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Skyfire to Bring Flash Video to iOS Devices

I just see this as pointless.

Flash was never designed to be, nor should it be, used for video.

Video online needs to move to HTML5+H.264 and/or Ogg and/or WebM. (I'd like it if one were truly standardized on and open, like WebM, but I don't see Apple abandoning H.264.)

Video online should *NOT* use Flash. Period.

Flash is for interactive multimedia. Flash is for things that can't be implemented in HTML5 "AJAX" natively. Things like low-bandwidth-usage cartoons (JibJab, for example,) work well in Flash rather than video, most web games work well in Flash rather than HTML5. Those are the things I want Flash support for, not video.

If this is $3 just for video, I'll pass, thanks. There aren't many video sites that I want to view on the go that haven't already moved to HTML5+H.264. In fact, now that I think about it, I can't remember the last time I ran into a website I wanted to watch a video on, but couldn't because it was Flash. I've run into sites that use Flash for other uses that I wanted Flash for; but not video.
 
oracle_ab said:
Won't make a difference for me. I haven't missed Flash at all on my iPod touch.
Click to expand...
Indeed. Apple made the right call when they refused to accept Flash on their mobile products. Call me an Apple fanboy if you need to, but I knew they made the right call from the very beginning.

What I don't get is why people are seriously considering installing this spyware/crapware media player shell (it's not really a web browser). The company is basically lying all the time. Even though they know that it's nonsense to claim that it's converting Flash into HTML5, they keep making that claim.

Also, what is their business model? I can't think of anything apart from selling personal data to advertisers, since normal advertising sure as hell won't pay their bandwidth bill!
 
-=XX=-Nephilim said:
Jesus what a post! :D

1. I am not trolling and am dead serious - web without Flash is crippled pile of excrement and there is no way in the world that I would be supporting OS or Devices which intentionally cripple my web experience!

2. On Android you can set the Flash player to work in exactly the same way as does ClickToFlash on Mac. Meaning - you can set it up and CHOOSE which Flash content you wish to view. So yes, you can get rid of that ads we all hate and still enjoy Flash content you wish to view...

3. What do you mean by "I can assure you that lack of Flash is not an issue" when if I look through 100s of my bookmarks vast majority are using Flash in one way or the other!?!? You don't need to assure me about anything since I know very well what I need in my computing life :)

4. I agree with Jobs on a lot of things but not with crippling my browsing experience...
Click to expand...

Your posts are always good for a laugh or two. So thanks for that.:D

I use Click2Flash to block Flash in Safari on my Mac, and I rarely see the blocked Flash boxes on any of the various sites that I visit daily...... unless it's an ad of some sort.

The vast majority of your bookmarks are Flash-based sites? I highly doubt that.

*snicker*
 
Surely said:
Your posts are always good for a laugh or two. So thanks for that.:D

I use Click2Flash to block Flash in Safari on my Mac, and I rarely see the blocked Flash boxes on any of the various sites that I visit daily...... unless it's an ad of some sort.

The vast majority of your bookmarks are Flash-based sites? I highly doubt that.

*snicker*
Click to expand...

Believe it or not I am in photography, advertising, art, design and multimedia business and yes almost 100% of sites that I use on daily bases require Flash for one or the other thing!

By the way - glad you enjoy my posts! :)

*twix*
 
-=XX=-Nephilim said:
Believe it or not I am in photography, advertising, art, design and multimedia business and yes almost 100% of sites that I use on daily bases require Flash for one or the other thing!
Click to expand...

If this is actually true, then you are clearly the exception to the rule. How can you not see that?

Just because it suits your needs, doesn't mean it suits the vast majority of others' needs.
 
WestonHarvey1 said:
I hope this startup has a plan for what to do after Flash video disappears.
Click to expand...

This app seems to just "miss the point." I believe a paradigm shift has taken place in the tech world and Flash just missed the boat. People don't want to rely on proprietary formats like that anymore. Apple may have a lot of proprietary-ness about them, but most of there tech is based on open standards which are shared with others.
 
Don't need Flash

If someone came out with a browser that blocked porn like you can on Safari I would pay for that. I've got two teenagers and I disable Safari and I'd like them to have the web without the filth.
 
You gotta admit, that's still pretty cool for them to do that.
They thought outside the box and within Apple's Box and are getting it released. Congrats to Skyfire
 
-=XX=-Nephilim said:
1. I am not trolling and am dead serious - web without Flash is crippled pile of excrement
Click to expand...

That's an absurd statement, that millions of people happily using iOS devices will disagree with. By making such silly and childish statements - you pretty much discredit anything else you have to say on this topic.

-=XX=-Nephilim said:
2. On Android you can set the Flash player to work in exactly the same way as does ClickToFlash work on Mac. Meaning - you can set it up and CHOOSE which Flash content you wish to view. So yes, you can get rid of that ads we all hate and still enjoy Flash content you wish to view...
Click to expand...

I do exactly that on my EVO, and I found myself activating Android Flash plug-in on maybe a handful of occasions. The Flash experience is so bad, it's not worth bothering with. Most of the interactive Flash content doesn't work correctly or runs unbearably slow. Flash-based video runs jittery, and just not worth the hassle. HTML5/H.264 video experience on iDevices is vastly superior.

-=XX=-Nephilim said:
3. What do you mean by "I can assure you that lack of Flash is not an issue" when if I look through 100s of my bookmarks vast majority are using Flash in one way or the other!?!? You don't need to assure me about anything since I know very well what I need in my computing life :)
Click to expand...

You have 100s of bookmarks exclusively reliant on Flash, for which there is no HTML5 equivalent? I call rubbish on this one.. Even many Flash-only porn sides are now offering HTML5 content (or so I heard :))

-=XX=-Nephilim said:
4. I agree with Jobs on a lot of things but not with crippling my web browsing experience...
Click to expand...

I guess you better stick with desktops/laptops, as there are no mobile devices which offer "full" browsing experience by your definition.. Android included.
 
Surely said:
If this is actually true, then you are clearly the exception to the rule. How can you not see that?

Just because it suits your needs, doesn't mean it suits the vast majority of others' needs.
Click to expand...

Define vast majority. You have a use case - he has a use case. Both are of equal value. Just because flash DOESN'T suit YOUR needs doesn't mean that's the rule. But I'll rephrase an earlier statement I made - Why do you care if the app exists or not? Don't buy/use it. That simple. And let the ones that do want to have access. You get what you want and they get what they want. No brainer

dbendixen said:
This app seems to just "miss the point." I believe a paradigm shift has taken place in the tech world and Flash just missed the boat. People don't want to rely on proprietary formats like that anymore. Apple may have a lot of proprietary-ness about them, but most of there tech is based on open standards which are shared with others.
Click to expand...

Miss the point? No - it's a great solution for anyone who wants to view flash video and can't. It fulfills a need for some just like a printing app (before 4.2) fulfilled a need. Just like people who use goodreader for file management fulfills a need.

They are seeing a spot in the marketplace - whether it's short term or long term and capitalizing on it. They HARDLY missed the point. I think you did.
 
samcraig said:
Define vast majority. You have a use case - he has a use case. Both are of equal value. Just because flash DOESN'T suit YOUR needs doesn't mean that's the rule. But I'll rephrase an earlier statement I made - Why do you care if the app exists or not? Don't buy/use it. That simple. And let the ones that do want to have access. You get what you want and they get what they want. No brainer
Click to expand...

I care because I own an iPhone and an iPad and this story involves both. Why do you care that I care? Just because I don't need the app doesn't mean I'm not allowed to have an opinion on it. Come on......

I'm not saying that my use/needs is the rule. However, I do think that my needs more closely matches the typical web-user than someone in the "photography, advertising, art, design and multimedia business".

The following post most accurately matches my views on this app:

ellsworth said:
You gotta admit, that's still pretty cool for them to do that.
They thought outside the box and within Apple's Box and are getting it released. Congrats to Skyfire
Click to expand...

Do I want or need this app? No. Will I pay any amount of money for it? No. Am I allowed to post my opinion about it here? Yes.
 
halhiker said:
If someone came out with a browser that blocked porn like you can on Safari I would pay for that. I've got two teenagers and I disable Safari and I'd like them to have the web without the filth.
Click to expand...

Check out OpenDNS.. All you have to do is point your kids' iPhones/iPads to use OpenDNS name servers, and they won't be able to access any porn websites.
 
Surely said:
I care because I own an iPhone and an iPad and this story involves both. Why do you care that I care? Just because I don't need the app doesn't mean I'm not allowed to have an opinion on it. Come on......

I'm not saying that my use/needs is the rule. However, I do think that my needs more closely matches the typical web-user than someone in the "photography, advertising, art, design and multimedia business".

The following post most accurately matches my views on this app:



Do I want or need this app? No. Will I pay any amount of money for it? No. Am I allowed to post my opinion about it here? Yes.
Click to expand...

Your opinions seemed to indicate that there was little to no need for such an app. Especially given the fact that you claimed only a minority would benefit from the app. Perhaps I misspoke. I didn't claim you had no right to post your opinion. And I wasn't questioning whether or not you had a right to post on whether or not you had a need for such an app. I just called into question why it would matter either way.

Not directed at you - but on a similar note - I just don't understand (well mostly) why people "fight" against functionality. Use it or not. But how does extra functionality cause someone to argue against it. Just don't use it. If the iPad came with a front/back camera - all those who are so adamant stating there's no reason to have one are silly. Don't use it. I got the same "heat" for arguing for people being able to print. And several other things that enhance the experience. NONE of which would hinder an experience and ALL of which would be OPTIONAL. If the iPhone were to suddenly become available in all the shades the nano was - some people would hit "negative" on that because they see no reason to have anything other than black. Or White. Different strokes for different folks.

Here's an app that provides an OPTION. That's all. Anyone who is hitting the "negative" link on the front of the website, in my opinion, is silly.

Again - my .02
 
hitekalex said:
Check out OpenDNS.. All you have to do is point your kids' iPhones/iPads to use OpenDNS name servers, and they won't be able to access any porn websites.
Click to expand...

Since when does OpenDNS do that?? And how would you set an iphone to use OpenDNS servers when on edge/3g?
 
samcraig said:
Your opinions seemed to indicate that there was little to no need for such an app. Especially given the fact that you claimed only a minority would benefit from the app. Perhaps I misspoke. I didn't claim you had no right to post your opinion. And I wasn't questioning whether or not you had a right to post on whether or not you had a need for such an app. I just called into question why it would matter either way.

Not directed at you - but on a similar note - I just don't understand (well mostly) why people "fight" against functionality. Use it or not. But how does extra functionality cause someone to argue against it. Just don't use it. If the iPad came with a front/back camera - all those who are so adamant stating there's no reason to have one are silly. Don't use it. I got the same "heat" for arguing for people being able to print. And several other things that enhance the experience. NONE of which would hinder an experience and ALL of which would be OPTIONAL. If the iPhone were to suddenly become available in all the shades the nano was - some people would hit "negative" on that because they see no reason to have anything other than black. Or White. Different strokes for different folks.

Here's an app that provides an OPTION. That's all. Anyone who is hitting the "negative" link on the front of the website, in my opinion, is silly.

Again - my .02
Click to expand...

I never said that other people didn't have a need for Flash..... I said that I have no need for it. Unlike some others in this thread, I don't speak for anyone but myself. However, I do feel that my internet use is pretty typical of the average user.

As far as Flash on the iPhone: Apple's testing has shown that it dramatically decreases battery life. Therefore, it absolutely would affect me if Flash was a standard feature of my iPhone. I'm glad that it isn't..... I can count the number of times it has annoyingly hindered my ability to view a site on my iPhone/iPad on one hand (almost 3 years of iOS use).

Does it bother me that this app is available as an option for people to download? No, they can download it and use it if they'd like to.
 
What's the point of Flash? To hide information (Flash 'cookies' or 'local shared objects'/LSO's) on your local storage device without being affected by your browser's privacy & security settings. I hate - really hate - Adobe for enabling that sort of invasion of privacy and for their moronic online system of managing LSO's.

Most of the sites I visit do not provide Flash videos or sound files without LSO's - I wonder if this app circumvents this. If so, it is worth the price.
 
globalist said:
Since when does OpenDNS do that?? And how would you set an iphone to use OpenDNS servers when on edge/3g?
Click to expand...

Read their website:

Web content filtering
More than 50 categories of content. No appliance necessary. Effective against proxies, P2P, Web 2.0, adult and more.
Click to expand...

You can also set-up whitelists or blacklists of Internet domains.

You're right though - it's only effective on your own Home network where you control the DHCP servers.
 
I must be the only person that watches or will admit watching porn. I've only found one good free site with html5 content and tons of others that have good "regular" sites but when you browse with Atomic on your iPad or iPhone, it pulls up junk. I don't understand how some sites are free for a desktop browser but have a paid monthly for a bad mobile version.

It's not like I watch it every day or all the time but $3 would be worth it as long as there isn't too much lag.

(Proud to admit I watch porn)
 
VulchR said:
What's the point of Flash? To hide information (Flash 'cookies' or 'local shared objects'/LSO's) on your local storage device without being affected by your browser's privacy & security settings. I hate - really hate - Adobe for enabling that sort of invasion of privacy and for their moronic online system of managing LSO's.

Most of the sites I visit do not provide Flash videos or sound files without LSO's - I wonder if this app circumvents this. If so, it is worth the price.
Click to expand...
FYI, HTML5 has a similar "feature" to allow the equivalent of persistent local storage, it'll likely be used the same way as LSOs have been.

I'd certainly like the ability to have this configurable on a whitelist-only basis, where it was turned off by default.
 
Not a troll? Well you certainly post like one.

-=XX=-Nephilim said:
Jesus what a post! :D

1. I am not trolling and am dead serious - web without Flash is crippled pile of excrement and there is no way in the world that I would be supporting OS or Devices which intentionally cripple my web experience!
... (blah blah blah) ...
Click to expand...

Really? You're "not trolling"? Then why do you post like a troll?

For example, each of these is from a separate post by "-=XX=-Nephilim":


> Apple is just being full of baba as per usual charging you arms and leg for outdated hardware...


> Apple will need to catch up with all this since they won't be able to market their iOS toys as perfect browsing
> devices for much longer if in fact they are complete opposite...


> Flash forever and ever! :)


> Proud Mac OSX user as well as proud iOS boycotter! :)
> Your pathetic mind will never be able to figure that one out so just relax and enjoy the ride ;)


> I miss Flash so much that it is one of the main reasons why I boycott all iDevices.
> Web without Flash is not the web... It's crippled pile of crap SJ wants me to browse and not much to do with what...


> Simply storm the forums waving the Jewish flag while claiming you are Apple employe and that's...


> It is finger pointing at editorial of this site coupled with number of questions in regards to why exactly are we all
> intentionally misinformed and fed with crap propaganda...


> Sad fact is that this site is slowly but surely turning into Fox News tech equivalent...
> Yes, I am referring to baseless Flash bashing (and similar propaganda crap) that's going on recently...


> Without guys like you this site would be text book example of what lobotomy and Orwelian like politics can do to human brains...


> Steve Jobs via iDevices and politics of not allowing Flash is practically and effectively CENSORING...


> Just relax, spend your money with company that respects you as a user and have a laugh at Steve Jobs and hordes of iSheep.


> Point is that Android user can type in almost ANY web address into his portable / mobile device and get the contents he
> is after while YOU and rest of iDevice owners can enjoy BLUE LEGO...


> Article is utter rubbish and perfect example of crap journalism...
> Flash player for Android is in its first and initial release - fact...


Face it, buddy, it's a free country. And this is a pro-Apple forum.

If you can't handle the Flash-bashing, then maybe it's time to switch to decaf.
 
I wish Apple would bye this company not for the flash video solution but because I really like that related content tab.... i would love a native implementation into safari!
 
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