Flash is winding its way into a growing number of gadgets and devices, thanks to the efforts of engineering services firm Vibren.
Although Macromedia normally requires licensees to sign up for massive quantities of licenses before they can build its Embedded Macromedia Flash Player into devices, the company has authorized NEC subsidiary Vibren to supply embedded Flash licenses in lower volumes to makers of POS (point-of-sales/service) terminals, personal organizers, PC replacements, small-screen airline entertainment devices, real-time securities trading terminals, digital signs, and more.
Vibrens deal with Macromedia last June made it the primary source for Embedded Macromedia Flash Player licenses in North America for companies requiring fewer than 200,000 licenses. Previously, the Player carried a minimum order volume of 100,000, according to Vibren.
Vibren reports that since June, it has helped a growing number of device designers integrate Flash technology in projects such as:
- A system based on “one of the worlds fastest microprocessors”
- Tablet PCs used as research devices, personal organizers, and PC replacements
- Price checking systems that double as POS information stations that “cross-sell complimentary products and alert shoppers to sales of similar products”
- Mobile research and trading devices for traders on the stock market floor
- LCD signs enabling business to address customers with targeted, time-sensitive messages
- Kids toys.