Earlier last month Keith Peters announced a newly revived ActionScripting contest called "What can you do in 25 lines of code?".  This new contest is meant  to see what people could come up with using these new tools that have been introduced over the years with the latest being Flash CS4.

The finalists for the November/December contest have been chosen and I have to say so far I am impressed.  Support your fellow community members and vote for your most favorite 25 lines of code.

Finalists of the November/December Contest

Entry 11: Code - Preview

Entry 17: Code - Preview

Entry 25: Code - Preview

Entry 34: Code - Preview

Entry 37: Code - Preview

Entry 43: Code - Preview

Entry 46: Code - Preview

Entry 055: Code - Preview

Entry 059: Code - Preview

Entry 064: Code - Preview

Entry 073: Code - Preview

Entry 079: Code - Preview

What is the ActionScript 3 RIA API Guide?

This ActionScript reference for rich Internet application development provides an alphabetical reference for all native ActionScript APIs for the Adobe Flash platform runtimes: Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR-as well as the Adobe Flex framework APIs.  The RIA guide has been recently updated to include the API changes effected by Adobe AIR 1.5, Flex 3.2 and Flash Player 10.

Additional Resources:

• Download the guide
• ActionScript 3 Language Reference
• Adobe AIR documentation

Image of Analytics Flash Visual Component in Flash CS3 via Google

If you've ever wanted to track your Flash content over the web, then you'd know what a challenge this task entails.  In the past, Flash tracking was not provided out of the box, and every implementation had to be customized.

It is now safe to say that tracking your Flash content, has gotten much easier and more accurate.  With the assistance of Adobe and other third party developers, the Google Analytics team has developed and released Google Analytics Tracking For Adobe Flash.

What is Google Analytics Tracking For Adobe Flash?

This new Flash tracking code offers all the rich features of the current JavaScript-based version as it translates the current Google Analytics tracking code into the ActionScript 3 programming language that dramatically simplifies the ability to track your Flash, Flex and AS3 content.

Fun Times!!

Google Analytics for Flash Demo

Additional Resources:

• Download both Flash and Flex tracking libraries
• Visit the project page
• Read the implementation overview

Anytime you can extend your tool sets to fit a much more simplified work flow, the better control you have over the tool versus the tool over you.  Being able to store code snippets within Flash has been a feature that I am sure a lot of Flash users would love to have available.  You'd think a functionality like so would already to integrated within Flash, however until then you can focus your attention to ASExpander.

What is ASExpander?

ASExpander is a JSFL extension created by Keith Peters for Flash CS3/4 that allows you to integrate a ActionScript snippet functionality into your existing Flash workflow.  ASExpander allows you to store your existing or new ActionScript code snippets into an external file and then map it to a command of your liking.  There are no limits to the amount or type of snippets stored.

While the ASExpander does have its flaws like no interface to interact with it, it is a very nice alternative to a previously created snippets panel created Lee Brimelow.

Additional Resources:

• Download ASExpander
• More info on ASExpander
• How do I install ASExpander

As of today, trial versions of Flash CS4 are now available for download.  Now is your chance to try CS4 to see if it's worth the upgrade.  However, I'd find something to do in the meantime as these downloads range anywhere from 888Mb and 1.75Gb.  So start your download now!!! 

The trial versions of Flash CS4 are available for Mac and PC in the languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Swedish. 

Additional Resources

• Download your trial version
• Learn more on Flash CS4

Lee Brimelow, Flash Platform evangelist,  has made his keynote from FlashCamp available.  The video delivers an overall explaination on all the major new feature upgrades within Flash CS4. Enjoy!

Flash CS4 Features explained in video:

• Advanced Text Engine
• Visual Performace
• New Drawing API
• Dynamic Sound Generation
• Local File Access
• Multi-bitrate Video Streaming
• Pixel Bender
• Better Flex Integration
• New Project Panel
• Kuler Panel
• Motion Presets

What is 3D Spiral?

Flashloaded presents a new innovative Flash component called 3D Spiral.  The 3D Spiral is a Flash gallery component that displays images on an interactive 3D rotating spiral using the Papervision3D engine. 

Features to be expected of 3D Spiral are:

• Customizable height, width and spacing
• Control what images are loaded via XML or ActionScript
• Double sided thumbnail view
• Customize how the thumbnails animate on
• Mouse and keyboard interactivity
• Built-in skinnable scrollbar and preloader
• many more...

Examples of 3D Spiral in Action:

Wide Spiral Rotating On Fixed Axis With Scrollbar

Spiral Rotating On Fixed Axis With Scrollbar

Tall Spiral With Free Mouse Movement

Today is a great day for the Flash community with the official announcement of the release of  Adobe Flash Player 10.  Flash player 10 introduces many great features and enhancements over its predecessor.  Along with the release of Flash Player 10, Adobe Flash CS4 is now available for pre-order.  Once again, Adobe gives us all something to talk about today. 

Additional Resources:

• Download Flash Player 10
• Pre-order Adobe Flash CS4: Purchase Full | Upgrade Existing Copy
• More info on Flash Player 10

Now that Flash on the Beach has come and gone, I am sure many of you are wondering what topics were discussed and how it went overall.  If your one of the few that hasn't heard of Flash on the Beach, 
it has brought together the most creative, technical, inspirational awe-inspiring, educational and entertaining industry leading speakers in the rich media industry.   This year was no different.  

Lee Brimelow and Jen Brynildsen, both recap their experiences at this year's Flash on the Beach.  Be sure to take a look at both articles, as they both give you great insights to what happened at FOTB.

Additonal Resources: 

• Flash on the Beach Slides by Flashcomguru 
• Flash on the Beach Keynote

With the Flash on the Beach conference wrapping up at Brighton, UK, Peter Elst just posted a video on the keynote held at this year's conference.  This year's keynote is given by Richard Galvan,Serge Jespers and Mark Doherty as they took the stage to talk about Flash CS4, AIR and Flash Lite.  Enjoy!