Flash

There are rumors of a deeper partnership between Google and Adobe - the Chrome browser may ship with Flash built right in. The implementation of the new HTML5 standard is a large threat to Flash, as many video playback features are standardized and integrated into the new code. One of the main complaints about flash is that it is a stand-alone installation that must occur on all browsers, rather than being a shipped component.

Flash is also working with Google, Mozilla, and the internet community in general to create a new API that can provide a better way for plug-ins to interact with each other. They state that the current system lacks the flexibility and power to support the expected pace of innovation.

The largest issue that Flash has historically had to battle were the security issues that it has had to battle, most notably the security risks that were introduced by the use of their features. The most popular (by a slim margin) non-computer devices that surf the internet are also not Flash compatible, producing yet another barrier for their continued existence. Only time will tell what will happen to the company - I really do not see room for them in the future.

Windows Mobile 7 Flash

One of the largest complaints about the iPhone is the lack of Flash. With over six million download requests in December 2009 alone, it is clear the users expect flash to be present on a mobile device at this point. Many expect that Windows Mobile 7 will be compatible with Flash, given Microsoft's close relationship with Adobe. The introduction of flash on Windows Mobile will finally allow Microsoft to one-up Apple... but can they do it?

The simple answer is no. Steve Ballmer recently announced that Windows Mobile 7 will not have Flash capability at initial release. Many may say that the capability will eventually be integrated into the OS, but Microsoft has a dirty history of keeping the status-quo with many of its products. Windows Vista, for example, was supposed to come with a new file system that would speed up data access rates and allow for superior organization, but Microsoft simply never got around to it.

Flash requires processing power that is capable with current technology, but the battery life of any device using it would be the equivalent to those which are currently using GPS. The number of flash applications is begging to dwindle and HTML 5 is supposed to remove the necessity of the Flash format, which may actually make this entire post into a moot point.