Flash Player 10.1 is also available for x86-based netbooks, and is expected to be available across a spectrum of smartphones and other internet-connected devices in 2010.

Adobe claims that with AIR 2, developers can create feature-rich applications in the desktop context, and users can add AIR 2 functionality to update current AIR 1.0 applications. New AIR 2 features include enhanced support for mass storage devices and native application processes, as well as peer-to-peer and UDP networking.

Flash Player 10.1 is a browser runtime release of the open screen project that will enable web browsing of applications, content and high definition (HD) videos across the desktop and devices.

Flash Player 10.1 reportedly takes advantage of new media delivery options using HTTP streaming coupled with content protection powered by Adobe Flash Access 2.0. Additionally, Flash Player 10.1 now leverages hardware decoding of H.264 video on Windows PCs, netbooks and mobile devices where available, to conserve battery life.

David Wadhwani, general manager and vice president of platform business unit at Adobe Systems, said: "With the beta availability of Adobe AIR 2 and Flash Player 10.1 today, we are taking an important step toward realizing the open screen project vision to enable rich internet experiences across any device, anywhere.

"Content creators will provide multi-screen experiences with uncompromised web browsing and standalone applications across desktops and netbooks, and in the near future across a wide range of mobile devices."

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.