Need Flash? Access Netfront browser will provide it

Wireless browser company Access Co. Ltd. said it will include Macromedia’s Flash technology in its NetFront browser.
“Macromedia Flash is the obvious choice for our NetFront browser because of its ability to effectively deliver rich content in a compact format,” said Toru Arakawa, Access’ president and chief executive officer. “By choosing an industry standard such as Macromedia Flash, we now have access to not only a huge developer community, but powerful authoring software and a wide array of content types that we can deliver in our embedded browser platform.”

On the wireless side, Macromedia has signed deals with a variety of companies, including: Symbian and Microsoft for integration with the companies' operating systems; Nokia Corp., Siemens AG and Casio Computer Co. for Flash support in select devices; and Intel Corp. to optimize Flash for the company's chip architecture.

Since the release of Access NetFront in 1995 approximately 86 million licensed copies have been shipped for use in 230 products (as of February 2003). Specifically designed for embedded applications, the multi-platform Internet software module is incorporated in TVs, set-top boxes (STBs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), web phones, Intranet terminals, video game consoles, smart phones, e-mail terminals, car navigation systems and kiosk terminals. NetFront has been optimized to ensure that the information appliances and other devices into which it is incorporated deliver maximum performance with limited hardware resources.