Adobe Releases 64-bit Alpha Flash Plugin for Linux

Ask anyone running a 64-bit Linux operating system what they’d like to see improved most under the OS, and their answer might be to have native Adobe Flash support. Users of 64-bit Linux distros have been in a Flash predicament for quite a while, although lately the side-effects aren’t as blunt as they once were.

Although there is no 64-bit plugin for any platform at current time (Adobe is really, really slow on that ball), it was made worse and more complicated for Linux since 32-bit emulation needed to be brought in. Even now, 64-bit Linux users, like me, have to run a 32-bit version of Firefox just so Flash can operate. Sadly, even then, issues of stability can arise at the most inopportune times.

At their MAX 2008 conference in San Francisco, Adobe will be announcing multiple notable announcements with regards to the Flash platform, but at the same time, they’ll also release the initial 64-bit plugin, which is considered to be in Alpha phase. The plugin can be grabbed on their Adobe Labs site, but be aware that it’s a very early release, so issues can and probably will occur.

Linux was chosen as the initial launch platform is because users there have been the most vocal for quite some time (and for good reason). Windows and OS X will have support in the future, once all the bugs are worked out with the Linux version, we can assume. All I can say is… it’s about time.

These new innovations include technology previews of Adobe Flash Catalyst and the next version of Adobe Flex Builder, code named Gumbo. Adobe also announced the availability of Adobe AIR 1.5 and an alpha version of Adobe Flash Player 10 software for 64-bit Linux operating systems. The Adobe Flash Platform is tightly integrated with the Adobe Creative Suite 4 product family, the industry-leading design and development software for virtually every creative workflow.