Printable FAQ (PDF, 408 K)
Overview Information
- What is Macromedia FlashCast?
- Why choose FlashCast?
- Who is FlashCast for?
- How does FlashCast work with Flash Lite?
- Which mobile devices can run FlashCast?
- How many developers use Flash technology worldwide?
Technology Details
- What does the FlashCast solution consist of?
- What is the FlashCast client?
- What is the FlashCast server system?
- What is the FlashCast Authoring Add-On?
- How does FlashCast integrate with phone functionalities including browsing?
Developer Information
Pricing and Availability
- Which customers have launched FlashCast?
- Is FlashCast available for my mobile phone?
- What is the FlashCast pricing structure?
- How can I find more information about the FlashCast solution?
Customer Support
Overview Information
- What is Macromedia FlashCast?
FlashCast is a flexible client-server solution that effectively delivers rich, intuitive, branded mobile data experiences.
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Built on the Macromedia Flash Platform, the solution enables Flash Lite applications, called channels, to be smoothly delivered to consumer handsets. FlashCast ties full-color images, content feeds, Flash animations, and device capabilities together to offer rich experiences around news, weather, polls, blogs, promotions, streaming video, interactive games, and more.
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With everything from service management and integration to mature content authoring and resources, FlashCast delivers personalized data services to your subscribers.
- Why choose FlashCast?
FlashCast has been designed to solve many of the limitations of today’s mobile data services. FlashCast is a proven scalable, carrier-grade product that has numerous features and benefits including:
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Key Features Benefits Proven Flash runtime Deliver rich and high-quality experiences consistently across handsets Highly flexible solution Protect and extend brand equity Automatic delivery and intuitive navigation Simplify content discovery Content caching on device Create an always-on experience Differential updates Increase network efficiencies Powerful scripting language Leverage existing handset features including messaging (SMS, MMS, e-mail), voice, and third-party applications (browsers, media players) Sophisticated administration, monitoring, and reporting Offer personalized and targeted services Strong integration framework Integrate with existing infrastructure including billing, reporting, and databases - Who is FlashCast for?
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Mobile network operators
- Differentiate and protect brands across devices
- Effectively promote existing data services to increase adoption and data usage
- Introduce new revenue opportunities to establish recurring data revenue
Content aggregators
- Strengthen off-portal and storefront offerings
- Create new opportunities for revenue streams and content
- Provide Flash based content immediately to customers
OEMs
- Offer dynamic applications including active home screens and menus
- Integrate with existing device capabilities (audio, video, messaging)
- Develop Flash based UIs
- How does FlashCast work with Flash Lite?
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FlashCast requires Flash Lite, the mobile profile of Flash, to render certain content types on the mobile device. The FlashCast client application, similar to a browser, provides the necessary services to the Flash Lite library, enabling playback of Flash Lite content.
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The latest version of FlashCast uses Flash Lite 1.1, the most widely deployed version of Flash Lite. Find out more about Flash Lite.
- Which mobile devices can run FlashCast?
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The FlashCast client can run on all open platforms including S60, BREW, and Windows Mobile, but device support is gradually expanding to other platforms through Adobe’s operator/handset manufacturer specific porting efforts.
Due to the significant variations within possible use cases, the list of supported models will be service provider specific in all FlashCast deployments.
- How many developers use Flash technology worldwide?
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There are more than 1 million Flash developers worldwide, and the community continues to grow rapidly.
Technology Details
- What does the FlashCast solution consist of?
- FlashCast client
- FlashCast server system
- FlashCast Authoring Add-On for the Flash Professional authoring tool
- Professional services and support
- What is the FlashCast client?
- The FlashCast client is an application that can be embedded into a phone, installed into phone memory or MMC, or alternatively installed manually on supported mobile handsets using Over-The-Air (OTA) application deployment capabilities.
Key features include:
- Display of high-impact animation and content through Flash Lite
- Customizable Flash based interface for a rich, intuitive experience
- An occasional network connectivity model to provide subscribers up-to-date information automatically
- Native device multimedia support including video/audio playback
- Ability to launch third-party applications including browsers and media players
- Integrated content discovery and management
Behind the scenes, the client software also manages caching and local storage, provides reliable communication with the FlashCast server system for content and preference updates, and helps ensure overall security between channels and the device.
To the subscriber, the client presents an “always on” experience with content that is easy to explore and use. Regardless of weak or no network connectivity, the subscriber experience with FlashCast is immediate and engaging.
For a more detailed technical overview, read the FlashCast technical white paper.
- What is the FlashCast server system?
- The FlashCast server system consists of a set of carrier-grade J2EE servers that serve as an intermediary between the FlashCast client application and third-party content providers. The main functions of the server system are to:
- Aggregate, normalize, and deliver content to various devices
- Manage subscribers and preferences
- Support a flexible billing model with optional integration
- Offer optimized network performance by delivering differential updates
The servers are designed to provide optimal network performance, reduce costs, and ultimately support tens of millions of users and content types. By decoupling the communications between third-party content feeds and consumer devices, service providers gain unprecedented flexibility and management capabilities.
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For a more detailed technical overview, read the FlashCast technical white paper.
- What is the FlashCast Authoring Add-On?
FlashCast applications, or channels, are created using the FlashCast Authoring Add-On with the Flash Professional authoring tool, the industry standard used by Flash developers worldwide for creating rich, interactive content and applications. The add-on component includes templates, design guidelines, a FlashCast client emulator, and a simulated local FlashCast server system, enabling developers to use a single tool to produce FlashCast mobile applications.
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At the current time, this add-on will be provided to a selected set of developers based on the requests of FlashCast customers.
- How does FlashCast integrate with phone functionalities including browsing?
Flash Lite 1.1, the runtime engine for FlashCast, includes extensions to integrate FlashCast content with phone-specific features such as monitoring battery life or sending SMS messages, as well as invoking browsing or initiating a voice call.
Developer Information
- Where can developers find more information about authoring for FlashCast?
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The number of third-party content developers for FlashCast is currently limited, as they are selected by a FlashCast service provider once it is ready to deploy FlashCast.
Pricing and Availability
- Which customers have launched FlashCast?
The official Tier 1 reference for FlashCast is NTT DoCoMo, the largest mobile operator in Japan. NTT DoCoMo uses FlashCast to power the i-channel service, aimed to leverage existing i-mode sites and content and bring those services to subscribers who currently have limited or no mobile data use. This group accounts for roughly 40% of i-mode subscribers, and thus i-channel taps into a huge potential additional revenue source for NTT DoCoMo. Since its launch in early September 2005, i-channel has steadily gained increasing numbers of users, currently accounting for roughly one-third of those subscribers who have purchased i-channel enabled mobile phones.
Outside Japan, Adobe is working with several other Tier 1 and Tier 2 operators. Currently we are planning internal operator pilots and getting ready for large-scale commercial launches during 2006.
- Is FlashCast available for my mobile phone?
Service providers choose when and which phones to enable with FlashCast. FlashCast will be a uniquely branded service. Check with your service provider regarding FlashCast availability in your market.
- What is the FlashCast pricing structure?
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Due to the different types of operating environments and integration needs, FlashCast will be offered based on service providers' specific needs, allowing the introduction of advanced, Flash based content services in different kinds of markets.
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Depending on the deployment scenario, the FlashCast solution has three distinct components to consider:
- FlashCast technology (client and server system)
- Professional services related to product customization and integration
- Optional hosting services
The emphasis of different components varies depending on the deployment, as well as on the business/pricing model preferred by the customer.
- How can I find more information about the FlashCast solution?
For more information on the FlashCast solution, send your inquires to flashcastinfo@adobe.com. We will direct your questions to the appropriate sales representative in your region.
Customer Support
- Will a download for FlashCast be available from the Adobe website?
No. FlashCast is licensed directly to service providers. Adobe works with these companies to implement the FlashCast solution to support innovative mobile services. Check with your service provider regarding the availability of FlashCast in your market and how to obtain the service.
