Adobe Launches Rich Mobile Content AppsAdobe Launches Rich Mobile Content Apps

Adobe Systems this week launched two new mobile applications, Flash Home and Flash Cast 2, designed for providers that want to enhance their products with rich mobile content.

Flash Home is a mobile application for creating customizable home screens and wallpapers using live data services. The combination gives users a more personalized mobile experience, said Adobe. For example, instead of an idle home screen, users would get instant access to more elaborate content branded by specific providers.

Flash Cast 2 is an update to Adobe's offline portal offering for accessing data services on mobile devices. These include subscription-based services like news, sports, and entertainment. By using Flash, providers can promote their brand and content consistently across different mobile devices.

Adobe said Flash Cast is already licensed by various carriers worldwide, including North America's Verizon Wireless, Japan's NTT DoCoMo, and China's Chunghwa Telecom. All three use the application to provide rich media through their customized content portals.

"Content providers worldwide trust Adobe to deliver engaging experiences in print, on the Web, in video and now mobile is the target for innovative applications that showcase their brands and unique content," said Gary Kovacs, VP of product management and marketing at Adobe's mobile and devices unit, in a statement.

MTV Networks, the Nasdaq Stock Market, eBay, Reuters, and Dolce & Gabbana are among the providers that have tapped Adobe for its Flash Player-compatible mobile applications.

According to Adobe, More than 450 million mobile devices shipped to date come enabled with Flash.

Adobe recently faced criticism for security problems in Flash and the application's absence of controls to disable behavior like Web site redirection. It has been reported that hackers and malware writers are taking advantage of Flash to infect computers; although it's unclear what the implications will be for mobile users.