Adobe has today admitted that its claims about Apple disabling hardware acceleration in its latest OS X Lion are not true and are now confirming that the latest release of OS X Lion provides the same support for Flash hardware video acceleration as Mac OS X Snow Leopard did.
Adobe have now reversed their claims and say their results which prompted the hardware acceleration outcry about Apple’s OS X Lion were based on misinterpreting results from a pre-beta release of the OS X Lion build released by Apple.
Clarification from Adobe
Adobe has now released this statement to clarify the issues:
“The final release of Mac OS X Lion (10.7) provides the same support for Flash hardware video acceleration as Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6). The previous “Known Issue” described in a tech note suggesting that video hardware acceleration was disabled in Lion was incorrect and based on tests with a pre-release version of Mac OS X Lion that related to only one particular Mac GPU configuration. We continue to work closely with Apple to provide Flash Player users with a high quality experience on Mac computers”
This statement from Adobe is significant as it highlights the importance of accurate testing and communication, especially when dealing with pre-release software. Misinterpretations can lead to widespread misinformation, as was the case here. Adobe’s initial claims caused concern among users who rely on Flash for video playback and other multimedia applications.
Impact on Users and Developers
The initial reports of hardware acceleration being disabled in OS X Lion had a ripple effect on both users and developers. Users were worried about potential performance issues, particularly those who use their Mac computers for video editing, gaming, and other graphics-intensive tasks. Developers, on the other hand, were concerned about the additional workload required to optimize their applications for the new OS.
However, with Adobe’s clarification, it is now clear that users can expect the same level of performance from Flash on OS X Lion as they did on Snow Leopard. This is reassuring news for those who were considering delaying their upgrade to Lion due to these concerns.
Moreover, this incident underscores the collaborative relationship between Adobe and Apple. Despite past tensions, particularly around the time when Apple decided not to support Flash on iOS devices, both companies continue to work together to ensure a seamless experience for Mac users. This collaboration is crucial for maintaining the quality and performance of widely-used software like Flash Player.
In conclusion, while the initial claims about OS X Lion disabling hardware acceleration were based on a misunderstanding, Adobe’s prompt clarification has helped to set the record straight. Users and developers can now proceed with their plans to upgrade to OS X Lion without worrying about potential performance issues related to Flash. This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in software development and the importance of thorough testing and clear communication.
Source: Slashgear
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.