Flash CS5 extensions for android unavailable from adobe?? anyone know solution

Question

Hello, I'm totally new to developing apps for android and am just getting started in flash CS5. According to most tutorials that I can find on the web I need to install an extension from adobe.
see this tutorial
Creative Sweet TV - Publish to Android 2.2 from Adobe Flash CS5 | Adobe TV
However, when I go to adobe's site they say that the extension isn't available anymore and will be integrated with their new version of Flash!!!!
Adobe Flash Professional CS5 Extension for Adobe AIR 2.5 - Adobe Labs
I just bought a new Mac to run CS5 and can't believe that now it looks like I'll have to upgrade my software, at more expense, in order to do something that was possible only a short time ago!!
Does anyone have any information on this problem?

Answer 1

Hi All,
Why don't Adobe leave the extension up there until they roll out the new version of FP?
To Adobe,
That's no good!
Adobe (and your awesome staff), on a whole I think you do a great job and obviously most of us love your tools.
I don't post on these forums much, but I've been a member since 2002 (and certianly read a lot of posts).
The software hasn't been out in Oz for 12 months yet, so how do you expect people to start leveraging the new features and expand if you make it cost prohibitive and have to upgrade to the next full version (well before it's release), by subsequently taking down the value added components that the customer base obviously want / need / and appreciate.  (my assumption is that when you say 'release' you are talking about full release and not simply an online update).
In helenthegreat_2011  case you have obviously alienated a recent customer that was after functionality you advertise, by promoting the diversity and flexibility of you tools, and reading recent posts it doesn't seem isolated.
I expect new developers would have at least 6 months lead time before a new version rolls out (the common 18 months version gap) and that's potentially 6 months of existing Adobe customers developing with that platform in mind, (and cementing a stronger client base using your tools to develop for Android).
So essentially the devs that have the extension currently are the only ones that are able to use FP to develop Android apps, and Adobe have locked the rest of the customer base out, mandating that they will need to purchase the next version of FP to be able to do this.  .
Can Adobe please clarify what your customers are supposed to do in the mean time / or do you have an alternative for us?
What was the reason it was taken down?  Was it unstable, or was it up to simply test, gauged interest, and try to profit maximise by pushing the functionality to a new release.
To quote your page "The extension for Flash Pro CS5 to deploy applications to the Android platform will no longer be available. This feature is being rolled into the next release for Adobe Flash Professional. Please check http://www.adobe.com for latest news and information about the availability of the next version of our Creative Suite products."
And that's all it says (http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/flashpro_extensionforair/) Could we please either have the extension back, or at least a bit more of an explanation other than "Pay out a few more thousand dollars and you can have the functionality - but you'll have to wait until we release it first."
Here's the rub...
Personally, 4 months ago I spent just under $4,000 (AU$) to purchase CS5 Master Collection.
I wont be waiting until Adobe release FP CS6 to be able to develop for Android devices, I'll be investing the time to find alternate development environments (such as Unity3D http://unity3d.com/unity/publishing/android) and ditching the plans of using Fash for Android dev.
If you're going to arbitrarily take down the tools that extend the functionality of your product, then at least spend the time taking down all the Adobe articles, tutorials, videos, etc on your site that promote it as an availble functionality.
Unless we're missing something or there is an aloternative, on the face of it, I think it's poor form Adobe.
Regards
Chris