Death of Flash
Out of context: Reply #118
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- rounce0
mr. twokids, I wouldn't say they're 'right' but they're not 'wrong' either. The SWF format specification IS open source, and they already have x264 licenced so _in_theory_ they could write their own flash player and take advantage of OpenGL at the same time and give their uses a better experience for flash content. Though they could have done this for years now and they haven't likely as it'd be a hefty undertaking - but not THAT much of a problem for a company the size of Apple. With renewed interest in Safari as a product to be taken seriously, and their enthusiasm for the richer content possibilities of HTML5 and not having to go to the trouble and cost of licencing Flash from Adobe.
It's of my opinion that Apple don't see the point of supporting Flash on the iPad & iPhone, simply because they don't have very much to gain from any eventuality compared to Adobe. Consider their two main options:
* Apple licence a version of Flash Player direct from Adobe for their devices: Apple effectively hand Adobe greater product penetration, gives them a greater market presence, and slips em an exorbitant amount of cash.
* Apple write their own FP implementation: Apple gets product control, but only to a degree, they're still playing catch-up every time Adobe makes a change to the spec. They'll also end up spending a lot on the project which, don't forget, will most likely have teething troubles so it'd still be pretty far off.All for what? To stop their users moaning about Flash support and start moaning about something less superficial? Forget it.
Helping to push HTML5 is a far better option for Apple as it's something they already support. If the HTML5 dream doesn't die after all the current buzz has died down, then less people will mind not having Flash content so much, as most of the things they want to do (Watch videos, listen to music, etc) will be possible.
That's not to say that Flash will be pushed to the sidelines. It will still have it's place on the web, as well as for devices such as set top boxes, just maybe not so much for internet video delivery. It also means Adobe will have to freshen up Flash and get creative, which can't be a bad thing either.
As users and developers, we'll decide. The web is a place of constant user driven technological darwinism. On these issues we can only look to the future without prejudice, safe in the knowledge that whoever has made the wrong move has fucked themselves royally.
As for my day to day, personally I don't care, if people want fancy HTML5 shit zipping around the screen, fuck it, I'll charge them the same as I would to do it all in AS3. Just with a slightly different breakdown on the invoice.
- I can do both y'see ;)rounce
- so far we're only talking about apple, what other manufacturer will not support flash?? none I guess,GeorgesII
- We've also been discussing the impact that HTML5 could have on Flash. First half Apple, 2nd part impact of HTML5.rounce
- I tried to be concise, I could rattle about Flash Vs. The AppStore as well if you want?rounce