Adobe has announced the launch of its new media player – an application enabling viewers to enjoy their favorite content from various television and internet video providers with a customised viewing experience. The Adobe Media Player is built on its AIR software which is a runtime application that extends rich internet applications to desktop users.
Adobe has collaborated with content publishers including CBS, PBS, Yahoo Video, Meredith Corporation, Blip.tv, Fora.tv, Motionbox and MyToons for distribution of online video content with its new media player. Adobe expects most of its partners to release advertising supported content through embedded video ads or banner ads on the player itself.
On the occassion, Jim Guerard, vice president of Dynamic Media at Adobe said that Adobe has always been a driver of rich interactive video experiences and is committed to drive the next generation of video delivery and accelerate fusion of TV and Internet. He also said that new media player would allow Adobe to work with content publishers and allow it innovative ways to create, deliver and monetize high-quality video experiences.
Adobe Media player is cross-platform, based on open standard including RSS & SMIL and is available as free download for both Mac and Windows. The media player is a utility desktop application and is best-fit for viewers as well as content owners.Viewers can watch content online from websites including YouTube or download the videos offline. The viewers can subscribe to their favorite podcasts and shows with the powerful subscription feature. Viewers can customize preferences for downloading videos, viewing them offline or receive updates via RSS feeds. For content owners, Adobe offers analytics and new opportunities to distribute and build business around video content.
Adobe and Microsoft have been constantly making an effort to offer design and developers RIA building tool. Adobe’s Media player is one such attempt that tends to drive similar user experience offline and online. The final version of Adobe Media Player is scheduled for release next year somewhere before July 2008.
