Thoughts on Flash

#1

Post by andrewdavey » Thu, Apr 29, 2010, 1:26 PM UTC

Re: Thoughts on Flash

#2

Post by yan » Thu, Apr 29, 2010, 1:36 PM UTC

I wonder why Jobs felt he had to explain this situation, which (in my opinion) was fairly clear to anyone involved in technology. Perhaps the criticism was getting to him?

Also, I found this to be a brilliant snipe:

> If developers need to rewrite their Flash websites, why not use modern technologies like HTML5, CSS and JavaScript?

Re: Thoughts on Flash

#3

Post by acg » Thu, Apr 29, 2010, 1:46 PM UTC

yan wrote: post #2

I wonder why Jobs felt he had to explain this situation, which (in my opinion) was fairly clear to anyone involved in technology. Perhaps the criticism was getting to him? Also, I found this to be a brilliant snipe: > If developers need to rewrite their Flash websites, why not use modern technologies like HTML5, CSS and JavaScript?

Adobe claims that we are a closed system, and that Flash is open, but in fact the opposite is true. Let me explain.

I think he states the major reason, Adobe seeks to characterise Apple as against the freedom of the developer. This campaign adds weight to developers that are jilted by the iStore. They can find a home in Adobe. I think that this should clear up why Flash would not be the friend of the iPhone developer.

Re: Thoughts on Flash

#4

Post by cnicolaou » Thu, Apr 29, 2010, 1:46 PM UTC

There is an even more expressive quote for Adobe to peruse: "Perhaps Adobe should focus more on creating great HTML5 tools for the future, and less on criticizing Apple for leaving the past behind."

Re: Thoughts on Flash

#5

Post by ThomPete » Thu, Apr 29, 2010, 1:47 PM UTC

yan wrote: post #2

I wonder why Jobs felt he had to explain this situation, which (in my opinion) was fairly clear to anyone involved in technology. Perhaps the criticism was getting to him? Also, I found this to be a brilliant snipe: > If developers need to rewrite their Flash websites, why not use modern technologies like HTML5, CSS and JavaScript?

It's called control over the experience something that really shouldn't be a surprise for Jobs.

There are literally millions of experiences out there that can't be done with HTML5, CSS and JavaScript. if you want proof, go to theFWA.com and have a look around.

For every bad flash solution out there, there are some quite fantastic ones.

Flash gives you control of the experience in ways that by any metrics outcompete HTML5.

This might not mean something for most people here at HN, but for quite a lot of people (the same ones that Jobs is catering for with his iPad) it's given them many great experiences. Experiences that are not going to be matched even by the best HTML5 developers out there for quite some time to come.

Re: Thoughts on Flash

#6

Post by gfunk911 » Thu, Apr 29, 2010, 1:47 PM UTC

I love this. Apple clearly laid out their reasoning, using facts and persuasive argument. The world needs more of this.

Obviously, there is some spin in the post, and I don't completely agree with 100% of it, but I love the level of discourse.

Re: Thoughts on Flash

#7

Post by jz » Thu, Apr 29, 2010, 1:49 PM UTC

All his reasons are fairly obvious for the technical user and have been discussed in the blogosphere, but I think hearing it from the horse's mouth and at a very high level will benefit non technical users.

Re: Thoughts on Flash

#8

Post by NathanKP » Thu, Apr 29, 2010, 1:49 PM UTC

What a brilliant explanation! It summarizes all the main points that different bloggers have come up with against flash. And if the death of flash means a boost for HTML5 then I am all for it.

Re: Thoughts on Flash

#9

Post by ryoshu » Thu, Apr 29, 2010, 1:50 PM UTC

It's interesting to see Steve Jobs on the FUD side of things. On the upside, at least Apple has now officially addressed the conflict. Kudos for that.

Re: Thoughts on Flash

#10

Post by zephjc » Thu, Apr 29, 2010, 1:51 PM UTC

cnicolaou wrote: post #4

There is an even more expressive quote for Adobe to peruse: "Perhaps Adobe should focus more on creating great HTML5 tools for the future, and less on criticizing Apple for leaving the past behind."

Apparently CS5's Flash development suite can export to HTML5's including canvas support: http://www.9to5mac.com/Flash-html5-canvas-35409730

So that's one less reason to support Flash itself on an emerging platform (iPhone is pretty mature, but it is still very young compared to desktop OSs - see the bounty of new features and UI changes coming to iPhone OS4).