Adobe has finally released a tool allowing developers to convert Flash content to HTML5 format used by Apple’s iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The pre-release version of the ‘Wallaby’ conversion route may lessen tension between the two companies who last year fought a war of words over Apple’s decision to stop supporting Adobe’s widely-used Internet language.
The software permits developers to drop their Flash designs into an Adobe Air application which converts the original into HTML code that can be edited via Adobe Dreamweaver or a simple text editor. The process will “extend the reach of your content to devices that do not support the Flash runtimes,” Adobe announced. The new tool is best suited for iOS 4.2 and may have trouble converting all aspects of Flash Pro, such as 3D transforms, ActionScript and embedded audio and video, reports say.
In 2010, both companies traded verbal salvos over Apple’s decision to drop Flash in favor of HTML5. Apple CEO Steve Jobs began with an open letter denouncing the Adobe technology as unfit for the iPhone and iPad. He eventually stripped new Macs of Flash.