Adobe Flash Player 10, code-named "Astro," introduces new expressive features and visual performance improvements that allow interactive designers and developers to build the richest and most immersive Web experiences. These new capabilities also empower the community to extend Flash Player and to take creativity and interactivity to a new level.

This public pre-release is an opportunity for developers and consumers to test and provide early feedback to Adobe on new features, enhancements, and compatibility with previously authored content. Once you’ve installed Flash Player 10 beta, you can view interactive demos. You can also help make Flash Player better by visiting all of your favourite sites, making sure they work the same or better than with the current player.

Cool new features include 3D Effects, which easily transform and animate any display object through 3D space while retaining full interactivity. Fast, lightweight, and native 3D effects make motion that was previously reserved for expert users available to everyone. Complex effects are simple with APIs that extend what you already know. Other highlights include the ability to create your own portable filters, blend modes, and fills.

Note that this is the Windows download and is only a public preview. However, early feedback from users suggests it is already faster than the previous Flash Player 9 series.