ARM gets flashy with Adobe

Adobe Systems has teamed up with chip designer ARM to improve the way that firm's web-friendly software works on mobile phones using ARM chips.

US-based Adobe - which makes tools for the Internet's most popular video software and made possible the rise of sites such as Google's YouTube - will optimise its Flash Player 10 and Adobe AIR for mobile phones based on ARM processors.

The agreement follows one last week between ARM and Canonical, the sponsor of open source operating system Ubuntu, The pair will develop a version of the OS which is optimised for ARM's netbook-friendly architecture.

"The release of a full Ubuntu desktop distribution supporting latest ARM technology will enable rapid growth," Ian Drew, vice president of marketing for ARM, said last week.

"The always-on experience available with mobile devices is rapidly expanding to new device categories such as netbooks, laptops and other internet connected products. Working with Canonical will pave the way for the development of new features and innovations to all connected platforms."

Of the Adobe deal, ARM's marketing chief Ian Drew told Reuters: "It's all about bringing the Internet experience everywhere."

Most of the world's biggest handset makers, including Nokia and Samsung as well as Apple and BlackBerry maker Research in Motion, have processors designed by UK-based ARM at their core.

The two companies said in a statement today a series of ARM-based processors for mobile phones, set-top boxes and other devices adapted for Adobe's Flash 10 and AIR should be available in the second half of 2009.