Adobe Flash Media Server converts Flash video to iOS-friendly footage

Latest version bites the bullet and supports alternative streaming technologies for Apple devices.

Adobe has launched the latest incarnation of its Flash Media Server product, which is used by broadcasters and publishers to deliver web video to computers and devices. The big change: support for iOS.

No, iOS devices still can't display Flash-encoded video. But Adobe has added new features to convert footage so that it can run on iPhones, iPads and iPod touches.

"With Flash, publishers are assured that protection, transport and quality is consistent across MAC, PC, Linux, Android and Blackberry Tablet OS," explains Adobe's Kevin Towes in a blog post, which outlines the current challenge facing media companies.

"Apple iPhone and iPad have had a significant impact how consumers experience and engage with video and have changed the industry.  Publishers are now faced with a challenge and forced to prepare content for delivery through HTML5 to play in the Apple Safari browser or native Apps."

Media Server 4.5 changes that, so video only has to be prepared once to work on all those devices. It could be seen as a climbdown by Adobe, which has long been pressuring Apple to start supporting Flash. Now it won't have to. On the other hand, it is a sensible move for Adobe to ensure its customers aren't tempted away by other toolsets.