When iPhone development kit was announced, I was so excited to start developing for Mobile. But, after I understood the learning curve and commitment it required I could not do it.
Then, at Adobe Max 2009, there was a session about “Flex for Mobile Devices” I got very excited seeing that session because I realized after the release of Flash 10.1, I would become a Platform Independent Mobile Application Developer (yes, I came up with that loooong title 
).
I have been telling everyone who would listen that Flash 10.1 is going to be a game changer and how I would develop once and deploy on all mobile operating systems (Windows Mobile platform, iPhone, Android, Symbion, Blackberry etc etc.)
Adobe did not deliver !
After all my marketing efforts, Adobe did not deliver they keep on pushing the release date for Flash 10.1 and the really hurting news pieces started coming in the past few weeks.
- Flash 10.1 will only run on latest processors (Cortex A8 and up link)
- Existing Windows Mobile 6.5 will not have Flash 10.1 (link)
People who are thinking I am missing the iPhone and iPad not allowing Flash 10.1 , that is not a big problem (see here) also I am not blaming Adobe for that move.
Open Plug was my Savior
Because marketing works, my colleague asked me if I can develop a simple application which will go on multiple platforms.
I quickly thought of this French company which also presented in the Adobe Max 2009 (watch video here) . I said I will give it a try.
I set out to create a simple customizable RSS reader app which would work on multiple platforms, in 1 week.
With help of a graphics wizard at work, I was able to create the app for four platforms listed below in 1 week.
- Windows Mobile
- Android
- iPhone
- Symbion S60
If you want me to give a one liner about what is this Open Plug? here is what I would say
Open Plug is an Eclipse based plugin which would allow you to build in Flex and generate native code for multiple mobile operating systems.
The software is currently in Beta 3, they are supporting a small but powerful sub-set of Flex classes. Considerfing the amount of platforms/devices they are supporting, their excellent support to the developer community and the speed they are giving to traditional mobile application developers, I say they are doing a Kick-Ass job.
Keep up the great work people or should I say awesome personnes, merci!
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