The agonizingly slow decline of Adobe Flash Player
This story on Adobe Flash was supposed to turn out a bit differently.
The idea was to talk with some of the biggest websites still using Adobe’s browser plugin, which has fallen out of favor within tech circles for its constant security issues and thirst for system resources. Maybe they could explain why Flash is still necessary, offering a counterpoint to the resounding calls to end its existence.
Instead, most of the proprietors of Flash-reliant websites I contacted didn’t want to talk at all. HBO, NBC, CBS, Zynga, King, Showtime, Pandora, and Spotify—all of which require Flash on their desktop sites—declined to comment. Major League Baseball, Slacker Radio, Hulu, and the BBC didn’t respond to inquiries.
My attempted survey wasn’t a total failure. Among the sites that were willing to talk, all of them are planning to move beyond Flash Player within a year or so. But even if the era of Flash is winding down, it will be a while until it’s completely wiped from the web.
What’s Wrong With Flash
If you need an explainer on why Adobe Flash Player must go, the best resource remains a five-year-old essay by Steve Jobs. At the time, Jobs was merely explaining why Flash would never show up on iPhones and iPads. But today much of the 1,700-word missive serves as takedown of the technology as a whole, applying just as well to laptops and desktop PCs.
Flash is also a notorious resource hog.
Security, for instance, remains a major concern, with new exploits popping up on a regular basis. In one recent example, hackers were even able to break through the sandboxing that’s meant to minimize vulnerabilities in Google Chrome. Flash is also a notorious resource hog, which is a problem as laptops become thinner, lighter, and more reliant on power efficiency for long battery life.
All of this has brought calls to kill Flash to a fever pitch, not just on mobile devices, but everywhere. Alex Stamos, Facebook’s chief security officer, wrote on Twitter last month that Adobe should set a firm end-of-life date for the plugin. Meanwhile, an “Occupy Flash” website has popped up, urging users to uninstall Flash and asking developers to use alternative technologies such as HTML5.
Still, a mass exodus or firm cutoff for Flash would be easier said than done.
Flash: still required all over the webMoving Beyond Flash
Despite the pressure from tech circles, the sites I spoke with said they simply weren’t able to start moving away from Flash until recently, when better technology become available. And even now, it’s going to take time for them to finish building the necessary tools.
“Originally, Flash was necessary to solve a couple problems,” says Adam Denenberg, chief technical officer for streaming music service iHeartRadio. “Streaming was difficult, especially for live stations, and there were no real http-supported streaming protocols that offered the flexibility of what was required a few years back.”
While Denenberg says there’s not much reason to deploy a new Flash-based streaming solution at this point, iHeartRadio still needs time to make the transition from its existing platform. The company already uses HTTP Live Streaming for its own online radio stations, but some of its third-party broadcasters still rely on Flash. An internal project is under way to convert those sources to HTTP Live Streaming on the fly, and the company also has to finish rebuilding its own media player in HTML5. All told, iHeartRadio hopes to be completely Flash-free by the end of the year.
Autodesk, meanwhile, is wading in slowly with an HTML5- and WebGL-based version of its Pixlr online photo editing tools. A beta version of Pixlr Express is coming later this summer.
Even so, Pixlr has no plans to discontinue the Flash versions of its editing tools. That’s because a sizeable chunk of its users are running older browsers in legacy operating systems that don’t support HTML5 and WebGL.
That speaks to a larger issue, which is that many users outside of the tech bubble don’t particularly care whether they’re using Flash or not. Bjørn Rustberggaard, cofounder of online video editing tool WeVideo, says he hasn’t seen a lot of requests from users to offer a Flash-free version. Most of them just want the app to work regardless of what browser they’re using.
“If it’s a mom making stories about her children, or if it’s a student editing a history project, or it’s a professional journalist using it to break the news, it really doesn’t matter if the industry is getting rid of Flash, as long as it works for them,” Rustberggaard says.
Nonetheless, WeVideo has been experimenting with an HTML5 version for a few years now, and aims to offer it to users early next year. Again, the company has been waiting for certain APIs and low-level audio and video support across all major browsers. “For us, it’s basically a timing issue,” Rustberggaard says. “When will HTML be good enough so it just works?”
Slow, Steady Slip
In the end, websites won’t really need the motivation to get rid of Flash in the form of a hard cutoff date. As web technology allows for alternatives, market forces will ultimately demand that more websites make the switch of their own volition.
With HTML5 and WebGL, we have an opportunity to even go beyond what Flash is today.
iHeartRadio, for instance, wants its radio stations to work in any web browser, including mobile browsers that don’t support Flash, which is a big reason why the company is pushing so hard now for an HTML5 player and HTTP Live Streaming. “When you consider the increase of traffic heading to mobile, an HTML5-supported player is even more important, and ultimately required,” Denenberg says.
The fact that Adobe has essentially stopped trying to do anything new and innovative with Flash is also prompting developers to move on. Looking forward, Autodesk’s Heermann expects that Pixlr’s HTML5 and WebGL versions will include new features, while supporting platforms that aren’t as Flash-friendly.
“Flash is maintenance mode,” Heermann says. “Adobe’s still fixing bugs and security problems, and it’s a reliable platform, but with HTML5 and WebGL, we have an opportunity to even go beyond what Flash is today.”
Even the ability to attract developer talent could be a liability if websites stick to Flash. That’s a major reason WeVideo is looking to switch, despite a lack of requests from users. “Developers are passionate about technology, and nobody wants to spend a lot of hours maintaining and developing something that they think is dead,” Rustberggaard says. “So to motivate your tech team, you really have to show that you’re ahead of the curve in terms of using technology.”
Those forces seem to be working in more than just anecdotes. Five years ago, 28.9 of websites used Flash in some way, according to Matthias Gelbmann, managing director at web technology metrics firm W3Techs. As of August, Flash usage had fallen to 10.3.
But larger websites have a longer way to go. Flash persists on 15.6 of the top 1,000 sites, Gelbmann says. That’s actually the opposite situation compared to a few years ago, when Flash was used on 22.2 of the largest sites, and 25.6 of sites overall.
In other words, the larger the site, the slower it is to move away from Flash—and, perhaps, the more ashamed it is to admit it.
[Lead image: Flickr user Thecrazyfilmgirl]
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Filed under:
Software
Tags: adobe, fastcompany, flash, flashplayer, partner, syndicated
iHeartRadio has a new Google Chrome extension
The popular internet radio app, iHeartRadio, makes music listening a lot easier today with the help of a new Google Chrome extension. Listeners can now control their music without needing to leave their current screen.
Once installed, you will be able to click the extension in the Google Chrome toolbar to pop out a web app in order to control your music. The extension will allow users to skip, thumbs up/down, favorites, scan and shows what’s playing in a compact widget. You can also move the widget around to place it anywhere you want on the screen.
A neat feature of the new extension is the snooze or “Zzz” feature. It allows you to pause your station for a few minutes so you can go do something else quickly, but will resume playing a few minutes later.
A little bonus info about this extension is Eric Cogan, iHeartRadio’s Associate Product Manager for Android, designed the extension during Hack Week. The extension later ended up winning first place.
Source: iHeartRadio
Come comment on this article: iHeartRadio has a new Google Chrome extension
Some Google apps are no longer mandatory to have installed on Android
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For the longest time, the debate over bloatware has raged over what apps are needed and which are unnecessary. While the primary focal point of this debate has been Samsung and the Samsung-branded apps it forces upon its users, Google isn’t exactly innocent in this either. There are plenty off Google apps that are decidedly mandatory on all Android devices, a fact that kind of contradicts Android’s mantra of being able to customize your experience however you want.
However, it appears that Google has started to change its tune. Most recently, it was discovered that the Google+ app does not come preinstalled on the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, a big surprise seeing as how important the social media platform is to Google. But it’s actually more widespread than just Google+ – according to Android Central, Google Play Games, Google Play Books and Google Play Newsstand are also off the mandatory install list, meaning that these apps will still be available on the Play Store for those that want, but not forced upon people who don’t care for what they offer. I like this a lot as it lets people come to Google’s services when they want to use them and gives them more of a sense of freedom.
What do you think about the fact some of Google apps are no longer mandatory? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Android Central via Phone Arena
The post Some Google apps are no longer mandatory to have installed on Android appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Love, space and lasers in a neon-infused Xbox One and Steam game
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime was nominated for an award in Visual Art at the 2013 Independent Games Festival, and since then it looks like this little game has gotten a lot bigger and brighter. Plus, it has more creative weapons and interstellar baddies, which is definitely something worth waiting for. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a cooperative space game for up to two players (or one player and an AI cat companion), where the lovers are on a mission to eradicate all evil creatures in the universe. One player controls the ship’s direction while another fires weapons and deploys shields, and together they try to stay alive long enough to save themselves and planets of cuddly creatures from certain doom. We got our hands on Lovers at GDC 2013 and found it to be delightfully tricky and fairly gorgeous. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is set to launch on September 9th on Xbox One and Steam (PC, Mac and Linux).Slideshow-313980
Steam pre-orders are live now on the Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime website, while Xbox One pre-orders should go live on August 27th. Find a friend and prepare to save the universe with unabashed, brilliant love — and lasers.
Mostly lasers.
Tags: asteroidbase, hdpostcross, id@xbox, Indie, lovers-in-a-dangerous-spacetime, loversinadangerousspacetime, STEAM, XboxOne
Apple Debuts New ‘Apple Pay’ Ad in Ongoing ‘If It’s Not An iPhone’ Campaign
Apple today debuted a new iPhone-focused video featuring Apple Pay as part of its ongoing “If it’s not an iPhone, it’s not an iPhone” advertising campaign. The video, available on the company’s YouTube channel, features an iPhone being used to make different Apple Pay purchases.
The iPhone is centric to the video and is shown going through several different Apple Pay transactions as a voiceover explains Apple Pay and its features in a clever rhyme. At the end of the video, Apple ends with its latest signature tagline, “If it’s not an iPhone, it’s not an iPhone.”
This is an iPhone. And this is Apple Pay. Which lets you shop in a faster, simpler way. For groceries, and kicks, toys, and your lunchtime fix. It’s safer than a credit card and keeps your info yours. And you can already use it in over one million stores.
“Apple Pay” is the fifth ad in this particular campaign, which focuses on the different capabilities of the iPhone. Other videos in the series have included “Loved,” “Hardware & Software,” “Amazing Apps,” and “Photos & Videos,” each with catchy music, visuals, and voiceovers.
In addition to its latest video ads, Apple also recently introduced a new iPhone-oriented web campaign, “Why There’s Nothing Quite Like an iPhone,” focusing on features that differentiate the iPhone from competing products. The mini site highlights the iPhone’s integration of hardware and software, wide range of apps, camera, resistance to malware, Touch ID, and Apple Pay.
Jolla tablet now up for pre-order in the US, Europe, and other select markets
Despite being a relatively little player in the mobile world, Jolla has managed to craft a small following with its Sailfish OS and its aptly named Jolla phone. In late 2014 the manufacturer also announced plans for a tablet, which would utilize Sailfish OS 2.0 and would be fully capable of running Android apps, in addition to its own (very small) ecosystem of apps. After a successful crowdfunding campaign, the Jolla tablet is now finally available for pre-order for those who didn’t pledge support earlier.
As you might expect, there are a few catches. First, only a limited quantity of tablets will be available. Second, only a few select countries will offer the device for pre-order: all EU countries, Norway, Switzerland, United States, Canada, Australia, India, Hong Kong and Russia. Pricing will vary depending on the market, though Jolla says the 32GB model will set customers back €267 (around $300), with the 64GB version priced at €299 (around $336).
While the tablet’s unique OS is obviously the primary selling point here, the rest of the specs are reasonably decent as well. The Jolla tablet is powered by a 64-bit Intel Atom processor with 2GB RAM, and packs a 7.85-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2048×1536. Other specs include a 2MP front cam, 5MP rear cam, 32 or 64GB storage with microSD for expansion, and a 4450 mAh battery.
If you’re in one of the markets listed above, you can pre-order directly from Jolla’s website. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait, as Jolla tablets are expected to start shipping in late-October. Already ordered one during the Indiegogo campaign days? Your tablet should be arriving in the next few weeks.
The Jolla tablet is certainly intriguing, but for its asking price, there are plenty of decent Android native devices out there that are from trusted brands and won’t require you to get acquainted with a brand new OS. Then again, for some folks trying something completely new and different might be the main draw. What do you think of the Jolla tablet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Google AdSense Android app finally joins the Material Design party
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There aren’t many apps produced by Google that don’t comply with the new Material Design guidelines, and with the update of the Google AdSense Android app, there’s now one less in that bucket. The AdSense app was updated today, refreshing the app icon and the UI of the app, bringing about the slick operation that we’ve come to expect from Google’s apps. But that’s not all that’s changed: Google has also included new reports and metrics for users to take advantage of as well as finally being able to see historical data using custom date ranges.
Here’s the full changelog according to the AdSense Play Store page:
- New logo and fresh look with Google’s material design
- Custom date ranges
- New reports: ad sizes, types and networks, targeting and bid types
- New metrics: impressions, impression RPM and CTR
- Hindi and Malay translations
- Bug fixes
http://playboard.me/widgets/pb-app-box/1/pb_load_app_box.jsDefinitely an update to get for those who use AdSense daily. What do you think about the update? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Droid-life
The post Google AdSense Android app finally joins the Material Design party appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Yahoo Weather warns you about rain in time to find an umbrella
Weather apps are quite handy, and now Yahoo’s mobile software is even more helpful. The app will send you an alert 15 minutes before rain or snow is expected to start so you have enough time to prepare. The new feature offers warnings similar to Dark Sky’s weather info. That app takes readings from the barometric sensors in users’ iPhones, though. What’s more, Yahoo says its Weather software is more accurate too, with the ability to zoom in on small areas should the need arise. Of course, you want to take a slightly different approach to getting your forecast, you could always go the route of an aspiring meteorologist.
Source:
iTunes, Google Play
Tags: android, app, ios, mobilepostcross, software, update, weather, yahoo, yahooweather
Google vs. Bing: why Microsoft will never dominate the search world
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Today saw the announcement that Microsoft had updated its Bing app for Android to act like Google Now on Tap. Google Now on tap is a feature that will let users instantly find information and will debut in Android Marshmallow later this year.
While this cool feature is available now instead of in a few months, there’s still one major problem with it: it uses Bing.
Bing was released in June, 2009. Since then, Microsoft has done everything they can to bring people to use it. Yet, ask anyone and you’ll likely get one of three responses:
- “Why would I use Bing when I can use Google?”
- “I only use Bing for the rewards program.”
- “What the heck is Bing?”
Despite Microsoft dumping millions of dollars to market Bing as the better search engine, it’s still not very popular.
“Wait a sec’, you’re an Editor for an Android website, of course you’re going to trash Bing and support Google! Everyone, grab your comment pitchforks and torches!”
Alright, you bring up a good point. Think I’m wrong? Let’s take a look at the data then shall we?
Search Engine Land, a website dedicated to search engines (that wasn’t obvious?) reports usage data for search engines regularly. Their most recent post regarding search engine popularity actually points to Bing’s recent 20% market share of use, based on comScore reports, while Google sits at their steady 64% market share.
However, in October, Search Engine Land felt that comScore’s reports seemed a little off, and didn’t really tell the whole story. So, they did a survey of their own. And boy were their results interesting:
“A-ha! See, I knew you were blowing smoke!”
Hold on one moment fellow citizen. Search Engine Land explains the above results were search engines users had tried. So sure, 76% of the people polled said they had tried Bing before. The next question is, how many of those same people actually use Bing on a regular basis?
Lo-and-behold, 80% of those people use Google as their primary search engine, while Bing sits at 6%. Further, the icing on the cake is, of that percentage, 87% of Bing users come from Internet Explorer (I’m not even going to go into why that matters)!
Why do you think Microsoft has to pay people to use Bing? Why do you think the term is “Googling” rather than “Binging”?
You have to give Microsoft credit: they’ve grown Bing a lot sing 2009, and have put a lot of energy into making it a more attractive option (literally) than Google. Yet, while we hear that Bing is now on your Android Wear, or now has “snapshots” (the Google Now on Tap competitor), it still won’t gain the upper hand, at least anytime soon.
“Google was a search engine before anything else.“
Why? It’s because Google was a search engine before anything else. Sure, Google has its Ads platform, it has Android, and many web services such as Gmail; but before any of that, Google was a search engine. Bing insists that their results are better than Google’s (hence the “Bing It On” challenge), but when it comes down to it, Google’s results are more precise.
Why (my, you ask a lot of questions…)? Well, I’m not sure. Something something algorithms. I can tell you one thing: Google has their Knowledge Graph. I don’t work for them, so I don’t know how it works exactly. I do know that it’s why I can hold a conversation with Google (First asking “How far is Los Angeles?” with direction results, and then asking “What’s the weather like there?”, and then getting weather results for L.A.). Or why it can tell me how old Tom Hanks is, or why I can ask it how late the store in front of me is open. I also know that it’s why Google Now on Tap will be better than Bing snapshots by the time Android Marshmallow comes out.
“I still think you’re just a Google fanboy…”
Fine. Let’s hold our own survey, shall we? If after that you still don’t believe me, then “Bing” directions to me using my name. (Disclaimer: The author is not held responsible for any parties that get lost using Bing.)
<a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/9035783/”>Which search engine do you use primarily?</a>
The post Google vs. Bing: why Microsoft will never dominate the search world appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Watch full episodes of The Walking Dead and more with the new AMC app for Android
AMC has released quite a few applications on Android in the past, but none that let you stream new episodes straight to your mobile devices. That changes today, as the channel has just released a new app on Android that will help you keep up to date with your favorite AMC original shows.
With this new app, AMC subscribers will be able to watch full episodes of The Walking Dead, HUMANS, Better Call Saul, Halt and Catch Fire and more about 24 hours after each new episode airs on television. You can stream past episodes of certain shows as well, but available episodes that can be streamed from the app will cycle in and out on a regular basis. Of course, you’ll need to log in with your service provider information to access full episodes. The app supports AT&T U-verse, Xfinity, DirecTV, Verizon FiOS, Time Warner Cable and a number of others. If you don’t have access to AMC but would still like to browse, the app will give you links to the Google Play Store if you’d like to purchase each episode individually.
Unfortunately the video player is nothing special and doesn’t really offer too many extra viewing options or tweaks. There’s also no Chromecast support, so you’ll need to stick with watching on your mobile device for now.
AIVAnet 