Adobe intros Flash Player 10.2 for mobile

Adobe has released the latest version of its Flash software for mobile devices, designed to provide improved performance and support for rich mobile experiences.

The download is being launched as a General Availability release for Android 2.2 and 2.3 devices and in beta for Honeycomb tablets, and is available now on the Android app store.

"The beta of Flash Player 10.2 for Android 3.x is an exciting release that brings a full web browsing experience, including video, games and other interactive content, to the latest Android tablets," wrote the firm in a blog post.

"We have been working very closely with Google through the development of this beta to ensure tight integration and optimisation between Flash Player 10.2 and new OS and browser capabilities."

The update brings performance improvements in machines running the more advanced Android releases, as well as better integration with the operating system's browser.

This means that Flash content will be treated as part of a web page, as opposed to being an overlay, and Adobe said that the update also improves scrolling and page display in general.

These benefits are expected to be increased when the Android 3.x version reaches General Availability status, which Adobe expects to happen soon.

Adobe has a clear affinity with the Android platform, but its relationship with Apple is the marked opposite.

Adobe chief executive Shantanu Narayen said in November that Adobe was "at war" with Apple and was fighting hard to preserve the openness of the internet.

"There is a war happening for developers. We are all about a multi-platform, heterogeneous, open ecosystem. And that's what we're going to be focused on," he said.

"And Apple will continue to like to keep that closed and proprietary. So let the games begin."

Earlier this month, Adobe announced details of Wallaby, a Flash to HTML converter that could see content using its software appear on iOS devices.

The move is expected to raise hackles at Apple and increase the intensity of the feud.