Flash and Android - common future?

Question

Hello,

Thus far, all the Android applications I've worked on, are multimedia-oriented. In this context, support for Flash in Android is very intriguing topic for me (and many others, I believe).

Do you think that HTC Hero's Flash in the browser is strong enough indication that, at one point in the future, Android will support the Adobe platform? The inconsistency and scarcity of the info on this topic is really strange to me and the postponement of the awaited October release of FP10 for Android doesn't make it any better.

Still, if we assume that some future version of the SDK offers the developers support for SWF files (please, don't call it FlashView...), how would that impact the Android application environment, in your opinion?

P.S. And somewhat related side question: Can I make a sample application that uses WebView + HTC Hero and loads simple Flash content as media source? Maybe simple HTML document, containing only embedded SWFObject? It would be pretty hacky, but the concept seems cool to me.

Looking forward to your input, guys!

Answer 1

Do you think that HTC Hero's Flash in the browser is strong enough indication that, at one point in the future, Android will support the Adobe platform?

I look at it more of Adobe supporting the Android platform. That is mostly up to Adobe. The fact that Flash Lite is on the Hero is the first step. I was kinda expecting perhaps more announcements on this front as part of the recent push of devices -- one might think Adobe would have wanted to jump on the bandwagon at that point. It might also be that they're waiting for a slightly faster crop of devices (e.g., Snapdragon), so full Flash can run nicely, or something.

Still, if we assume that some future version of the SDK offers the developers support for SWF files

That is highly unlikely, any more than the Windows SDK offers developers support for SWF files. Flash might be licensed widely and appear on many Android devices, but that does not mean Flash will be in the SDK or part of the SDK toolchain. That's not really a limiting factor, any more than Microsoft's lack of support for Flash in their SDK/tools has hindered Flash on Windows.

how would that impact the Android application environment, in your opinion?

Depends on what it looks like. If it is merely Flash in Web pages, it will not impact Android development much. If, on the other hand, Flash (perhaps even Flex) apps can be treated as first-class apps on the device, that will open up Android development to a new cadre of people for whom Java is not their cup of tea.

there should be more community wiki posts

So far, I have only used SO for questions and answers, so forgive me if the style of my response here differs from the SO "community wiki" norms.

especially, when we have/had posters like Reto Meier and Mark Murphy.

:: blushes ::

Answer 2

I think that the big guys follow the money. By that I mean, the more popular the platform/product/whatever, the higher the chances are that it will be developed for and the higher the priority.

Considering Android is and will continue exploding, combined with Adobe's already existing interest to port Flash to mobile phones, and the whole fact that mobile is the future of tech, I would say it's very safe to say we will see Flash for Android, Pre, and other devices in full strength [most likely in very buggy shapes] in the near future.

Of course, we ARE talking about Adobe here, so the real answer is 'who the hell knows'.

Answer 3

I have a hero ( and love it ) but as the web devolops I find I care less and less about flash. Frankly I feel that HTML5 is the way forward - Canvas + SVG + JS + local DB seems to be a very flexible platform for building anything from applications (see any google app) to games (see http://www.paulbrunt.co.uk/2009/09/20/berts-breakdown/). Also openvideo (to me) replaces the need for Flash video players.

Answer 4

Here is a recent article and video about this support.