Adobe have started something new, the Open Screen Project which is an attempt to provide a consistent way of delivering rich internet experiences on pretty much any internet capable device. Already they've had a huge response with people such as Cisco, Intel, LG Electronics, Motorola, Nokia, and many others supporting the project. It's an excellent, and worthy idea trying to bring a standard forwards to make it easier for consumers to choose which devices to get. However there is potentially a downside - will it work? Since the project is specifically for delivering Adobe Flash and AIR to devices that means that there is a pretty reasonable chance that Microsoft won't be happy and will start their own project that pushes Silverlight. Of course this will mean people will still be no better off - but the the project does still have benefits:

• Removing restrictions on use of the SWF and FLV/F4V specifications
• Publishing the device porting layer APIs for Adobe Flash Player
• Publishing the Adobe Flash Cast protocol and the AMF protocol for robust data services
• Removing licensing fees - making next major releases of Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR for devices free

With the SWF and FLV formats now being open there is the possibility that we'll see people customising and proposing changes in the near future.