Sunday 22 August 2010

If Flash Is So Rubbish

Why do so many websites use it?

Sure, everyone is saying HTML5 this, HTML5 that, HTML5 it's the future but at the end of the day Flash is out there now, running on millions of sites. Mr Jobs says Flash is buggy, subject to attack and going to be replaced by HTML5 so there's no point in putting it on the iPad, iPhone or iPod. That maybe so but that isn't going to happen in a one or two year period so why spoil the web experience on the iPad now. I'm sure over time HTML5 will replace Flash on many sites but Flash is still going to be with us for many years to come. Giving users both Flash ans HTML5 allows developers the time and choice to use which is best for there particular application. No, for me, the only reason to not provide Flash support - and Adobe have even got it ready to rumble on the iPad - is that Apple would lose revenue. I've no problem with the iPad not supporting Flash and limiting the device - it puts it off the menu for me personally, but that's my choice - but I'd like to see the honesty from Apple to come out and give the real reason, 'We don't support Flash so you have to buy the Apps from us'.

Monday 9 August 2010

Is Google Really A Friend Of The People?

We all think of Google as the Anti-Microsoft - or is that just me?. They're a friend of the people aren't they? Giving us all loads of useful stuff for free. But really, are they worthy? Are we right to trust them without question? I sort of think they are - but cracks are beginning to form in my opinion of them. Are they becoming too big? Too powerful? At some point in the future are we going to be in for a shock? Once everyone on the planet has a GMail account are we going to be held to ransom? A scary thought.

So why am I starting to doubt the sanctity of the holy Google? Well, it has to do with Android and the fact that they won't license the Google Apps - including the App Market - for use on tablets. They only license to devices with a Sim. Why is that? What's wrong with tablets? OK, some of their proprietary apps aren't suited to a non-mobile device, ie Navigator, but some, including the App Market, certainly are. When so much is open source why the lock down? I'm far from an expert, more an interested user but I find it odd and slightly concerning. I want a Tablet with Apps - and I don't want to have to jumps through the hoops to manually download, transfer and install when it could all be so easy. Google, why make it so difficult?

It almost pushes me to the iPad - after-all, it's available now AND has downloadable Apps from its store - but that would really go against the grain...