Yesterday, Adobe announced that it would be putting an end to the development of Flash for mobile devices, including tablets. However, in a somewhat surprising move, RIM has confirmed that they will keep Flash alive on the BlackBerry PlayBook.
As an Adobe source code licensee, we will continue to work on and release our own implementations. RIM remains committed to delivering an uncompromised Web browsing experience to our customers, including native support for Adobe Flash Player on our BlackBerry PlayBook tablet (similar to a desktop PC browser), as well as HTML5 support on both our BlackBerry smartphone and PlayBook browsers. In fact, we are pleased that Adobe will focus more efforts on the opportunities that HTML5 presents for our developers, and shares our commitment to HTML5 as we discussed together at DevCon Americas.
The Future of Flash on Mobile Devices
Adobe’s decision to cease development of Flash for mobile devices marks a significant shift in the tech landscape. Flash has long been a staple for rich multimedia content on the web, but its performance issues and security vulnerabilities have made it less favorable in recent years. The rise of HTML5, which offers similar capabilities without the need for a plugin, has further accelerated Flash’s decline. HTML5 is more efficient, secure, and compatible with modern web standards, making it the preferred choice for developers and users alike.
Despite this, RIM’s decision to continue supporting Flash on the BlackBerry PlayBook is intriguing. It suggests that RIM sees value in maintaining Flash compatibility, perhaps to support legacy content or to differentiate their product in a crowded market. By offering both Flash and HTML5 support, RIM aims to provide a versatile browsing experience that caters to a wide range of user needs.
RIM’s Commitment to an Uncompromised Web Experience
RIM’s statement emphasizes their commitment to delivering an “uncompromised Web browsing experience.” This means that users of the BlackBerry PlayBook can expect a browsing experience similar to that of a desktop PC, with full support for Flash content. This could be particularly appealing to users who rely on Flash-based websites and applications that have not yet transitioned to HTML5.
Moreover, RIM’s dual support for Flash and HTML5 highlights their dedication to providing a comprehensive web experience. While HTML5 is undoubtedly the future, the transition from Flash is still ongoing, and many websites continue to use Flash for various purposes. By supporting both technologies, RIM ensures that their users can access a broader range of content without compatibility issues.
We do wonder what exactly RIM is up to with their statement that they will keep Flash alive on the PlayBook, considering that Adobe has decided that HTML5 is the way forward. It raises questions about RIM’s long-term strategy and whether they will eventually phase out Flash support as the web continues to evolve.
In conclusion, while Adobe’s decision to end Flash development for mobile devices signals a clear shift towards HTML5, RIM’s commitment to maintaining Flash support on the BlackBerry PlayBook reflects a nuanced approach to web browsing. By offering both Flash and HTML5, RIM aims to provide a versatile and comprehensive browsing experience that meets the diverse needs of their users. As the web continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how RIM’s strategy unfolds and whether other companies will follow suit.
Source Gizmodo, All Things D
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