Flash 8 Player Beta Goes Public

[Tami]

Flash 8 Player Beta Goes Public

On Tuesday, Macromedia quietly published a test version of its new Flash 8 player, code-named "Maelstrom" on its Web [url=\"http://www.macromedia.com/software/flashplayer/public_beta/\"][u]site[/u][/url].

The download site says that the player is currently in public beta and is being made available so consumers and professional users can test their content in the new player and make sure there are no compatibility problems.

"Please help us ensure that this release will be of the highest quality by installing and using these players," the site said. "Please let us know as soon as possible if you encounter any issues."

Computers running the Windows 98 operating system or later and Macintosh OSX 10.1 or later can support the new test version of the player.

In June, Macromedia announced that it would be completely revamping the Flash platform, intending to turn the animation tool into a complete Web application tool.

The new system will give users access to the Flash Player; development tool Macromedia Flex; Flash MX 2004 for content creation; the Flash Communication Server for two-way audio and video streaming; FlashCast, which delivers mobile content; and Flash Lite, used to run Flash on mobile devices.

In a previous interview, Macromedia Chief Software Architect Kevin Lynch said that the new platform will deliver a next-gen experience for users who develop interactive content, applications and communications for multiple browsers and devices.

"The Flash Platform provides the solid foundation for delivering experiences that perfectly complement existing enterprise infrastructures and server-side technologies like J2EE [Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition] and .Net," Lynch said.

Out of the experience, design and Web programming will become a more streamlined process, allowing users to re-create experiences already seen in the Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer, an interactive paint selector on the company's site, and the flexible, one-page check-out area for discount clothing store TJ Maxx.

The download site reiterates that the test version of the Flash 8 player doesn't serve as an indication that the new platform will soon be on its way.

And, unlike the player, the new Flash platform will not have a similar public beta, though those interested in participating can submit an application [url=\"http://www.macromedia.com/support/programs/beta.html\"][u]online[/u][/url].