Flash will compete Java in cellphones

A French company is planning to overthrow the dominance of Java as the primary language used to program games and content for mobile phones. Actimagine's technology, called MobiClip, can transform common programming platforms like Flash, and files in formats like Adobe Acrobat, into content for phones. The company is counting on MobiClip's plus points to drive demand: It takes mere days to create a game with Flash and convert it to mobile phone format, compared to weeks of programming with Java.

However, Actimagine's proprietary player currently works only on high-end 'smart' phones, which come with operating systems like Symbian or Microsoft for mobiles. While MobiClip can function on other proprietary systems such as Nokia or Sony Ericsson, their makers would have to be persuaded to embed the software in the handsets at the manufacturing stage.

In July, Actimagine will offer Flash games to European consumers through content distributor Netsize.