Multi-Screen Will Be The Biggest Buzzword of 2009

Ever since Adobe started the Open Source Initiative last year a lot has happened. For one, it enabled many technology proficient companies to start developing devices that could support the Flash runtime. This caused a big stir at MAX when Intel & Qualcomm (among others) announced they would be supporting Flash and AIR on TV’s & a host of other consumer devices.

Fast forward two months and Adobe is doing it all over again. This time they’re going to open up the messaging technology behind Media Server that allows for the super-fast streaming of video, audio and data – RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol). What is this good for you ask? Adobe CTO Kevin Lynch says

With the RTMP specification, developers and companies will be able to provide users with optimized audio, video and data streaming, no matter what kind of device the user is on or where the content is coming from.

What does Multi-Screen mean?

Multi-Screen means different things depending on who you ask. Some companies refer to it as a user who’s simultaneously watching their TV and surfing the net at the same time. In this case when Adobe says opening up RTMP will “enable the delivery of rich multi-screen experiences” they seem to be referring to many different consumer electronic devices, with multiple screens.

This opens the way for real-time communication between any device, virtual or real.

So then I got thinking, is Flash going to be the first platform that enables my TV to talk to my Microwave? Will I be able to push a button on the internet and have my home chef receive instructions and whip up something all on it’s own (assuming I have all the ingredients)? Can soccer moms pick up their kids from practice by controlling their cars from the comfort of the living room using a Wii-mote? Can I get the Superbowl streamed to my electric toothbrush charger so I don’t miss the game when I get a kernel stuck in my teeth? Those will be the days!