Well, well, well. There is an awful lot of “snubbing” happening today. First it was Skype snubbing Microsoft’s Windows, now it’s Hulu snubbing Apple’s iPad.
There has been a lot of recent speculation that Hulu may be abandoning the Flash platform in favor of H.264 & HTML5 video that is becoming much more mainstream and is open-source, but today’s blog announcement from Product VP seems to point in the opposite direction:
“We continue to monitor developments on HTML5, but as of now it doesn’t yet meet all of our customers’ needs,” Wei said. “Our player doesn’t just simply stream video, it must also secure the content, handle reporting for our advertisers, render the video using a high performance codec to ensure premium visual quality, communicate back with the server to determine how long to buffer and what bitrate to stream, and dozens of other things that aren’t necessarily visible to the end user. Not all video sites have these needs, but for our business these are all important and often contractual requirements.”
Hulu also rolled out a number of less staggering news (in terms of some updated features).
I find it interesting that Hulu hasn’t found means to deliver their “goods” without using Flash. Look at ABC’s iPad app. It’s been a massive success for the network and continues to earn praise. I think that Hulu is missing a major marketing opportunity here. What do you think?
Article via CNet News. Read the full post here >>
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Well some startling news hit the blog-o-sphere today: According to Adobe’s Principal Product Manager for Developer Relations for the Flash Platform (ummmmmm…is that REALLY his title?), Adobe no longer plans to fight with Apple —- they have given up trying to port Flash and Flash applications for use under the iPhone OS now that Apple has announced, with the iPhone OS 4.0 Preview, that ALL of the applications available within the App Store must be created with Apple’s own software developer kit.
This marks significant news since Adobe’s recently announced Flash CS5 contains a specialized compiling agent that can translate Flash applications (built with Adobe’s acquired ActionScript language) into applications that could run on the iPhone OS.
Some developers were thrilled to hear the news, while others barely batted an eye. It’s my opinion that the ballyhoo drummed up has been from Adobe’s PR machine and some critics —- specifically those that don’t understand technology and/or computers like some of the “rest of us.”
I first learned the Flash platform about 10yrs ago. I dabbled in ActionScript, but found it laborious and time consuming, so I spent most of my time focusing on other evolving web technologies like JavaScript, CSS, XML and the new JQuery. It was a smart move, I think, because Flash hasn’t really changed. In 10yrs, only minor strides have been taken to improve the platform. Most of the “refinements” have been cosmetic and allow developers to build with more intuitive ease, an admittedly important feature, but not the only one. Optimization is paramount in a world of technology and Adobe’s Flash platform is far from optimized. An overwhelming majority of known web browser crashes occur because of an error loading the flash player plug-in. This, so much so, that new browsers have developed ways to protect individual pages: Apple’s Safari will continue to load the page, even if the plug-in crashes, but will display a broken-link-icon over its expected placement to alert the user that it couldn’t be loaded. Google’s Chrome separates each tab/page into difference operational processes so that if a plug-in crashes one, it doesn’t bring all of your sites down. Both are smart options, but feel a little “backwards” to me. I believe that Adobe’s focus shouldn’t be on getting Flash on the iPhone OS, it should be on evolving Flash to take advantage of the next generation of web development technologies. It’s no longer King.
Flash Video did a great job of bringing “quick-loading” web videos to the masses. But, many of its early adopters have already abandoned it because its stayed stagnant for so long. Some of the biggest websites (that use to host Flash Video) have already converted (or are in the process of converting) to HTML5: YouTube, CNN, NYTimes.com, Vimeo, Netflix, ESPN, Flickr, CBS, ABC, etc.
Aside from websites (mostly portfolios) that are built in 100% Flash markup, I haven’t stumbled upon anything that I couldn’t see on my iPhone or iPad in the last year and a half. I actually pity those sites that are built in 100% Flash for two major reasons: for one, users get knee-deep while surfing a Flash site on their desktop computer and then hit the “back” button in their browser one time only to be stunned when they are forced to start over at the site’s homepage or “skip intro.” STUPID. Secondly, and as a web developer, I never recommend building a site that is composed of only 1 development language because no one language is without its flaws; I develop sites that utilize HTML, HTML5, Quicktime, RSS, XML, JQuery, JavaScript, CSS, etc. The design is more sophisticated and the user experience ends up being much cleaner. To boot, the site is more accessible whether it is being accessed on a desktop computer or any [of the many] smart phone/mobile options.
So after Adobe’s public tantrum today, am I the least bit worried about the iPhone OS’ future without Flash?
Am I the least bit disappointed that their compiler won’t work for the App Store?
Do I think the iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch are missing out because Flash won’t play on them?
No. And, I think an apple representative said it best when she commented on the news this afternoon:
“Someone has it backwards—it is HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, and H.264 (all supported by the iPhone and iPad) that are open and standard, while Adobe’s Flash is closed and proprietary.”
She’s 100% right.
new iPad owners (and potential buyers) may be wondering…what does an expert keep on their iPad’s homepage?
here’s what i have on mine & why…
let’s start with the dock (located at the bottom of the screen, regardless of orientation); they are the primary applications that are visible now matter which home “screens” you are on:
Mail:
Obviously, the core method of communication for the iPad. I have more than 10 active email accounts to manage, so having Mail at my fingertips is a must.
Safari:
the iPad version of Safari is almost as robust as the desktop version. it’s amazingly capable and super-easy to use. Notice there isn’t a facebook app on the homepage? there’s 2 reasons for that: 1) no facebook app for iPad exists (yet). 2) and more importantly, it’s not necessary. Safari on iPad renders facebook’s site as well as you could ever need. No smartphone app required.
iBooks:
it’s a little funny to hear Steve Jobs talk about “iBooks” now that moniker refers to digital books apple sells, and not their previously named laptops (now macbooks). But, the application is easy to use and a major reason to purchase the iPad: eReading. Tho the kindle soars in bright light, the iPad is surprisingly easy (and comfortable) to read on. I already have a number of books in my queue just begging to be read.
Videos:
the iPad is ideal for watching movies and tv shows while on the go. although the screen isn’t your standard 16×9 letterbox, the issue is lost when you see the stunning clarity of anything in playback. to know that i have 6 tv shows (all aired episodes) and several movies, just in case i have the time to catch up, is amazingly satisfying.
Zinio:
i know i’ve been watching a little too much of A&E’s “Hoarders“, but i regularly start to panic if clutter begins to take the main stage in my home. As an avid reader, i devour over a dozen periodicals each month. Occasionally there are stories, or articles that i’d like to share or reference later. I’ve resorted to a “clip file” of torn pages that i almost never reference because they are all tossed together without any rhyme or reason. Enter Zinio. For years they’ve provided digital versions of some of the worlds most popular magazines. Up until now, i thought the company was a bit irrelevant; WHY would i ever want to pay full price to read a magazine on my computer when i could just get the print version? Then…the iPad arrived. Now i’m longing to receive as many magazines “digitally” as i can. the iPad is perfect for reading periodicals on the go, archiving stories for reference later, sharing with friends, etc. And, to boot, it’s eco-friendly. score.
now…onto the other apps, populating the bulk of the screen:
Contacts:
much like mail, my contacts are essential to my work & personal lives. thanks to MobileMe syncing, my contacts always match my iPhone, and my desktop Macs.
Calendar:
see “contacts” above.
Notes:
i’m a big fan of many of the “pre-installed” apple applications. i’m constantly brainstorming and thinking about things to do/write/share. the Notes app helps me keep me organized.
Maps:
although i’ve yet to use the google maps app for iPad (outside of just messing around), i’m sure it’s something that i’ll find of value in the future. i’ve long been a fan of google maps on my desktop and don’t know how i could live without the app on my iPhone.
Photos:
there’s been a lot of criticism [towards apple] for not including a photo editor [on iPad] more akin to iPhoto, but i disagree. i rarely need to edit pics en-route, and would rather do it on my 27″ iMac than on a 9″ iPad. i know, i’m spoiled, but i can’t really tolerate doing it on my MacBookPro’s 17″. the photo app for iPad is beautiful & simple and allows me to do exactly what i need: show off my favorite photos…while on the go.
YouTube:
the youtube application has made a giant leap forward with iPad. while i can tolerate the app on iPhone/iPod Touch, it’s usable at best. the iPad version is remarkable. watching video is easy, tracking user pages is easier. And, with HTML5, the quality of video that you can watch [instantly] will blow you away.
iPod:
now, here’s an application i have mixed feelings about. i’m never without my iPhone, and i have 16 (i know, i have a problem) various other iPods…why bog-down my iPad’s hard drive with music? I’ve opted not to. While i have synchronized some music onto my iPad, it’s not nearly as plentiful as what i have on my iPhone or other iPods. I think that even on the go, i’d rather listen to music on my iPhone (in case a call were to come through) than on my iPad. The application is lovely, but the usability? not totally up my alley.
eWiFi:
this application was a diamond in the rough. sadly, it’s been discontinued by apple from their app store. with one touch, it can show you all the open/closed/locked & unlocked wifi networks within range. it was far superior (and easier) than apples [built in] system utility. i’ve yet to find another app with the same set of capabilities. considering my iPad is only wifi capable, knowing the networks around me is crucial. for those that have it, embrace it; for those that missed out, send a prayer to apple that it can come back.
Briefcase:
this is another miracle app, for iPhone. essentially, it allows you to connect (wherever you may be) to your home mac’s files. you can plow around looking for a file you meant to share, a video, anything. once you find it, you can transfer it to your iPhone and then view/play it locally, email it, etc. it’s surprisingly helpful. and, their support team is incredibly responsive & helpful. an iPad version has yet to be announced, but those of us who realize the power of the iPhone app, we are eagerly awaiting the debut of it’s big brother.
iTeleport:
formerly, Jaadu VNC, this is one bad-ass application. unlike most VNC applications, iTeleport does a beautiful job of combining touch with remote access. for those of you that need a computer when you only have your iPad, this, plus an Internet connection, is a dream come true. For those of you that are unfamiliar with VNC: it stands for “Virtual Network Computing“, but i hear you, “huh?” In layman’s terms it means that you can remotely control your home (or office) computer anywhere. You “virtually” log into your machine from another, securely. If someone is sitting in front of your machine while you were “controlling” it, they would see the cursor move as if the machine were possessed. VNC is particularly helpful for those of us that have many computers, computers in various other locations, or when helping people troubleshoot computing issues. Although this application will set you back $24.99 in the app store (expensive compared to most $5 or lower apps), it’s well worth the price & has a beautiful, native, iPad interface. A MUST have for anyone looking to use their iPad as a portable computing replacement.
iDisk:
having access to my iDisk is an awesome luxury. i store many files on it, and it’s super simple to share those without having to go into a whole VNC environment.
Numbers:
it’s apple’s answer to Microsoft’s Excel application…only this is the iPad, portable version. i spent many years working with and understanding the complexities of excel and have really fallen in love with the desktop version of Numbers. it manages all the power of excel, with a lot more aesthetic finesse. as a designer, i always want to control the look and feel of any product or document that i create —- even if it’s just a spreadsheet. only Numbers gives you that power, easily. the iPad version of Numbers admittedly takes a little getting use to, however, it’s amazingly robust for a tablet app. i was easily able to manipulate large, powerful spreadsheets i’d previously built. my biggest gripe? accessing excel or numbers files in your idisk isn’t at all seamless. it can be done, but you’ve gotta be cleaver to pull it off. here’s hoping it’s a feature in the next version…
Pages:
the other apple answer to Microsoft’s Word application…again…it requires a little getting use to, but is impressive and full-featured. it beautifully exports word files, pages files (duh) and pdfs —- a must have when on the go. Again, my only one complaint is the lack of iDisk integration. are you listening apple??
reQall:
it’s a pretty savvy website & iPhone/iPod Touch application, but i use only one feature: things to do. when i think of something (typically groceries), i jump online, click the bookmark and add it to my list. when on the go, i can add them by voice, or text through the app. it syncs with the cloud, so i always know what i need when i’m out and about. once i’ve gotten it? a tap, and it goes away.
Read It Later:
while some people prefer the InstaPaper app, i like Read It Later, just fine. What is it? it’s a free website (sign-up required) that tracks any and every web article you’d like to read…later. i’m always plowing through the net, but rarely have the time to read everything i stumble upon. with one click (a Javascript enabled Bookmarklet), any page i mark is saved to my account so that i can read it at my leisure (either on my desktop computer or portable). while an iPhone/iPod Touch app does exist, i prefer the “web app” that i grabbed from my “Read It Later… List” webpage. With 1-click i pop into Safari and see all the articles that i want to read. once i’m done, i check them off and they disappear. awesome.
AIM:
while i’m a big fan of AIM & instant messaging (my handle is maximizeurmac), i don’t really love chatting via AIM on my iPhone or the iPad. I prefer the “forward to SMS” method (not sure what that is? ask.). That being said, sometimes, when SMS isn’t available (say in flight), this application would be invaluable. And, the iPad native version is easy to use and very nice looking.
USA Today:
the newspaper is dead, but news reporting is not. this simple little app brings the news to your fingertips, beautifully.
Settings:
much like the first few months with an iPhone, there are tweaks and adjustments that need to be made. most of those require the system settings. i like to keep them on hand so that i can change things quickly.
iTunes Music Store & App Store:
i’m always hunting for new music, so when i hear something i like, i buy it. as for apps? i’m love discovering new things and searching for solutions to hurdles that i uncover. this “app” needs to be at my fingertips.
there you have it. my iPad homepage, explained.
