Screenshot of the Flash Communication Server chat Flash app that used to be embedded here.

We have released new standalone, external and debug Flash players. This brings their versions up to 6,0,40,0 in line with the current Flash Player.

You can download the new players here (non-English versions are here).

I got an email this morning from someone asking me the best way to learn how to build applications with Flash MX. I thought I would post the response here.

First I would recommend getting a copy of ActionScript The Definitive Guide, by Colin Moock (O’Reilly). You don’t have to read the entire thing (although it won’t hurt), but it is an invaluable resource. (Also keep an eye out for Branden Hall’s and Sam Wan’s book).

Well, I got my mediatemple hosting account set up, and I have put up a simple chat app on the top of the page. It was built with Flash MX and uses the Flash Communication Server to handler all of the communications.

This is just an experiment right now. Post any suggestions, likes / dislikes in the comments.

7 of the Flash Communication Server Components have been released. They are:

• SimpleConnect
• PeopleList
• ConnectionLight
• UserColor
• Chat
• SetBandwidth
• AVPresence

You can find more info on each component, as well as download them here. You can find more information on the support page.

The answers panel within Flash MX (and all other MX products with an answers panel) has been updated. It will automatically update within the next week, but if you want to force the update:

1. Open the panel (Window > Answer Panel).
2. Select “settings”.
3. Press the “Update Now” button.

There is some new stuff in the panel including the latest resources from the Des / Dev center, as well as the current Macromedia Site of the Day.

We have released updated documentation for Flash MX. You can find information about it and download the update here.

We also have some pages describing some of the updates:

• Using Flash Online Help
• Updates to the ActionScript Dictionary

Thanks to everyone in the community who provided feedback to us for the new documentation.

Its that time again, the Macromedia Designer and Developer Center has been updated with new Flash MX content and Resources. While this is not the largest release we have had, I think that it has some of the coolest and most original content. Make sure to check out the Asteroids article, and the character animation article.

Macromedia Designer and Developer Center

In particular, we have a lot of new content on the:
Flash Application Development Center

There is a new Flash Player available. This is version 6,0,40,0 and includes a ton of bug fixes as well as some new features.

You can download the player here.

We will have the other players (standalone, debug, etc…) availiable shortly, as well as release notes for the new player.

Eric Dolecki posted on FlashCoders that he is starting a Boston Macromedia Flash user’s group. If you are interested in joining or helping out, send him an email.

He has put up a webpage here.