but YouTube, Vimeo, Brightcove and Epix have all jumped on board and will be updating their systems accordingly. Download details here.

The DirecTV deal will see Samsung integrate RVU chips into its LED D6000, LED D6400 and LED 6420 TV models, allowing each HDTV to receive streamed content from a single DirecTV server. They’ll go on sale in March 2011, offering DVR services, live pause on all screens in the home, 200hrs of shared storage, PiP and the ability to record up to five shows simultaneously.

Meanwhile, Samsung has also announced a deal to put Adobe AIR 2.5 on its smart TVs and Blu-ray players, together with adding Flash Player 10.1 support to the browser on its sets. Apps written in AIR will be cross-platform compatible with Samsung HDTVs just as they are on PCs, Macs and other platforms today.

Press Release:

Samsung and DIRECTV Partner to Deliver World’s First RVU-Compatible Production Television

DIRECTV and Samsung Showcase Multi-room DVR Technology On Samsung Smart TVs

2011 International CES
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today at the International Consumer Electronics Show, DIRECTV and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced they have partnered to present the world’s first RVU-compatible production televisions, which will provide more than 19.1 million DIRECTV subscribers with the ability to watch live broadcast and stored content from their DVR on Samsung smart TVs, without the need for additional set-top boxes. As founding members of the RVU Alliance, Samsung and DIRECTV are committed to providing a more seamless entertainment experience for consumers across multiple rooms and a variety of screens, through the use of standardized Remote User Interface (RUI) technology.

“Making DIRECTV features and content available to Samsung’s televisions through the RVU server allows consumers to enjoy our innovative service without the need for additional set-top boxes. We are pleased to see our successful partnership with Samsung expand to include support for RVU in their 2011 model range.”
The RVU protocol will be supported on Samsung’s LED D6000, LED D6400 and LED 6420 TV products that reflect the company’s commitment to delivering consumers high-quality, visually enhanced and connected entertainment experiences in their home. A RUI technology based on industry standards such as DLNA and UPnP, RVU allows a set-top box server to provide a multi-room, complete viewing experience that includes DVR services, without the need for additional set-top boxes in homes that have more than one connected TV.

“We are very happy to be working with an esteemed satellite provider like DIRECTV and provide the world first RVU service to consumers with Samsung TV,” said Boo-Keun Yoon, president of Samsung’s Visual Display Business. “Products developed on RVU standards, one of the major RUI standards, will help accelerate the development of features and applications that can provide our customers with a truly customizable, immersive entertainment experience that can be enjoyed from the comfort of the home.”

“The CES demonstration of the first RVU compliant television is exciting news for the industry and consumers who want a consistent, superior user experience throughout the home,” said Romulo Pontual, CTO of DIRECTV. “Making DIRECTV features and content available to Samsung’s televisions through the RVU server allows consumers to enjoy our innovative service without the need for additional set-top boxes. We are pleased to see our successful partnership with Samsung expand to include support for RVU in their 2011 model range.”

Capable of supporting multiple connected televisions, DIRECTV’s RVU server enables the UI and features to be displayed directly on those connected TVs. Under this partnership, Samsung will embed support for RVU in their smart TVs and provide its customers with the full DIRECTV experience, including DVR services, live pause abilities on all screens in the home, 200 hours worth of shared storage, picture-in-picture capabilities and the power to record up to five shows at once. Samsung’s RVU-compatible TVs will be available in March 2011.

More information on Samsung’s Smart TV strategy and Samsung’s new partnerships were announced during Mr. Boo-Keun Yoon’s keynote address, which can now be viewed at www.samsungces2011.com.

Press Release:

Samsung and Time Warner Cable Announce Collaboration for Smart TV Service and Multi-Room Solutions

Time Warner Cable App to be Available to the Company’s Subscribers on Samsung Smart TV and Samsung Galaxy Tab

2011 International CES
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Time Warner Cable shared the stage today at the International Consumer Electronics Show to announce a collaboration that will allow Time Warner Cable customers to access their cable subscriptions on the Samsung Smart TV and Samsung Galaxy Tab in their homes. Time Warner Cable Chairman and CEO Glenn Britt joined Samsung Visual Display President Boo-Keun Yoon on stage during Mr. Yoon’s keynote speech, where the two companies jointly announced the collaboration and demonstrated the services.

“The era of smart TV is here, and innovative partners like Time Warner Cable, that can utilize this ground-breaking technology to deliver new entertainment solutions to their consumers, will be the first to succeed.”
Available as an app within Samsung’s application storefront, the Time Warner Cable service ultimately will give Time Warner Cable’s subscribers access to all of their cable channels directly on Samsung smart TVs and Galaxy Tab in the home. All of the content can be consumed through Samsung’s award-winning LED, LCD and Plasma smart TV line-up, which delivers a high-quality, visual enhanced and connected entertainment experience to the home.

In addition to watching live TV on the Smart TV and Tab, Mr. Britt demonstrated the capability for Time Warner Cable customers to access recorded content from a DVR elsewhere in the home directly on the Samsung Smart TV, without the need for a connected set-top box. This creates a multi-room viewing experience that doesn’t require multiple set-top boxes in homes that have more than one connected TV.

“We are very excited to announce Time Warner Cable as our newest partner in delivering new smart TV experiences,” said Boo-Keun Yoon, president of Samsung’ Visual Display Business. “The era of smart TV is here, and innovative partners like Time Warner Cable, that can utilize this ground-breaking technology to deliver new entertainment solutions to their consumers, will be the first to succeed.”

“We’re excited to bring together Time Warner Cable’s high-value content and high-quality delivery with Samsung’s innovative products,” said Mr. Britt. “Time Warner Cable is committed to making it easier for our customers to watch what they want, when they want, on multiple devices. We’re giving customers more control than ever in ways that are simple and easy for them. Samsung’s leading technology and large base of consumers make the company the perfect partner as we deliver services that will change the way people watch TV.”

The Time Warner Cable applications will be demonstrated at the Samsung booth in the Central Hall at the International Consumer Electronics Show, Jan. 6-9, 2011.

Time Warner Cable anticipates beginning to offer the apps commercially on Samsung devices later this year.

Press Release:

Samsung and Comcast Partner to Transform TV Viewing on Smart Televisions and Tablets

New Comcast Xfinity TV Experience to Launch on Samsung Smart TVs and Tablets This Year

2011 International CES
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today at the International Consumer Electronics (CES) Show, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) jointly announced the companies’ partnership to continue to revolutionize the way consumers access content and watch TV. For the first time on a connected TV, the new Xfinity TV service will offer a rich, Web-like interface, enabling simpler navigation and the ability to seamlessly search across linear TV, DVR recordings, and video on demand among tens of thousands of content choices. A sleek graphics-rich display will guide the viewer to their favorite programming.

“As we begin this exciting new decade, Samsung is also launching a new era of TV technologies that will delight and amaze consumers unlike ever before”
The partnership also will deliver a customized and integrated multi-platform viewing experience on Samsung smart TVs and the Android™-powered Samsung Galaxy Tab. On the tablet, the Xfinity TV experience is a virtual television guide and a mobile video player all in one. Xfinity TV digital customers will be able to browse, discover and sort video content, change the channel on a Samsung smart TV in real time, and program DVRs. In addition, they can watch streaming TV programming and movies directly on the tablet, and access that content across multiple devices. The service’s roadmap includes the ability to begin watching a favorite movie on the Samsung Galaxy Tab, then pause the movie and resume watching it on a Samsung smart TV from the exact moment it was paused, and vice versa.

The Xfinity TV service was unveiled today at the International Consumer Electronics Show by Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts during a keynote speech by Boo-Keun Yoon, president of Samsung’s Visual Display Business, and will also be demonstrated at the Samsung booth in the Central Hall.

“As we begin this exciting new decade, Samsung is also launching a new era of TV technologies that will delight and amaze consumers unlike ever before,” said Boo-Keun Yoon, president of Samsung’s Visual Display Business. “To partner with the renowned Comcast brand enables us to deliver on our promise of giving consumers greater variety, easy access and control of the content they discover and deliver a more immersive and entertaining experience to Comcast customers.”

Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Corporation, said, “Our partnership with an industry leader like Samsung is another important step in Comcast’s plan to totally reinvent how consumers watch television wherever and whenever they want. We have the technology framework in place to deliver new features to Comcast customers faster than ever, including on connected TVs, tablets and multiple devices, which is core to our strategy and a key facet of the future of television.”

The Xfinity TV experience will be distributed later this year on the Samsung smart TVs and on the application store for the Galaxy products interacting through the Comcast set-top box, giving consumers yet another access point for discovering and connecting to Comcast Xfinity TV services. Content can be watched through Samsung’s award-winning LED, LCD and PDP TV products that reflect the company’s commitment to delivering consumers high-quality, visually enhanced and connected entertainment experiences in their home.

More information on Samsung’s smart TV strategy and Samsung’s partnership with Comcast were shared during Mr. Boo-Keun Yoon’s keynote address, which can now be viewed at www.samsungces2011.com.

Press Release:

Samsung and Adobe Bring Adobe AIR to Smart TVs

Samsung Becomes First to Integrate Adobe AIR 2.5 into Televisions and Blu-ray Players; Announces Plans to Bring Adobe Flash Player 10.1 to Smart TVs

2011 International CES
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today at the International Consumer Electronics Show, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Adobe announced that Samsung’s Smart TV platform will be the first to integrate support for Adobe® AIR® 2.5 for TV, making it easy for developers to build, distribute and monetize standalone applications through Samsung’s Smart TV applications store, Samsung Apps. The integration of AIR for TV with Samsung’s Smart TV platform will create new opportunities for a growing community of more than three million Adobe Flash® Platform developers who can use Adobe Creative Suite 5 to author content for AIR for TV. All of Samsung’s 2011 Smart TVs and Smart Blu-ray players will include support for Adobe AIR for TV.

“Adobe is a key partner for Samsung and we are thrilled to be the first TV manufacturer to support Adobe AIR across the Samsung Smart TV platform”
Samsung also announced plans to bring Adobe Flash Player 10.1 to its Smart TV browser, extending the company’s current support for Flash Player 10.1 on Samsung smartphones and tablets. With the addition of Flash Player 10.1, users will enjoy a more complete web browsing experience on the TV, with access to millions of websites with rich videos, games and other multimedia content.

“Adobe is a key partner for Samsung and we are thrilled to be the first TV manufacturer to support Adobe AIR across the Samsung Smart TV platform,” said Boo-Keun Yoon, President of Samsung’s Visual Display Business. “Together, Samsung and Adobe are transforming the ways in which consumers interact with devices and content, providing rich, interactive applications built with industry-leading, cross platform tools.”

“Content publishers want to extend their reach from smartphones to the largest screen in the home – all without sacrificing the unique context and experience of each screen,” said Shantanu Narayen, president and CEO of Adobe. “Samsung is the first device manufacturer to embrace Adobe AIR for TV, and together we will enable developers to extend media applications, social games and other forms of rich content to televisions and a wide range of Samsung devices.”

With Samsung’s Smart TV platform and Adobe AIR for TV, developers are able to leverage existing code to create and deliver standalone applications across devices and platforms. The Samsung Smart TV platform was built with the developer in mind, enabling content creators to develop applications on an open platform, using common web standards like Javascript and XML and now support for Adobe AIR. The platform uses a single Software Developer Kit (SDK) for Apps that runs across HDTVs, Blu-ray players and Blu-ray Home Theater systems so developers can write once and deploy apps across several platforms. This gives developers the opportunity for more versatile monetization and enables a consistent and intuitive experience for consumers.

More information about Samsung’s Smart TV strategy and Samsung’s new partnerships was announced during Mr. Boo-Keun Yoon’s keynote address, which can now be viewed at www.samsungces2011.com. For more information about Adobe AIR for TV visit http://www.adobe.com/devnet/devices/flash_platform_tv.html

This makes Chrome the only browser that runs Flash Player in a sandbox for Windows XP, this first version for Windows users allowing them to take advantage of a modified version of Chrome’s already existing sandbox tech. What sandboxing does, in a nutshell, is to protect the users most sensitive resources from being accessed while at the same time allowing apps to use the lesser sensitive ones. Common malware be shushed!

Soon this functionality will be available on on platforms, Google says, while those on the dev channel for Windows will be automatically updated soon. They encourage you to leave them loads of feedback of course, too. AND if you’re completely uninterested in such functionality, they’ve added a disable command “–disable-flash-sandbox” if you’d like to plug that into your command line and sit around all non-sandboxed.

[Via Official Chromium Blog]

R3 Media Network

Android Community
SPB TV v2.0 released: Free mobile TV with VoD
Samsung grabs US Android sales top-spot in Q3 2010
Dell Streak gets battery meter tweak
Gameloft’s Dungeon Hunter for Android goes free for one day only
Samsung hit 1m Galaxy Tab sales early; predict 1.5m by end of year
Android Market gets new Similar tab for some users
GameString brings Warcraft to Android [WOW] [IMAGE ABOVE]
Best Buy offers free Android phones for Christmas
T-Mobile UK Responds to delayed Galaxy S 2.2 Update
Android Flash Player Updated 10.1.105.7

SlashGear
Sony BRAVIA KDL22PX300 integrates PS2 and 720p HDTV
UFOs mentioned in WikiLeaks cables confirms Julian Assange
Txtr ereader reportedly erased
CLEAR Modem with WiFi wants to replace your DSL
Sony Ericsson LiveView [REVIEW]
Uranium soap glows radioactively
Japanese battery makes power from vibrations
GSLO applies to Apple MFi program for Peel 520
Professor in NYC installs camera in head
Orange offers cheap subsidized iPad
Speck offers new PixelSkin HD case for HTC HD7 smartphone [SUPER CUTE]
Prosecution in Xbox 360 modder case drops charges
Best Buy offers free Android phones just in time for Christmas
FTC testifies before Congress on Do Not Track list
Kaleidescape debuts Cinema One movie server
Google +1 social network now involving Sergey Brin?
Vonage offers users free calls to Santa for Christmas
Inventec HP webOS tablet & Oak Trail slates in Q1 2011; ASUS Core i5 tablet by end of year tipped
Google pays $1 compensation in Street View privacy case
WikiLeaks: Amazon denies government pressure; DNS yanked & servers moved to Switzerland
Parrot AR.Drone gets grounded in new teardown
mophie Juice Pack Plus for iPhone 4 packs biggest battery so far

To see more wrap-up posts, follow the following tags: [The Daily Slash] or [SlashGear Morning Wrap-up]

SlashPIRACY
I’ll just leave this here and you tell me what you think about it. This is a quote from a spokesperson from the BPI (essentially England’s music industry, similar to USA’s RIAA) responding to Google’s recent tweaks to its search service like removing words associated with piracy from appearing on autocomplete: “It is encouraging that Google is beginning to respond to our calls to act more responsibly with regard to illegal content, … However, this package of measures, while welcome, still ignores the heart of the problem – that Google search overwhelmingly directs consumers looking for music and other digital entertainment to illegal sites” – these words basically repeated by Richard Mollet of the Publishers Association: “We hope that the measures announced today take effect quickly and that Google could then consider going further, so that illegal sites don’t appear in general free search results.”

[Via BBC]

R3 Media Network

SlashPhone
Google Planning on Their Own online eBook Store
PSP Phone Spotted in Greece [caught on video]

Android Community
Pocket God hits Android, has issues
Speck launches new cases for Galaxy Tab and Galaxy S
Spotify for Android update suits tablets, speeds performance
Verizon’s 4G LTE Network Initial Impressions
Business Insider Ranks Google TV and Nexus One Among Top 15 Biggest Tech Flops of 2010
Google Doodles Now Available on Mobile Devices
Android Flash Player Updated 10.1.105.7
Galaxy S Android 2.2 Delay Addressed by T-Mobile – Maybe Due Next Week?
NOOKcolor Receives Full Teardown
Android 2.3 Gingerbread User Interface Demonstration [in Cantonese] [GINGERBREAD YAY]

SlashGear
Malcolm Fontier outs iMojito hybrid iPhone case and wallet
Verizon 4G LTE contract-free options confirmed
NASA find new lifeform: arsenic microbe widens likelihood of extraterrestrial life [BIGGEST NEWS EVER, EVER]
OnLive PlayPack $9.99 flat-rate gaming plan debuts as MicroConsoles ship
iPad bests Galaxy Tab in perceived value; neither live up to RRP
RIM adds The Astonishing Tribe to its team
Apple TV HD movie streaming delays frustrating owners
Samsung develops highest density LPDDR2 DRAM in industry for mobile devices
HTC watching tablet market and will focus on Android rather than Windows Phone 7 for now
ThinkGeek ships uber geeky Electronic Music Synthesizer shirt
XIM3 gadget breaks cover to let you bring other controller types to your Xbox 360
PeeWee launches new PeeWee Power 2.0 laptop for kids
Sanus outs new basic TV stands and no-drill TV mount
Amazon yank WikiLeaks hosting amid first-amendment furore [FFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUU]
Motorola wireless STB streamer due at CES 2011 to take on Slingbox [Updated]
Apple 3D patent details glasses-free display
UK to lead in 4G LTE roll-out, regulator Ofcom predicts
Advent Vega tablet back on sale [Update: all gone!]
Apple fiber-optic MagSafe cable patent tips potential Light Peak support
Fifty Percent of Xbox LIVE Users Are Gold Subscribers, So Says Microsoft
Wii Speak Phased Out by Nintendo …Maybe
New Right-Click Menu item for YouTube Allows Instant Time Link
NASA: The Definition of Life Has Just Expanded [A WHOLE NEW WORLD]
Concept Design Shows Smartphone Floating in Mid-Air to Charge Battery
Sony Aims for Life-Size 3D Holographics by 2022
Just admit it: We all want bigger HDTVs [COLUMN]
Logitech Revue Promoted by Kevin Bacon’s Biggest Fan
Apple Patent Application Suggests Pop-Up Radial Menus Could be Included in iOS 5
Angry Birds Seasons Expansion Now Available in Apple App Store [WEEE]
Advent Vega unboxing & hands-on [Video] [FEATURED]
4G Motorola devices in early 2011; tablets imminent & Verizon iPhone tipped for Q1

To see more Daily Slash posts, click here: [The Daily Slash] or here: [SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up]

Stage Video is an infrastructure for playback of videos that should further reduce the impact playing a video with Flash Player has – on your computer, not impact on how visually spectacular it is. Previous versions of Flash Player 10 (the one you’re upgrading here) leveraged GPU acceleration for decoding video while 10.2 (this update) offloads basically all video pipeline tasks to the GPU to help with the CPU load. Less heavy lifting!

In addition to that, 10.2 improves text rendering, full-screen playback for two-monitor setups (allowing playing on one screen while the other stays open for you to continue working.) Check out the full press release below and [download the plugin here] and check out [Stage Video demo clips here.]

We’re happy to announce a beta release of Flash Player 10.2 for Windows, Mac, and Linux is now available for download on Adobe Labs. Flash Player 10.2 beta introduces a number of enhancements we’re excited to share, including Stage Video, a new API that delivers best-in-class, high performance video playback across platforms. The new beta also includes Internet Explorer 9 hardware acceleration support previewed earlier (in Flash Player “Square”), enhanced text rendering, and two popular requests from the community: a native custom mouse cursors API and support for full screen playback with multiple monitors.

Setting the Stage for Beautiful Video

A lot of folks want to deliver the best possible video experience to the widest number of people. Stage Video in Flash Player 10.2 beta advances that goal. This new capability will help web sites deliver smooth, beautiful video across devices and browsers by enabling access to hardware acceleration of the entire video pipeline. As we showed in a sneak peak just last month at Adobe MAX, Flash Player 10.2 beta with Stage Video can deliver brilliant HD video with dramatically little processing power. Working together with hardware vendors has helped us take advantage of the GPU to offload not only H.264 hardware decoding (introduced in Flash Player 10.1) but the rest of the video rendering pipeline, including color conversion, scaling, and blitting. How efficient is hardware acceleration in Flash Player 10.2 beta? Using Stage Video, we’ve seen laptops play smooth 1080p HD video with just over 0% CPU usage.

Quality and performance are important, and so are richness and reach. Accordingly, Stage Video supports fully interactive, rich content combined with video. 1 billion people have Flash Player today. Because Stage Video works across browsers, when the final shipping version of Flash Player 10.2 is released, users will benefit from Stage Video accelerated content with a simple Flash Player update. We’re also introducing Stage Video across devices. In fact, today Google TV already takes advantage of Stage Video in Flash Player to deliver gorgeous 1080p HD video playback on TVs.
For content providers, Stage Video will work with all of the existing video viewed in Flash Player once they utilize the new API in their video player SWFs. This means their websites will continue to benefit from Flash Player’s advanced streaming for smooth, higher quality playback, DVR-like playback control, content protection, and consistency, with no changes to their encoded videos or infrastructure. Developers can learn more about how to enable their sites to take advantage of Stage Video today, and sites like YouTube have already started adding early support for Stage Video.
Other Enhancements

In addition to enhanced video playback, Flash Player 10.2 beta includes Internet Explorer 9 GPU support. In some of our tests this has yielded up to 35% improvement in rendering performance with Microsoft’s latest browser. Some other features are less about big numbers but little details that make experiences better. Flash Player has long allowed viewers to enjoy true full screen playback with one click. With Flash Player 10.2 beta, users with multiple monitors will be able to watch videos in true full screen on one display while multi-tasking on another (we heard you!). And we’re including another popular request from designers and developers: support for native custom mouse cursors. The new API allows developers to create their own cursors, static or animated, and ask the native OS to render them rather than use resources to manually draw custom cursors. This opens up new creative possibilities and can improve responsiveness in games, applications, and other content. Finally, the Flash Player 10.2 beta release also includes new sub-pixel text rendering enhancements that leverage Adobe typography research to further enhance readability of text in Flash Player, especially for complex character-based languages.

We encourage developers to install Flash Player 10.2 beta to check out these upcoming features. Developers with the beta can check out the Stage Video demos on Adobe Labs, including a demonstration of Stage Video from our friends at YouTube. If you’re an end-user, you probably don’t need to download the beta – you’ll benefit from Stage Video with the final release of Flash Player 10.2 next year as websites take advantage of it. We’ve found the beta to be pretty stable and ready for broad testing, but keep in mind this is a pre-release version of Flash Player, so not everything will be fully baked. If you encounter any issues, please file a bug in our public database so we can investigate. We appreciate your help and feedback.

We’re excited about what’s coming, and we hope you like it!
Tom Nguyen
Product Manager, Flash Platform Runtimes

From Around the Web

Panasonic and Sanyo Create EVERLED Li-Ion Solar Street Lights: As technology companies all over the globe figure out ways to create better technology, that also combines the efforts of an eco-friendly stature, we’re left watching even the most seemingly mundane pieces of technology being upgraded. For instance, Panasonic and Sanyo saw fit to fix street lights. The new versions, called EVERLEDs, combines the use of solar cells and Lithiu-ion batteries. The lights feature Sanyo’s HIT solar cells, which boast the highest-class conversion efficiency in the world, and more integrated thin solar cells. As you can imagine ,the electricity needed to power the lights is gathered from the solar panels, and then the energy is stored in the Li-ion batteries. The LED lights can be then be powered for up to 15 hours at night, without sun. The pair of companies plan on launching the new street lights in January, 2011, in Japan. [via FarEastGizmos]

R3 Media Network

SlashGear

Palm Pre 2 Heading to Verizon
Google Comes Clean on Q3 Results
FedEx Overnight Delivery is Terrible
Verizon FIVESPOT Hands-On
Gran Turismo Delayed Due to Executive Team
MacBook Air Getting a Refresh Next Week

Android Community

T-Mobile G2 Gets Temporary Root Fix
Adobe’s Flash Player Hits 1 Million Downloads

SlashPhone

Samsung Galaxy Tab Lands in Germany
Vertu Unveils Constellation Quest Smartphone

Adobe managed to keep up the good work in their net income as well. The company reported that their non-GAAP diluted earnings per share quarter were $0.54, versus the $.035 recorded in the third quarter of last year. Recorded non-GAAP net income was listed at $284.0 million this quarter, put against the $186.1 million from 2009. Adobe’s CEO Shantanu Narayen made this comment about Adobe’s third quarter earnings for this year. “We remain bullish about Adobe’s long-term role in enabling the transformation of content and applications across industries.”

There’s no doubt that, despite the wars that Adobe fought in the tech market with the likes of Apple, that the company is doing well for itself. Beyond well, actually, as we look at their third quarter earnings. Let’s hope that all of the other companies out there were as lucky as Adobe, as we roll into the fourth quarter of 2010, and we start seeing more earning reports across the board.

Press Release

SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today reported strong financial results for its third quarter fiscal year 2010 ended Sept. 3, 2010.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2010, Adobe achieved record revenue of $990.3 million, compared to $697.5 million reported for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and $943.0 million reported in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. This represents 42 percent year-over-year revenue growth. Adobe’s third quarter revenue target range was $950 million to $1 billion.

“Strong performance in each of our major businesses contributed to record revenue and strong earnings in Q3,” said Shantanu Narayen, president and CEO of Adobe. “We remain bullish about Adobe’s long-term role in enabling the transformation of content and applications across industries.”

Third Quarter Fiscal 2010 GAAP Results

Adobe’s GAAP diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 were $0.44, based on 523.2 million weighted average shares. This compares with GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.26 reported in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 based on 531.8 million weighted average shares, and GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.28 reported in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 based on 533.3 million weighted average shares.

GAAP operating income was $302.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to $167.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and $227.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. As a percent of revenue, GAAP operating income in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 was 30.5 percent, compared to 24.0 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and 24.1 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

GAAP net income was $230.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to $136.0 million reported in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and $148.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

Third Quarter Fiscal 2010 Non-GAAP Results

Adobe’s non-GAAP diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 were $0.54. This compares with non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.35 reported in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.44 reported in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

Adobe’s non-GAAP operating income was $384.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to $237.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and $334.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. As a percent of revenue, non-GAAP operating income in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 was 38.9 percent, compared to 34.0 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and 35.5 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

Non-GAAP net income was $284.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to $186.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and $234.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

Reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP results is provided at the end of this press release.

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2010 Financial Targets

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, Adobe is targeting revenue of $950 million to $1 billion. The Company’s operating margin is targeted to be 27 percent to 30 percent on a GAAP basis, and 37 percent to 38 percent on a non-GAAP basis. In addition, the Company is targeting its share count to be between 516 million and 520 million shares, and it is targeting non-operating expense between $14 million and $19 million. Adobe’s GAAP and non-GAAP tax rate is expected to be approximately 24.5 percent.

These targets lead to a fourth quarter diluted earnings per share target range of $0.35 to $0.41 on a GAAP basis, and an earnings per share target range of $0.48 to $0.54 on a non-GAAP basis.

Reconciliation between these GAAP and non-GAAP financial targets is provided at the end of this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including those related to revenue, operating margin, non-operating expense, tax rate, share count, earnings per share and business momentum, which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: failure to develop, market and distribute new products and services or upgrades or enhancements to existing products and services that meet customer requirements, introduction of new products, services and business models by existing and new competitors, failure to successfully manage transitions to new business models and markets, continued uncertainty in economic conditions and the financial markets and other adverse changes in general political conditions in any of the major countries in which Adobe does business, difficulty in predicting revenue from new businesses, failure to realize the anticipated benefits of past or future acquisitions, and difficulty in integrating such acquisitions, costs related to intellectual property acquisitions, disputes and litigation, inability to protect Adobe’s intellectual property from third-party infringers, or unauthorized copying, use or disclosure, security vulnerabilities in our products and systems, interruptions or delays in our service or service from third-party service providers that host or deliver services, security or privacy breaches, or failure in data collection, failure to manage Adobe’s sales and distribution channels and third-party customer service and technical support providers effectively, disruption of Adobe’s business due to catastrophic events, risks associated with global operations, currency fluctuations, risks associated with our debt service obligations, changes in, or interpretations of, accounting principles, impairment of Adobe’s goodwill or amortizable intangible assets, changes in, or interpretations of, tax rules and regulations, Adobe’s inability to attract and retain key personnel, impairment of Adobe’s investment portfolio due to deterioration of the capital markets, and market risks associated with Adobe’s equity investments. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, individuals should refer to Adobe’s SEC filings.

The financial information set forth in this press release reflects estimates based on information available at this time. These amounts could differ from actual reported amounts stated in Adobe’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for our third quarter ended Sept. 3, 2010, which Adobe expects to file in October 2010. Adobe does not undertake an obligation to update forward-looking statements.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information – anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.

© 2010 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved. Adobe, Creative Suite, Omniture and the Adobe logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Laptop Mag took the Droid 2 from Motorola, which utilizes Verizon’s network, for a spin. As we mentioned above, it’s the first device to actually launch with Flash Player 10.1. While the Nexus One has had access to it through many Beta versions, this is the device that’s got it on the box, so to speak (and literally). So, with that being said, they wanted to try the device, and make sure that the online experience, both surfing the Internet and experiencing games and videos, was as top-notch as it should have been. Or, more specifically, as good as Adobe says it is. Truth be told, it can all be summed up in just a few sentences:

“I’m the last person on Earth who wanted to believe Steve Jobs when he told Walt Mossberg at D8 that “Flash has had its day. I’m sad to admit that Steve Jobs was right. Adobe’s offering seems like it’s too little, too late.”

It seems pretty straight-cut. While Flash Player 10.1 brings the grownup experience of Flash Player from the PC to your mobile phone, it seems like it’s just not good enough. Through the many trials, results are all over the place. Trying to access video on sites like Fox.com lead to choppy presentation, and sometimes videos that just didn’t work. Choppy playback means that you can’t actually watch a video, and that’s kind of the whole point. Furthermore, moving around on a page while you’re trying to watch a video was pretty much impossible. And, more often than not, it became brutally apparent that the whole experience was not, in fact, optimized for the mobile experience. (As the picture above so eloquently displays.)

Just as devastating, though, is game play. Playing Flash-based games on your mobile device may be the future, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to cut it. As their tests show, most games are still primarily aimed at traditional PCs. You still need that full keyboard (not the QWERTY one on your Droid 2, mind you), and a mouse. Some games wanted you to click the CTRL key, while others want you to click that left mouse key. In the end, even when they went to a game that was supposedly optimized for the mobile phone, it still just didn’t work as well as it should. If at all.

It turns out that, despite all the hard work Adobe obviously put into cramming the full experience of Flash into the mobile world, the rest of the world isn’t ready for this. And yes, this is their fault. You cannot promise us something like the full web experience, and then when we try to experience it, have our phone slow down to a stand-still — or just stop working altogether. You can’t tell us that we can watch “all” of the videos out there in the world, but then have the playback be so terrible that we don’t even want to waste our time.

Because, in the end, it is a waste of our time. If we have to shut off Flash Player 10.1 just to have an experience on the Internet that we can enjoy, and actually accomplish something, then you’re not delivering us the full Internet. In fact, it looks like you’re hindering it. And, don’t try to blame the device, either. If a new phone, featuring a 1GHz processor can’t run your “full” Internet, how are devices supposed to do it with lesser processors? They won’t be able to, apparently — and that’s just not the way this should happen.

Yes, we were looking forward to Flash Player on our devices. Not just our Android devices, either. No, we wanted the experience to transcend Google’s mobile Operating System, and spread its wings onto other platforms, other devices. We wanted this to work out, so much, that we closed our eyes and experienced what we would call blind hope. Maybe even blind faith. Can these things, detailed more in depth through the source link and outlined above, be fixed through software optimizations, and through back-end optimizations on the Internet websites that have Flash player on them? Yes, of course. But, that’s not really the point, is it? We wanted the full Internet, without having to cut any corners or make any more optimizations that some of these sites, if not most of them, would rather just switch over to HTML5, instead of going back and redoing everything to make sure that mobile phones are optimized to play the full Flash Player experience.

Will the software optimizations come? Probably. Will the software continue to be tweaked until the foreseeable future, constantly trying to improve on the thing that was (probably) prematurely released? For sure. But, will it matter? If this is any indicator of what’s to come, we’re going to go ahead and open our eyes and count this as a lost cause.

[via Laptop Mag]

Of course, the argument is this: while Flash lets you display the “full web,” does it do with by sacrificing the speed and performance of your mobile device? While we’ve seen Flash on other devices, like from HTC and Nokia, these have all been variations of Flash Lite. This time around, we’re getting the full experience, optimized for the mobile platform. Therefore, there’s still just as many questions lingering about its ability to provide the full web, but at the same time keep our devices working in a proper fashion.

Michael Gartenberg, a constant columnist here at SlashGear, even mentioned his usage of Adobe’s Flash Player 10.1 on his Nexus One, which he updated to Froyo, and subsequently began using the pre-releases of the Flash Player as they were released. As he said, in his column “Flash Goes Mobile — First Take“:

“Overall, my experience with Flash on Android was pretty good. Sites that did use Flash loaded relatively quickly and effortlessly. It was fun to surf to a site and not get an error message because Flash was being used,” said Michael Gartenberg in his blog posting. ““Performance worked well and sites loaded quickly and fairly complex animations and user experiences worked quickly and looked good. Adobe has done a good job making the case that Flash is viable for mobile.” – Michael Gartenberg, Partner, Altimeter Group.

As Adobe stresses, Flash Player 10.1 has been redesigned and optimized for mobile. It supports accelerometers, and features something called “Smart Zooming.” With this latter feature, you’ll be able to scale the Flash content to full screen, if that’s how you’d prefer to view it. Above all, 101. should make efficient use of the CPU on your mobile device, as well as optimize the battery life. Basically, your phone shouldn’t slow down, nor should your battery die 15 minutes after you start browsing the Internet on your device.

Probably one of the better features, though, is “Smart Rendering.” Designed to make sure that the Flash content on any particular site doesn’t start running until it’s actually on the screen means a lot less stress on the CPU, as well as the battery consumption. Other features, like “Sleep Mode,” means that when you’re screen goes dark, Flash Player will automatically slow down.

As for Android-based devices expected to get Android 2.2 support, and therefore official candidacy to Flash Player 10.1, where what you’re looking at: DROID by Motorola, Dell Streak, Google Nexus One,
Motorola MILESTONE, HTC Evo, HTC Incredible, HTC Desire, Samsung Galaxy S and others. Sure, all of these handsets were pretty much shoe-ins for the update, but that doesn’t answer the really important question: when’s the update coming? That won’t get answered here, so if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll be disappointed.

However, Flash Player 10.1 isn’t going to be supported on just Android. Here are the other platforms that are going to be supported as well: Flash Player 10.1 was also released to mobile platform partners to be supported on devices based on Android, BlackBerry, webOS, Windows Phone 7 Series, LiMo, MeeGo and Symbian OS, and is expected to be made available via over-the-air downloads and to be pre-installed on smartphones, tablets and other devices in the coming months. While webOS owners are still waiting for their chance in the 10.1 limelight, it looks like they won’t have much longer to wait at all. As for all those BlackBerry owners out there, well, here’s another step toward a far more lucrative and in-depth Web-browsing experience.

There are 35 companies, distributed throughout the mobile universe in one way or another, tagging along with Adobe in their effort to give owners the full Internet, in every shape and form. Companies like Turner Broadcasting, Time Warner, Sony Pictures, HBO, Viacom, USA Network, Dell, Samsung, HTC, Google, and RIM. All of these companies are going to release their own information about their usage of Flash Player 10.1, and there’s plenty of companies in the list that we’re, frankly, looking forward to seeing the result of the platform, together with their ideas.

So, when’s it officially coming? Well, we thought we might get a cheat-sheet as to when Google might officially release Froyo, but that’s not the case. As the press release puts it, we have to wait for the official release of Froyo before we’ll be able to download the Flash Player 10.1 over the air. If you’ve got an Android 2.2-based device, and once it officially launches, you’ll be able to find 10.1 sitting in the Android Market, waiting right there for you. In the mean time though, we’d love to hear from all the Nexus One owners out there running a release of Android 2.2, and Flash Player 10.1. How is it working for you?

Press Release:

HBO, Viacom, Turner, Warner Brothers, Sony Pictures, CBS Interactive, USA Network and
Others Ready Flash Content for Mobile

SAN FRANCISCO, CA. — June 22, 2010 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq: ADBE) today announced
the release of Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1 to mobile platform partners. Redesigned from the ground up with new
performance and mobile specific features, Flash Player 10.1 is the first release that brings the full web across
desktops and devices. Mobile users will now be able to experience millions of sites with rich applications and
content inside the browser including games, animations, rich Internet applications (RIAs), data presentations and
visualizations, ecommerce, music, video, audio and more.

Already the top free app on Android™ Market today, Flash Player 10.1 will be available as a final production
release for smartphones and tablets once users are able to upgrade to Android 2.2 “Froyo.” Devices supporting
“Froyo” and Flash Player 10.1 are expected to include the DROID by Motorola, Dell Streak, Google Nexus One,
Motorola MILESTONE, HTC Evo, HTC Incredible, HTC Desire, Samsung Galaxy S and others. Flash Player 10.1
was also released to mobile platform partners to be supported on devices based on Android, BlackBerry, webOS,
Windows Phone 7 Series, LiMo, MeeGo and Symbian OS, and is expected to be made available via over-the-air
downloads and to be pre-installed on smartphones, tablets and other devices in the coming months.

“We are thrilled that more than three million Flash designers and developers are now able to unleash their
creativity on the world of smartphones, tablets, netbooks, televisions and other consumer electronics,” said David Wadhwani, general manager and vice president, Platform Business at Adobe. “The combined power of the
leading rich media technology platform with millions of passionate creatives is sure to impact the world in ways we haven’t even imagined yet.”

Broad Partner Support
Device and technology partners including ARM, Motorola, Dell, RIM, Samsung, Google, HTC, NVIDIA,
Qualcomm, Intel, Microsoft, Texas Instruments, Brightcove and others announced more specifics around their
support for Flash Player 10.1 today. Major content publishers including Viacom, HBO, Msnbc Digital Network,
Turner, USA Network, Photobucket, Kongregate, Nickelodeon, Sony Pictures, Warner Brothers, CBS Interactive,
South Park Studios, Armor Games, cnet.com, Mochi Media, Blitz, Odopod, JustinTV, AgencyNet, Roundarch,
RAIN and many others have also started to optimize Flash content to deliver the best possible experience within the context of smaller screens, which includes larger buttons for interactions, layout adjustments for mobile
screens and more.

For details visit [insert Quote Page URL] or m.flash.com, Adobe’s showcase site for optimized Flash content. For
more information on how to optimize Flash content for mobile, visit www.adobe.com/go/fmobile.

New High Performance Features
Completely redesigned and optimized for mobile, Flash Player 10.1 delivers new interaction methods with support
for mobile-specific input models. Support for accelerometer allows users to view Flash content in landscape and
portrait mode. With Smart Zooming, users can scale content to full screen mode delivering immersive application like experiences from a web page. Performance optimization work with virtually all major mobile silicon and
platform vendors makes efficient use of CPU and battery performance.

The new Smart Rendering feature ensures that Flash content is running only when it becomes visible on the
screen further reducing CPU and battery consumption. With Sleep Mode, Flash Player automatically slows down
when the device transitions into screen saver mode. Advanced Out-of-Memory Management allows the player to
effectively handle non-optimized content that consumes excessive resources, while automatic memory reduction
decreases content usage of RAM by up to 50 percent. Flash Player pauses automatically when events occur such as incoming phone calls or switching from the browser to other device functions. Once users switch back to the browser, Flash Player resumes where it paused.

Industry Analyst Feedback
“Although it is labeled a dot release, Flash Player 10.1 is a significant update that includes a number of new
performance and mobile specific features,” said Al Hilwa, program director of the Application Development
Program at IDC. “This allows consumers to see a much bigger part of the web and allows developers to bring
their Flash platform skills to a much bigger swath of devices.”

“For the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to test an Android Froyo device loaded with a beta of Flash
Player 10.1,” said Ben Bajarin, principal analyst at Creative Strategies. “The overall experience and performance
of Flash has been impressive. Mobile users now have access to full web pages with rich Flash content on millions
of sites. With the new mobile specific features, developers also have an important opportunity to help shape the
way Web content, games, touch capabilities and more are presented across platforms and devices as Froyo and
other platforms deliver full Flash support.”

Additional Resources
To watch demo videos of Flash Player 10.1 running across devices, including smartphones and tablets, visit
www.adobe.com/devnet/devices/demos (insert hyperlink)

Availability
Flash Player 10.1 is expected to be available as a final production release for devices once users are able to
upgrade to Android 2.2 “Froyo.” Once upgraded, smartphones, tablets and other devices can be updated with
Flash Player 10.1 over-the-air via numerous ways including content triggered downloads, system software
updates and on-device app catalogs such as Android Market, Adobe Labs and other venues. The upgrade
mechanism will vary by device and device manufacturer. The desktop version of Flash Player 10.1 for Windows,
Mac OS and Linux is available on http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ today.

So, what big device is it going to be? We heard that Verizon and Motorola were going to launch two DROID devices in July, and we imagine that it wouldn’t take much imagination to assume that they could be talking about two devices at the press conference, but our money is on one device: the Droid X. While the Droid 2 has been rumored as well, it just doesn’t feel like its big enough to get this kind of attention.

As for the Droid X, we’d be looking at the official unveiling of the 4.3-inch device. Which, will at least run Android 2.1. But, considering the CEO of Adobe is going to be on hand to talk about something, we might be willing to place our bets that it will be the first device on Verizon to run Android 2.2, or Froyo. We’re also looking at a 1GHz processor under the hood, and a new version of Motorola’s MOTOBLUR, codenamed NinjaBLUR. Of course, we’re going to be there, live, giving you all the breaking information as it happens thanks to our legendary live blog. So, head on over to http://live.slashgear.com on June 23rd, beginning at 1:00PM Eastern, and get ready to meet the next generation of DROID.

[Update]: Well, looks like we don’t necessarily have to wait until June 23rd to get a glimpse of what’s coming down the pipe for the DROID lineage. Thanks to our friends over at Engadget, we get to see the DROID X first-hand, and watch as they snap through the homescreens. First impressions are always the most important, and it looks like they’re pretty excited about what Motorola has in store for Verizon customers. Here’s what they’ve confirmed:

The DROID X doesn’t have a 4.3-inch screen, apparently. It’s actually 4.4-inches, and it features FWVGA at a resolution of 854 x 480. They weren’t able to directly confirm it with the model they got to spend some time with, but they aren’t saying it isn’t possible. The screen’s very crisp, and the capacitive touchscreen is very responsive. Hardware wise, it’s thin. It’s also longer, and just a little bit wider than the current Android big-wig, the EVO 4G. And there aren’t any capacitive buttons on the bottom, but good old-fashioned hardware keys. They do say that it feels remarkably light, lighter than they had assumed it would, but it feels solid, and well built. It does fit in the pocket, but there’s definitely a presence there.

They were also able to confirm that the DROID X is indeed running Android 2.1, and there’s definitely some new version of MOTOBLUR running behind the scenes. They are quick to point out that the whole UI customization isn’t so “up-in-your-face” this time around, though. They aren’t sure how they feel about it, which is to be expected with any customization after spending such a short time with it, but from what we can see, we’ve got to admit that Motorola has indeed made some interesting changes.

As for the 8MP camera on the back, it does indeed record video at 720p. There’s a tap-to-focus feature, but it doesn’t actually refocus until after you’ve actually snapped the image. They also noted that the physical camera button, while a welcomed addition, is a bit too stiff, and therefore they found that images come out shaken, and not as exact as they’d like. While the video recording is a bit laggy, the video does play back smoothly. The white balance fluctuates quite a bit, as does the exposure.

The last two bits are about the software keyboard and the software itself. Motorola preloads the Swype keyboard, so that’s good. However, they are also throwing in a multi-touch keyboard for good measure. That’s right, Engadget tested it, and the keyboard does indeed register two keys pressed at the same time. It looks responsive, too. Very responsive. And then the performance. They say it’s “snappy,” and we wouldn’t argue that at all. It looks very, very slick, and Engadget does confirm that there’s a 1GHz processor under the hood. (No, not a Snapdragon.)

So, there’s the DROID X. No, it’s not official yet. That’s coming on the 23, so stay tuned. We’re curious, now more than ever, as to why a head-honcho of Adobe is on the scene, and we’re sure you are, too. So, stay tuned to http://live.slashgear.com on June 23rd, starting at 1:00PM Eastern, as we bring you the latest information.

[via Engadget]

The Best of R3 Media

New Android Tablet Shows Off Flash and Adobe AIR: And, according to the report, it does it so well that some would consider it “flawless.” Yep, Flash running on a mobile device “flawlessly.” We’re pretty shocked too, but we’ll have to take it for what it’s worth, because we can hope beyond hope that this is true. After all, we want the best kind of video player on our handsets, mobile devices, and tablets, and if Adobe thinks they can accomplish that, then by all means. The article states that there isn’t much information to go on, other than this is a prototype, and so far, that’s about as far as it’s gone in development. There’s a video at AC, so you should check it out and see all that flawless goodness for yourself. [via Android Community]

Griffin Jumper iPad Sleeve Gets Reviewed: The market for iPad accessories is pretty huge, and of course we’re not surprised to see all sorts of variations out there. The Griffin Jumper iPad Sleeve is definitely a different take on something kind of old, and we’d be lying if we didn’t say that’s a bit refreshing. But, the case itself is a bit too tight for the iPad, which proves a bit annoying when you’re trying to put the tablet in, or remove it for usage. The sleeve itself looks great, though, and that has to count for something. [via Everything iPad]

Sprint HTC Hero Getting Android 2.1 on May 7th: Here’s another leaked image from a major reseller. This time around it’s Best Buy, and it’s talking about the major upgrade to the HTC Hero for the Sprint network. It’s a ROM upgrade, so that could only mean (if it’s “major” enough), that the device is finally getting Android 2.1. But, then again, this is just another leak in a laundry list of leaks, so try not to hold your breath for too long. [via SlashPhone]

The Drege Net

Clearwire Promises Clear-Branded Samsung and HTC Devices: Pretty interesting stuff here. Clear today, during one of their financial calls, outed the future existence of self-branded Samsung and HTC-manufactured devices, all sporting the 4G technology Clear is so known for. The devices are expected to be released by the end of 2010, so there’s definitely a few months in between now and then for the company to fine tune whatever it is they’re working on. It describes the Sammy as an Android-based 3G/4G/WiFi device, which is optimized for heavy video and video communications use. However, the HTC device doesn’t say whether or not it’s an Android-powered handset. So, maybe Windows Phone 7, then? That’s all the information that Clear provided, but we’ll definitely be keeping our eyes and ears open for more on this very tantalizing story. [via Clearwire]

A New Sub-Orbital Spaceship for the Rich: When you become rich, one of the first things you want to do is take a trip to space, right? Of course you do! After all, you’re rich and you have nothing better to do (like earn that money). So, thanks to Dassault Aviation, that dream is one more step to becoming a reality. They want to give civilians the opportunity to travel up to space, and feel what three minutes of weightlessness feels like at 62 miles above the surface of the planet. Yep, that’s right at the edge of space. Pretty fantastic, right? No word on pricing quite yet, but, hey, you should just start saving. [via DVICE]

AT&T Refutes Claims of Staggering Dropped Calls: Earlier this afternoon, a report from ChangeWave stated that AT&T was reaching a record high of 4.5 percent of dropped calls on its network. However, this little report only covered about a couple thousand people, over a short amount of time. According to AT&T, who is basing their refuted claims on another report filed by a third-party analyst group called GWS, they are in a dead-heat race with the leader of fewest dropped called (believed to be Verizon Wireless), and that this claim of 4.5 percent is hogwash. The GWS study is definitely more tangible and believable, if only for the reason that it covered “millions” of people, and not just thousands. So, what do you think? [via Electronista]

When it comes to the open letter itself, Narayen suggests that it’s nothing more than a “smokescreen,” apparently designed to confuse the industry about what’s really happening here. And no, Narayen doesn’t do anything to clear up the situation on his end, either. He openly rebuttals the idea that Flash isn’t open, calling his platform an “open specification.” Perhaps a bit more straight forward though, Adobe’s CEO said that Job’s claims about Flash negatively affecting battery life are “patently false,” and actually suggested that, actually, it’s more of an OS X issue, rather than a Flash-based problem.

Near the end, Narayen pointed out that Adobe is a system for devs to create multiplatform tools, easier. And, yes, that’s the core argument here. These two companies can argue the differences between system performance until their blue in the face, and we imagine that everyone will want to join in, but the real issue here is the development process. Ultimately, will Flash make an impact with Froyo, the next version of Android? Or will Flash on mobile devices still just be a pain, rather than something we look forward to? That’s the only way for Adobe to argue the points listed by Jobs.

[via The Wall Street Journal]

Update:Moving Forward
Posted by Kevin Lynch, CTO on April 29, 2010 5:32 PM

This morning Apple posted some thoughts about Flash on their web site.
The primary issue at hand is that Apple is choosing to block Adobe’s
widely used runtimes as well as a variety of technologies from other
providers.

Clearly, a lot of people are passionate about both Apple and Adobe and
our technologies. We feel confident that were Apple and Adobe to work
together as we are with a number of other partners, we could provide a
terrific experience with Flash on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

However, as we posted last week, given the legal terms Apple has
imposed on developers, we have already decided to shift our focus away
from Apple devices for both Flash Player and AIR. We are working to
bring Flash Player and AIR to all the other major participants in the
mobile ecosystem, including Google, RIM, Palm (soon to be HP),
Microsoft, Nokia and others.

We look forward to delivering Flash Player 10.1 for Android
smartphones as a public preview at Google I/O in May, and then a
general release in June. From that point on, an ever increasing number
and variety of powerful, Flash-enabled devices will be arriving which
we hope will provide a great landscape of choice.

The Best of R3 Media

Has the HTC Wildfire Been Outed? HTC took a different route with naming a future handset. Instead of keeping it internal like they usually do, they decided to talk to their Facebook fans. They published a list that showcased different names for devices. The Wildfire won that little contest. And sure enough, HTC’s just got a new, previously unheard of device being approved by the FCC. Could be the Wilfire. Or, it could be something completely different. [via Android Community]

Facebook Shifts Videos to HTML5: The Facebook iPhone OS app is one of the most popular for the platform, but the company has yet to create an iPad application. So, that means that most people with the magical tablet from Apple have been utilizing the mobile Safari to access their social networking content. The only trouble with that is, up until today, the videos that people added to their pages have been Flash-enabled. That’s all changed, though. They’ve hit the switch, and now the videos –all videos– are coded in HTML5, which means viewing them in mobile Safari, on the iPad or iPhone or iPod Touch, won’t be a problem at all. Now, how about that iPad app? [via Everything iPad]

The Samsung Galaxy A is Almost the Galaxy S: We’re eagerly awaiting our close, personal time with Samsung’s Galaxy S Android 2.1 handset, but for those in South Korea, you can pick up something a little bit like the real thing. The Galaxy A features Android 2.1, and it’s technically the company’s first Android 2.1 handset. It’s got a 3.7-inch AMOLED Plus One touchscreen display, and TouchWiz 3.0. So, like we said, it’s almost like the Galaxy S. No 1GHz processor, though. The Galaxy A has an 800MHz processor under the hood. [via SlashPhone]

The Dredge Net

LTE Has More Longevity Than WiMAX: Probably not good news for Sprint, but definitely good news for Verizon Wireless. According research firm IDC, it seems that WiMAX’s current spotlight in the news isn’t going to last. The company suggests that spending on LTE equipment is going to exceed WiMAX spending by the end of 2011. That’s a good bit of distance from now, but in the long-run, it’s still not that good for companies utilizing WiMAX for their 4G technology. As it stands, over 100 operators around the world are using LTE, which include nine of the top 10. An additional dozen are said to launch just this year alone. So, it seems that WiMAX may want to keep on running, because LTE may just leap over them before they know it. [via Gearlog]

New PS3 Firmware to Add Background Download: The PlayStation 3 keeps getting updated. It’s a bit over the top now, but we like new things way too much to turn them down. This time around, it’s just good news. According to rumors, the new update will add background downloading for patches to your favorite video games. Right now, it’s about as much a rumor as a rumor can be, but we’ve got our fingers crossed that Sony’s going to let us download our patches while we play the game of our choice. Especially considering those patches aren’t necessarily always that small. [via PS3 Blog]

The Zune HD gets Solitaire, Labyrinth, and a stopwatch: When you look at your Zune HD, the one thing you know it’s missing is the game of solitaire, right? Well, thankfully Microsoft has heard your inward pleas for justice, and have officially added the game to the roster. On top of that, there’s a labyrinth game, too. And, for all those moments when you need a stopwatch, they’ve got you covered with that, too. So, hurry up and go download the new goodness. [via CrunchGear]

At its most basic level, Jobs doesn’t want Adobe powering any applications on his new devices, such as the iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. Even if Adobe’s CS5 product, Flash Professional, allows for developers to compile and package their finished product in a format for iPhone OS, Apple doesn’t want any part of it. If a developer tries to submit an application developed in that format, they will actually violate Apple’s new Terms of Service, and therefore their application is going to get kicked to the curb, rather than accepted into loving arms.

Writing on Adobe’s Conversations blog, CTO Kevin Lynch told all those listening that the iPhone packager was going to remain, and that if developers wanted to develop their applications in this format, they weren’t going to stop them. The only company that would be hindering the developers would be Apple, and therefore Lynch and the rest of Adobe is leaving it up to the figureheads at Cupertino to figure out the details. The truth is, and Lynch knows this, Adobe is everywhere, and if Apple doesn’t allow for developers to build in Adobe products, other companies will. There’s open arms somewhere else, basically. Apple isn’t the only house on the block. At this point, this fight is just beginning, ladies and gentlemen. It’s time to choose your side.

[via Adobe]

CNN, Reuters, The New York Times, Vimeo, Time, Major League Basebal, The White House, Virgin America, Sports Illustrated, Flickr, People Magazine, TED

Is there any hidden rules to be part of this list? Not that we can see. To be included, all you have to do is make your site include one of, if not all of the following: HTML5, CSS3, an JavaScript. As we can see from the list, many of the sites are standardized for the iPad, but the main focus of the whole page seems to be the fact that most of these sites will play video in mobile Safari thanks to HTML5. Which, incidentally, is another slap to the face of Flash.

The site is designed for people to update Apple, by filling out a quick form, that their site is optimized for the iPad. It seems that Apple isn’t necessarily going out and looking for sites that fit their iPad’s formats, but at least they’re doing something to try and bring it to the world’s attention that some of the biggest sites on the ‘net fit the bill. Of course, Google, YouTube, and a few other major online publications aren’t included in that list, but we all know that Google works juts fine on the iPad. Why? Because it works just fine on the iPhone and iPod Touch. Besides, only two more days before we get to all find out for ourselves.

[via Apple]

The first thing to keep in mind when looking at the Slate from HP, is that the majority of specifications are still a mystery. While we can make a bunch of assumptions about what’s powering the tablet device, until there is any kind of official summary, that’s all they’d be: assumptions. It is running the full version of Windows 7, so that has a lot of people warming to the device, but also has the same amount of people running in the opposite direction. We understand that Flash Player empowers about 75% of the video we see every day on the Internet, but this video does indeed feel like a direct stab at Apple. HP/Adobe/Microsoft: “Look what we can do!”

In any event, it looks like Microsoft is starting to see that marketing their products, especially the ones that may not be as popular as some others, may be a good thing. The HP ad that’s posted below is one that makes the Slate look like a real competitor to the iPad, but there are some out there that may think it just makes the Apple-based tablet look better. Personal preference, we imagine. So, what’s yours? Are you awaiting the Slate? Or are your eyes looking at something else?

[via Engadget]