Microsoft to embed Flash Lite in Windows Mobile: Deal a coup for Adobe’s continued push into mobile space

Microsoft Corp. said it will embed Adobe Systmes Inc.’s Flash Lite on Windows Mobile devices alongside its own streaming video technology.
The software giant licensed Flash Lite, a stripped-down version of the popular Internet technology, as well as its Reader software for viewing PDF documents. The announcement is yet another win for Flash Lite, which has shipped on more than 500 million mobile devices including handsets from Verizon Wireless.
“People want vibrant Web experiences and access to entertainment and information anywhere, anytime,” said John O’Rourke, general manager of Microsoft’s Mobile Communications Business. “Bringing Flash Lite and Reader LE to the Windows Mobile experience will give consumers more of their favorite Web sites on the go.”
The announcement comes on the heels of Nokia Corp.’s commitment to install Silverlight, a competing technology from Microsoft, on Series 40 and S60 devices. The news also follows Apple Inc.’s refusal to support Flash Lite on the iPhone, with Steve Jobs calling the technology “too slow to be useful” on the popular handset.