Access has licensed Bluestreak Technology's Flash player for mobile phones and set-top boxes, suggesting its Linux-based software stack for mobile phones could be used in phones that receive digital TV. The MachBlue player is said to implement a “large subset” of Adobe Flash 7 functionality.

The deal will enable Access to bundle Bluestreak's MachBlue player and tools with its NetFront browser and with Access Linux Platform (ALP), a Linux-based software stack for mobile devices, Access said.

Bluestreak's MachBlue aims to help set-top box and mobile phone vendors build vector-based graphical user interfaces (GUIs), as well as devices capable of rendering content downloaded in Adobe (formerly Macromedia) Flash file formats. Along with a “large subset” of Adobe's Flash 7 specification, MachBlue is said to implement a “MachBlue Mobile API” for handset control and integration. MachBlue is available as a run-time library or, for those wishing to implement GUIs, in a full “Studio” version said to integrate with existing Flash authoring tools.

Bluestreak's MachBlue technology was previously used by Orange, Europe's second largest carrier, to build the user interface for its “Orange World TV” rich media portal. Announced a year ago, the portal is said to deliver 52 channels across 3G and EDGE networks. Perhaps not coincidentally, Orange approved ALP for use on its networks last summer.

Tomihisa Kamada, Access CTO, stated, “The combined solution will enable Access customers to enhance their mobile experience through superior graphics, intuitive user interfaces, and robust navigation.”

Paul Forostowsky, Bluestreak CEO, added, “The agreement will help Access customers create and deploy today's hottest mobile services, including mobile TV, music-on-demand, sports portals, and off-deck content browsers.”

Availability

Access will offer the MachBlue Flash player as an option bundled with its NetFront browser and Access Linux Platform (ALP). Pricing and availability were not disclosed.

 
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