OK, so while we're on mobile Flash today, let's take a look at a recent development in the non-FlashLite mobile arena. Last week, Macromedia removed the free Flash Player 6 for Pocket PC from their download page. You can read the official explanation for the move here. Bill Perry tries to give some explanation here and here, but even more interesting than Bill's posts are the comments of users left on his blog. Folks are not taking this lightly, and I don't blame them. The move just gives fodder to the Adobe vs. Microsoft theories we've seen around lately too. You do have to wonder why Macromedia would remove a free player (the traditional basis of their strategy for distributing Flash across all platforms) and still sell the $500 Player Distribution Kit. The given reasons sound a little hollow.Free Pocket PC Player Removed
OK, so while we're on mobile Flash today, let's take a look at a recent development in the non-FlashLite mobile arena. Last week, Macromedia removed the free Flash Player 6 for Pocket PC from their download page. You can read the official explanation for the move here. Bill Perry tries to give some explanation here and here, but even more interesting than Bill's posts are the comments of users left on his blog. Folks are not taking this lightly, and I don't blame them. The move just gives fodder to the Adobe vs. Microsoft theories we've seen around lately too. You do have to wonder why Macromedia would remove a free player (the traditional basis of their strategy for distributing Flash across all platforms) and still sell the $500 Player Distribution Kit. The given reasons sound a little hollow.Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. cbriggs,
Just in case you miss it, check ths post (http://www.flashinsider.com/2005/10/11/flash-player-6-for-ppc-free-again/) for good news on the situation!
Posted at 9:41PM on Oct 11th 2005 by David Robinson
1. This is NOT a good move on Macromedia's part. They should at least have added a developer's edition. On October 3rd i purchased a Smartphone (PPC) specifically to test some flash-based ideas i'm working on for my PhD research, thinking that the player was free. Now i'm looking at shelling out another $500 clams just to do testing.
Posted at 9:35PM on Oct 10th 2005 by cbriggs