Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Windows 8's Metro version of IE 10 may keep Flash for edge cases]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/windows-8-metro-version-of-ie-10-may-keep-flash/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/windows-8-metro-version-of-ie-10-may-keep-flash/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/windows-8-metro-version-of-ie-10-may-keep-flash/#comments Image

Microsoft triggered some weeping and gnashing of teeth with its decision to keep Flash out of the Metro environment's Internet Explorer 10 browser in favor of HTML5, and it looks like that outpouring of grief has produced a compromise -- albeit with a catch. Leaks of the upcoming Windows 8 Release Preview purport to show Flash running on IE10 in the new interface, but only for certain popular sites (such as Disney's) that can be trusted with Flash and don't have an easy HTML5 fallback. The company hasn't confirmed the change, but it's thought that Microsoft has skipped the familiar plugin route in favor of just coding Flash support for a few sites at a low level. If that's what we see when the Release Preview goes public in June, it could serve as a bridge for parents worried their kids will miss out on Where's My Water? games while preserving a browser that's overall leaner, meaner and safer. We wouldn't hold out much hope for Windows 8 RT tablets running ARM chips, though, knowing that backwards compatibility doesn't exist and that Adobe might not be keen to revive Flash-on-ARM support it's trying to wind down.

Windows 8's Metro version of IE 10 may keep Flash for edge cases originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2012 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe flashAdobeFlashdesktopdesktopsdisneyflashhtml 5Html5ieie 10Ie10internet explorerinternet explorer 10InternetExplorerInternetExplorer10laptoplaptopsmetromicrosoftmicrosoft internet explorermicrosoft internet explorer 10microsoft windows 8MicrosoftInternetExplorerMicrosoftInternetExplorer10MicrosoftWindows8pluginsoftwaretablettablet pctablet pcsTabletPcTabletPcstabletswindows 8Windows 8 Release PreviewWindows8Windows8ReleasePreviewWed, 23 May 2012 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Indie Games does what it says it will, offers online and downloadable titles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/free-indie-games-does-what-it-says-it-will-offers-online-and-do/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/free-indie-games-does-what-it-says-it-will-offers-online-and-do/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/free-indie-games-does-what-it-says-it-will-offers-online-and-do/#comments Image

It's easy to get bored of safe, monetized, mass-gaming fare -- even if it's set in space. Good news, then, that the indie game intellect behind the likes of VVVVVV and At a Distance, Terry Cavanagh, has curated a whole raft of free indie games, housing his choices at a site with the same name. We've dipped into the eclectic selection, which includes both downloadable and online titles, with current favorites including Socially Awkward Conversations and Wolfenstein level generator Meinstein 3D. However, given that all the games are gratis, there's plenty more to sample (and then drop) guilt-free. Check the source below for the full selection.

Free Indie Games does what it says it will, offers online and downloadable titles originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadflashFree Indie gamesFreeIndieGamesgaminghtml5meinsteinSocially Awkward ConversationsSociallyAwkwardConversationsTerry CavanaghTerryCavanaghTue, 20 Mar 2012 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Cortexa's ZE Home Controller: recreate Demon Seed for a fraction of the cost]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/cortexa-s-ze-home-controller-recreate-demon-seed-for-a-fraction/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/cortexa-s-ze-home-controller-recreate-demon-seed-for-a-fraction/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/cortexa-s-ze-home-controller-recreate-demon-seed-for-a-fraction/#comments Your home is the next frontier for gadgeteers across the world and Cortexa's leading the way by releasing a new kit that'll turn your house into Proteus IV in a matter of minutes. The EZ Home Automation Ready Controller can manage lighting, security cameras and thermostats from the comfort of its Flash-based (aww) web-interface or iOS app. It's also retailing an EZ-Wave Starter package with ten dimmers, thermostat, energy monitor, controller and two lamp modules for quick fitting. You'll also be able to save on energy bills, cutting your power down when you're out and about or by setting custom actions for those lightbulb-left-on-moments. Cortexa's building a HTML5 interface as well as support for Hal and Lutron-based systems, which are due to arrive in "a few weeks." The starter kit will set you back $1,800, while remote access costs $50 a year (or $5 a month). After the break we've got PR for everyone who wants to really freak out the kid you paid to come house-sit when you're on vacation.

[Thanks, Jesse]

Continue reading Cortexa's ZE Home Controller: recreate Demon Seed for a fraction of the cost

Cortexa's ZE Home Controller: recreate Demon Seed for a fraction of the cost originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CortexaDemon SeedDemonSeedEZ-WaveEZ-Wave Home Automation Ready ControllerEz-waveHomeAutomationReadyControllerFlashHALHome AutomationHome ControlHome ControllerHomeAutomationHomeControlHomeControllerHTML5LutronProteus IVProteusIvSmart HomeSmartHomeThermostatWed, 25 Jan 2012 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC launches news app for Sony connected TV, joins Samsung and Panasonic]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/bbc-launches-news-app-for-sony-connected-tv-joins-samsung-and-p/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/bbc-launches-news-app-for-sony-connected-tv-joins-samsung-and-p/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/bbc-launches-news-app-for-sony-connected-tv-joins-samsung-and-p/#comments
Trading tradition for tech, the BBC has officially launched its news app for Sony connected TVs -- joining the ranks of its other offerings made for Samsung and Panasonic displays. With a third TV app under its belt, the Beeb is already talking about launching a fourth HTML-based variant designed to access all the newsy goodness from Virgin Media's TiVo boxes. Recently trading its Flash site for an HTML5 upgrade and launching its iPlayer for iPhone app in the UK, there's no doubt Austin Powers won't even recognize the joint when cryogenically unfrozen. Check out the tribute track after the break.

Continue reading BBC launches news app for Sony connected TV, joins Samsung and Panasonic

BBC launches news app for Sony connected TV, joins Samsung and Panasonic originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappsbbcBritish Broadcasting CorporationBritishBroadcastingCorporationconnected TVconnected TVSConnectedTvConnectedTvsflashhdpostcrosshdpostminiHTML5ipadiphonemobiletabletUKvideoSun, 08 Jan 2012 05:41:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC moves towards HTML5 for websites, tells Flash it'll still be friends]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/bbc-moves-towards-html5-for-websites-tells-flash-itll-still-be/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/bbc-moves-towards-html5-for-websites-tells-flash-itll-still-be/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/bbc-moves-towards-html5-for-websites-tells-flash-itll-still-be/#comments Even the British occasionally have to change with the times. Following a study stating that 80 percent of all web video is now compatible with HTML5, the BBC has formally adopted the standard for videos on the desktop and mobile versions of its website. The full roll-out across BBC.com follows a pilot program in which the broadcaster tested HTML5 on the Health section of the site. According to Electronista, the BBC has been working with HTML5 delivery systems throughout 2011 to build its iPlayer apps for the iOS. In other news, the BBC has just texted Flash and said it's totally open to staying friends and meeting up for coffee sometime.

BBC moves towards HTML5 for websites, tells Flash it'll still be friends originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidBBCBritish Broadcasting CorporationBritishBroadcastingCorporationdesktopFlashFlash PlayerFlashPlayerHTML5iOSminipostmobileThu, 22 Dec 2011 02:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Swiffy extension exports Flash to HTML5, ActionScript fans rejoice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/google-swiffy-extension-exports-flash-to-html5-actionscript-fan/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/google-swiffy-extension-exports-flash-to-html5-actionscript-fan/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/google-swiffy-extension-exports-flash-to-html5-actionscript-fan/#comments
If you were bummed that you'd have to pick up some new coding skills when Adobe announced that Flash for mobile was finito, cheer up friends. Harken back to the summer months when Google unveiled its Swiffy conversion tool that turns those aging SWF files into browser friendly HTML5 animations. Now the folks in Mountain View have created an extension for the Flash desktop app that allows you to export your working files to something a little more up to date with a single click -- or a combination of keystrokes for you pros. So if you're worried you'd have to brush up on your coding wizardry, it seems you're safe... for now. If you're sporting Flash CS4 or newer, hit that source link to download the goods.

Google Swiffy extension exports Flash to HTML5, ActionScript fans rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conversionextensionflashflash conversionFlashConversiongooglegoogle labsGoogle SwiffyGoogle Swiffy ExtensionGoogleLabsGoogleSwiffyGoogleSwiffyExtensionHTML5SWFSwiffyFri, 18 Nov 2011 21:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe product manager fingers Apple for death of Flash Player for mobile]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/adobe-product-manager-fingers-apple-for-death-of-flash-player-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/adobe-product-manager-fingers-apple-for-death-of-flash-player-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/adobe-product-manager-fingers-apple-for-death-of-flash-player-fo/#comments Adobe's battles with Apple haven't exactly been a secret over the past couple of years, but the death of Flash Player for mobile has once again brought that drama to the fore. Mike Chambers, a lead product manager for Flash, took to his personal site today to shed some light on Adobe's rapid descent, pointing the finger squarely at Apple's refusal to adopt the player in its mobile OS. He had this to say:

This one should be pretty apparent, but given the fragmentation of the mobile market, and the fact that one of the leading mobile platforms (Apple's iOS) was not going to allow the Flash Player in the browser, the Flash Player was not on track to reach anywhere near the ubiquity of the Flash Player on desktops... Just to be very clear on this. No matter what we did, the Flash Player was not going to be available on Apple's iOS anytime in the foreseeable future.

That combined with the "strong support for HTML5 across modern devices," was apparently enough to drive the final nail into Flash's coffin. Among other things, Chambers cited the use of apps instead of browsers for media consumption and the complexity of the mobile market as further reasons for Adobe's decision. He went on to say that Adobe has a "long term commitment to the Flash Player on desktops," but concluded by encouraging Flash developers to diversify their skill sets. For the very lengthy full-form version of Chambers' explanation, hit the source link below, but we'd suggest grabbing a drink before you do so.

Adobe product manager fingers Apple for death of Flash Player for mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe flash playerAdobeFlashPlayerflashflash playerFlashPlayerhtml 5Html5mike chambersMikeChambersmobilepostcrossFri, 11 Nov 2011 20:14:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM to forge ahead with Flash on the BlackBerry PlayBook, even if it's dead]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/rim-to-forge-ahead-with-flash-on-the-blackberry-playbook-even-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/rim-to-forge-ahead-with-flash-on-the-blackberry-playbook-even-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/rim-to-forge-ahead-with-flash-on-the-blackberry-playbook-even-i/#comments Adobe may have killed off Flash for both TVs and mobile devices, but that isn't stopping RIM from continuing to support it on the PlayBook. In a statement provided to All Things D yesterday, the BlackBerry manufacturer confirmed that it's not giving up on the dream just yet, because it's one of the Flash Player source code licensees that Adobe will continue to support post mortem:

"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."

It certainly sounds strange for RIM to issue such a ringing endorsement of an ostensibly moribund platform, though it's not entirely unreasonable, considering the fact that Flash is a major component of QNX. Still, it's hard for us to see RIM expanding the medium much further, at a time when virtually everyone else seems committed to an HTML5 future.

RIM to forge ahead with Flash on the BlackBerry PlayBook, even if it's dead originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdobeAdobe FlashAdobeFlashBlackBerryBlackBerry PlaybookBlackberryPlaybookdeveloperFlashFlash PlayerFlashPlayerHTML5mobilepostcrossplatformPlayBookQNXResearch in MotionResearchInMotionRIMThu, 10 Nov 2011 08:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe confirms Flash Player is dead for mobile devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/adobe-confirms-flash-player-is-dead-for-mobile-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/adobe-confirms-flash-player-is-dead-for-mobile-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/adobe-confirms-flash-player-is-dead-for-mobile-devices/#comments We heard the talk and now here's the confirmation: Flash Player for mobile devices is officially dead. Adobe is reaffirming its commitment to "aggressively contribute" to HTML5, a platform with broader support and capabilities than Flash was ever able to deliver. Adobe will of course also be pushing developers to work in its AIR platform for a more native experience, and the company will continue to work on Flash Player for desktop operating systems, but one can't help but see the platform as a whole standing on fairly shaky footing at this point.

Adobe confirms Flash Player is dead for mobile devices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeflashflash playerFlashPlayerhtml 5Html5mobilepostcrossWed, 09 Nov 2011 09:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe: yep, your Windows 8 system will support Flash -- sometimes (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/adobe-yep-your-windows-8-system-will-support-flash-sometime/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/adobe-yep-your-windows-8-system-will-support-flash-sometime/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/adobe-yep-your-windows-8-system-will-support-flash-sometime/#comments Flash fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief -- Adobe has confirmed that the next version of Windows will, in fact, support work built on its once ubiquitous web publishing platform. Windows 8 PCs and tablets with x86 or ARM processors will support the platform -- in the more traditional desktop mode, that is. The version of Internet Explorer 10 built for that interface will play nicely with Flash. Those users who opt for the new Metro UI, on the other hand, will be out of luck on the Flash front, thanks to a lack of plug-in support. Between Adobe's work in the HTML5 world and the ability to build Flash-like apps using Air for the Metro interface, however, the company seems to have most of its bases covered in Windows 8 land. Check out evidence of Flash running in Windows 8 after the break, courtesy of Qualcomm.

Continue reading Adobe: yep, your Windows 8 system will support Flash -- sometimes (video)

Adobe: yep, your Windows 8 system will support Flash -- sometimes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe airadobe flashAdobeAirAdobeFlashairdesktopflashhtml5metro uiMetroUimicrosoftqualcommsupporttabletvideowindowswindows 8Windows8Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Metro-style IE 10 has seen the future and it's plug-in free]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/microsofts-metro-style-ie-10-has-seen-the-future-and-its-plug/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/microsofts-metro-style-ie-10-has-seen-the-future-and-its-plug/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/microsofts-metro-style-ie-10-has-seen-the-future-and-its-plug/#comments Microsoft seems intent to push things forward, judging by its recent Build 2011 conference and the Windows 8 goods on display. Now, in an official blog post from the Redmond-based company, comes word that Internet Explorer 10 will be doing double duty, accommodating the web's old architecture and its HTML 5 future. Users who opt for IE 10's Metro-style app will be treated to a plug-in free experience, as MS has its eye on the evolving underpinnings of our information superhighway. Not to worry, though, the desktop app of the company's refreshed browser will still function as it always has, providing compatibility for Flash, and a host of other extensions. The company made the decision after surveying 97,000 internet sites worldwide, deducing that a portion of the 62% sampled defaulted to HTML 5 in the absence of plug-in support. Due in part to this intentional omission, the Ballmer-led co. now claims the new, touch-optimized version of IE 10 will run faster, sustain battery life and offer improved security and privacy. Not convinced? Well, you'll be able to test that out for yourselves when those Windows 8 slates hit the market.

Microsoft's Metro-style IE 10 has seen the future and it's plug-in free originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe flashAdobeFlashFlashHTML 5Html5IE 10Ie10internet explorerInternet Explorer 10InternetExplorerInternetExplorer10Metro stylemetro-styleMetroStyleMicrosoftMSplug-inplug-insWindowsWindows 8Windows8Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC iPlayer app gets a new look on the PS3 now, other devices later]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/08/bbc-iplayer-app-gets-a-new-look-on-the-ps3-now-other-devices-la/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/08/bbc-iplayer-app-gets-a-new-look-on-the-ps3-now-other-devices-la/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/08/bbc-iplayer-app-gets-a-new-look-on-the-ps3-now-other-devices-la/#comments While we keep waiting for the BBC to release a version of its iPlayer on this side of the Atlantic, it's already upgrading UK PlayStation 3s with a brand new interface. Designed to be navigated by any standard remote, the main focuses are personalization and enhanced navigation to avoid scrolling through long lists, as well as bringing over synced iPlayer Favourites from the PC. The new UI is built on HTML5 and CE-HTML with an eye towards rolling it out easily on other devices soon, but there's also plans for a version built with Adobe Flash and AIR technology. Check after the break for a quick video demo of the new features which sadly does not include a new episode of Top Gear (UK version) -- we checked.

Continue reading BBC iPlayer app gets a new look on the PS3 now, other devices later

BBC iPlayer app gets a new look on the PS3 now, other devices later originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeairbbcflashhtml5iplayerplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonystreaming videoStreamingVideoukvideoMon, 08 Aug 2011 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe's Edge tool promises Flash-like animation through HTML5]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/adobes-edge-tool-promises-flash-like-animation-through-html5/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/adobes-edge-tool-promises-flash-like-animation-through-html5/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/adobes-edge-tool-promises-flash-like-animation-through-html5/#comments Even as many onlookers declare HTML5 adoption the beginning of the end for Adobe's once-ubiquitous Flash platform, the company has embraced the web standard through properties like its Creative Suite and Wallaby. Adobe will be taking things a step further with Edge, an HTML5 design tool that promises to allow "web designers to bring animation, similar to that created in Flash Professional, to websites." The software is currently in public preview mode, available as a free download for web designers, in hopes of getting some feedback that will help shape its final release.

Continue reading Adobe's Edge tool promises Flash-like animation through HTML5

Adobe's Edge tool promises Flash-like animation through HTML5 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe edgeadobe flashAdobeEdgeAdobeFlashcreative suiteCreativeSuiteedgeflashhtml5videoweb publishingWebPublishingMon, 01 Aug 2011 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Pandora Radio's HTML5 redesign hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/16/pandora-radios-html5-redesign-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/16/pandora-radios-html5-redesign-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/16/pandora-radios-html5-redesign-hands-on/#comments Earlier this week, Pandora announced that it would finally be dropping its longtime support for Flash in favor of HTML5. The move is one piece of a big redesign for the site, one which will begin rolling out to Pandora One (the $36 / year premium version) subscribers in pieces, as part of a limited testing period before being made available to the service's entire massive user base.

The timing could have been more ideal, of course. A day after the announcement, Spotify quickly grabbed the attention of those following the online music industry by formally launching in the US. It's important to note right off the bat, however, that these two services are not really direct competitors, in spite of how some might spin it. Spotify is an all-you-can eat subscription service, making it more akin to the likes of a Rhapsody and Napster. Pandora, on the other hand, is built largely around passive music discovery. You log-in, you enter an artist, and you let the music come to you. This redesign takes that ease of use to a whole new level. Check out our impressions below.

Gallery: Pandora redesign hands-on

Pandora redesign hands-on

Continue reading Pandora Radio's HTML5 redesign hands-on

Pandora Radio's HTML5 redesign hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 12:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureflashhands-onhtml5internet radioInternetRadiomusic discoverymusic streamingMusicDiscoveryMusicStreamingpandoraradioredesignstreaming serviceStreamingServiceSat, 16 Jul 2011 12:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Pandora ditches Flash, opens up the HTML5 box for redesign]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/pandora-ditches-flash-opens-up-the-html5-box/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/pandora-ditches-flash-opens-up-the-html5-box/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/pandora-ditches-flash-opens-up-the-html5-box/#comments Looks like Adobe has lost yet another ally to the silky smooth allure of HTML5. Internet radio service Pandora has traded in the once ubiquitous Flash for the increasingly adopted web standard, citing, among other things, the ability to lop precious seconds off the site's load time. The upgrade is part of a major redesign for the service, said to have been inspired by the company's own iPad app. The old features are largely intact, but many, like Twitter and Facebook integration, have been revamped. The update will be rolled out to Pandora One subscribers soon, in something of a limited testing mode, with other users following later. Those with browsers that aren't fully HTML5-friendly will still be able to access Flash features as backup.

Pandora ditches Flash, opens up the HTML5 box for redesign originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe flashAdobeFlashflashhtml5internet radioInternetRadiomusic streamingMusicStreamingpandoraradioredesignWed, 13 Jul 2011 13:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Google unveils Swiffy: turns high maintenance Flash animations into HTML5]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/google-unveils-swiffy-turns-high-maintenance-flash-animations-int/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/google-unveils-swiffy-turns-high-maintenance-flash-animations-int/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/google-unveils-swiffy-turns-high-maintenance-flash-animations-int/#comments Still hanging on to those sweet site loaders hoping they'd be of use again someday? Perhaps the time has come -- for some ads and animations, that is. Google Labs has cooked up Swiffy, which takes an antediluvian SWF file and creates an HTML5 version that will run in most current browsers (Chrome and Safari, for example). The converted file is pretty close in size to the original; however, the company warns that the project is fresh out of the oven, so it won't convert your entire Flash library just yet. Even still, software that makes existing animations useful without starting from scratch? Sign us up! Check out the source link for the FAQs and some of Swiffy's handiwork, then test drive this bad boy yourself.

Google unveils Swiffy: turns high maintenance Flash animations into HTML5 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 02:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashgooglegoogle labsGoogleLabsHTML5SWFSwiffyWed, 29 Jun 2011 02:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe CEO has no beef with Apple, no answer for poor Flash performance on Android (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/03/adobe-ceo-has-no-beef-with-apple-no-answer-for-poor-flash-perfo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/03/adobe-ceo-has-no-beef-with-apple-no-answer-for-poor-flash-perfo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/03/adobe-ceo-has-no-beef-with-apple-no-answer-for-poor-flash-perfo/#comments The Adobe-Apple Flash war used to be one of the juiciest catfights around, but, much like two aging boxers, both sides now appear willing to act like adults put it all behind them. Speaking at yesterday's D9 conference in Palos Verdes, California, Adobe head Shantanu Narayen confirmed that he and Steve Jobs have reached an unofficial armistice, bringing an end to their prolonged war of words. According to the CEO, Apple's Flash issues stemmed from the company's "business model," rather than any legitimate concerns over quality. "It's control over the app store that's at issue here," Narayen said, implying that Flash's wide-ranging platform compatibility may not have jibed with the Cupertino ethos. He went on to remind moderator Walt Mossberg that developers can still use Adobe's AIR software to get their products to the App Store, adding that his company is looking forward to the rise of HTML5 and "actively contributing" to its development.

Mossberg, meanwhile, seemed to blindside Narayen when he brought up Flash's poor performance on Android devices. "I have yet to test a single one where Flash tests really well," the columnist claimed. "I'm sorry, but it's true." Narayen sputtered a bit, before pointing to the BlackBerry PlayBook as an example of the progress that Flash has made. When Mossberg reminded him that the PlayBook doesn't run on Android, the CEO not-so-subtly sidestepped the question by emptily declaring that Adobe's mission is simply to provide people with the best tools to create content. Apparently satisfied with this non-answer, Mossberg changed the subject back to Apple, allowing Narayen to wax poetic about their new Pax Romana -- and, perhaps, to breathe a sigh of relief. See the full interview after the break.

Continue reading Adobe CEO has no beef with Apple, no answer for poor Flash performance on Android (video)

Adobe CEO has no beef with Apple, no answer for poor Flash performance on Android (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 06:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe airadobe flashAdobeAirAdobeFlashandroidapp storeAppleAppStoreblackberry playbookBlackberryPlaybookbusinessbusiness modelBusinessModelceod9d9 conferenceD9Conferencedeveloperfeudflashhtml5interviewjobsmossbergnarayenplatformplaybookshantanu narayenShantanuNarayensteve jobsSteveJobsvideowalt mossbergWaltMossbergFri, 03 Jun 2011 06:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm shows off MSM8660's slick video performance on development kit (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/qualcomm-shows-off-msm8660s-slick-video-performance-on-developm/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/qualcomm-shows-off-msm8660s-slick-video-performance-on-developm/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/qualcomm-shows-off-msm8660s-slick-video-performance-on-developm/#comments If you've been closely tracking the development of Qualcomm's 1.5GHz dual-core MSM8660, you would've already seen AnandTech's impressive set of benchmark results back in early April. But of course, it'd be more convincing to actually see this chipset in action, so Qualcomm's latest videos of its Mobile Development Platform should satisfy your curiosity. As demoed after the break, this Snapdragon's Adreno 220 is seen effortlessly handling in-page HTML5 video streaming, Flash video streaming, and 1080p playback. And as a sideshow, Qualcomm even put its current-gen single-core QSD8255 head-to-head with a rival dual-core chipset -- no doubt a Tegra 2 in an LG Optimus 2x -- and easily won the Flash video contest. All of this might lure you into getting the MDP as your next everyday phone, but here's the bad news: this professional kit will cost you a dear $1,350. So unless you're feeling very generous, you'd probably want to wait for the consumer devices to arrive in the summer -- think EVO 3D, Sensation (with GSM-flavored MSM8260, naturally), and TouchPad.

Continue reading Qualcomm shows off MSM8660's slick video performance on development kit (video)

Qualcomm shows off MSM8660's slick video performance on development kit (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 May 2011 04:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pAdrenoAdreno 220Adreno220AndroidAndroid 2.3Android2.3BSQUAREchipchipsetcpudevelopmentFlashGingerbreadHTML5MDPmobile development platformMobileDevelopmentPlatformMSM8260MSM8660MSM8x60Qualcommreferencereference designReferenceDesignSnapdragonSoCsystem on chipsystem-on-chipSystemOnChipvideoMon, 02 May 2011 04:56:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC expands iPlayer support on TiVo, Popcorn Hour and Freeview HD devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/09/bbc-expands-iplayer-support-on-tivo-popcorn-hour-and-freeview-h/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/09/bbc-expands-iplayer-support-on-tivo-popcorn-hour-and-freeview-h/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/09/bbc-expands-iplayer-support-on-tivo-popcorn-hour-and-freeview-h/#comments The BBC has a few updates to share about its iPlayer service -- no, nothing yet about the international rollout that's due later this year -- as it has recently become available on even more devices. That includes living room connected entertainment options that support HTML and Flash like the Virgin Media TiVo, Popcorn Hour players from Syabas, and new HDTVs from Panasonic and Sony. Other areas of increased availability include users with BT Vision set-top boxes and Freeview HD users; the latter thanks to a recent spec update that supports the MHEG-5 standard the app is built upon. Now it operates just like other Red Button interactive TV services, and the first device shipping with support is a Freeview+ HD DVR from Sony (as seen above.) It doesn't look like the Where to Get BBC iPlayer page has been updated with all the new devices yet, but it should be sooner rather than later, although we're still wondering when the Xbox 360 will join the crowd.

BBC expands iPlayer support on TiVo, Popcorn Hour and Freeview HD devices originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbt visionBtVisionenglandflashfreesatfreeview hdFreeviewHdhdhtml5iplayeriplayer hdIplayerHdmheg-5panasonicpopcorn hourPopcornHourred buttonRedButtonsonytivoukvirginvirgin mediaVirginMediaSat, 09 Apr 2011 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe outs experimental Flash-to-HTML5 conversion tool, calls it Wallaby]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/08/adobe-outs-experimental-flash-to-html5-conversion-tool-calls-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/08/adobe-outs-experimental-flash-to-html5-conversion-tool-calls-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/08/adobe-outs-experimental-flash-to-html5-conversion-tool-calls-it/#comments Ah, if only we could flip a big happy switch and convert all the web's Flash content into (functional) HTML5 code. It's a dream shared by many and, funnily enough, the company pushing to make it a reality is none other than Adobe itself, the owner and proprietor of Flash. Its Labs research team has just released an experimental new dev tool, dubbed Wallaby, that's targeted at taking Flash-encoded artwork and animations and turning them into a more compatible mix of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Of course, the intent here is not some magnanimous move to free us from the shackles of Flash -- Adobe openly admits that the initial goal for the new tool will be to help convert animated banner ads so that they work on the iOS platform -- but hey, even bad tools can be used for good sometimes, right?

Continue reading Adobe outs experimental Flash-to-HTML5 conversion tool, calls it Wallaby

Adobe outs experimental Flash-to-HTML5 conversion tool, calls it Wallaby originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe airadobe flashadobe labsAdobeAirAdobeFlashAdobeLabsairconversionconvertercssdevelopmentexperimentexperimentalflashflash-to-html5htmlhtml5internetiosjavascriptresearchsoftwarevideowallabywebTue, 08 Mar 2011 00:55:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM shows off PlayBook's browser chops, SDK in latest round of teaser vids]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/rim-shows-off-playbooks-browser-chops-sdk-in-latest-round-of-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/rim-shows-off-playbooks-browser-chops-sdk-in-latest-round-of-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/rim-shows-off-playbooks-browser-chops-sdk-in-latest-round-of-t/#comments It looks like RIM's really sticking to this "you don't need an app for the web" mantra for its hotly anticipated PlayBook -- at least according to the latest crop of videos the company has outed. In what is no doubt an attempt to drum up some buzz before a swarm of other tablets descends on CES, the company has chosen to highlight its latest browser improvements to prove just how "real" the web is on the PlayBook. HTML5 video playback looks super smooth, as does Flash video in the desktop YouTube site. Impressively, the entire Facebook experience works exactly like it does on the desktop -- even supporting Facebook chat, which the iPad's browser can't handle. They demonstrate Flash games working without a hitch, so you can breathe a sigh of relief, Farmville-addicts. The second video explores the SDK -- no doubt in an attempt to reiterate the ease of programming for the PlayBook -- and while there's a good bit of technical jargon, we have to say that the Fantasy Football app shown off looks pretty sweet. Why RIM can't somehow manage to bring these improvements to its already-shipping BlackBerry line, we still can't quite comprehend, but we'll be visiting the RIM booth as soon as the show opens to see the latest improvements for ourselves. In the meantime, peep the videos after the break.

Continue reading RIM shows off PlayBook's browser chops, SDK in latest round of teaser vids

RIM shows off PlayBook's browser chops, SDK in latest round of teaser vids originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry tabletBlackberryTabletblackpadflashhtml5playbookrimtabletvideoTue, 04 Jan 2011 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrome Web Store, HTML5 and the iPad: symbiosis at its best]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/10/chrome-web-store-html5-and-the-ipad-symbiosis-at-its-best/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/10/chrome-web-store-html5-and-the-ipad-symbiosis-at-its-best/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/10/chrome-web-store-html5-and-the-ipad-symbiosis-at-its-best/#comments It's all coming together, folks. It doesn't take much of a gander at the Chrome Web Store to notice a trend: some of the flashiest, most mature "apps" are actually just in-browser versions of iPad apps. And you know what else? Most of these "apps" actually run fine in Safari on the iPad. We're not sure how long Google gave developers to port their experiences over, but it seems like most of the best work had already been done in the form of HTML5 apps that were merely wrapped in app form for App Store delivery. Google's just taking things to the next logical step. Continue after the break as we expand this thesis paragraph into a number of supporting blocks of text, a few jazzy pictorial examples, and a stunning closer.

Continue reading Chrome Web Store, HTML5 and the iPad: symbiosis at its best

Chrome Web Store, HTML5 and the iPad: symbiosis at its best originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon windowshopAmazonWindowshopappschrome web storeChromeWebStorecr-48flashflixstergooglegroovesharkhtml5huffington postHuffingtonPostipadipad appIpadAppmognprny timesNyTimessalontweetdeckusa todayUsaTodayweb appweb appsweb storeWebAppWebAppsWebStoreFri, 10 Dec 2010 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Flash working poorly on your Google Cr-48? Adobe's working on it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/09/flash-working-poorly-on-your-google-cr-48-adobes-working-on-it/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/09/flash-working-poorly-on-your-google-cr-48-adobes-working-on-it/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/09/flash-working-poorly-on-your-google-cr-48-adobes-working-on-it/#comments Yep, that Flash error up there is one of many we got today on our Cr-48s. On top of that, as you may have read in our in-depth preview, we've been experiencing incredibly sluggish Flash performance, including choppy playback of YouTube and Hulu videos. It's certainly not a good situation, but Adobe's aware of it and promising that hope is on the way. Adobe's Senior Director of Engineer Paul Betlem has put up a post regarding the matter on the company's very own Flash Player blog, and says that " In terms of Chrome notebooks specifically... video performance in particular is the primary area for improvement." He also goes on to promise that the updates will be seamless as the Flash plug-ins are integrated directly into the self-updating operating system. That sure sounds good to us, but in the meantime, we'll be waiting for these Flash errors and stuttering 480p videos to disappear -- or, you know, for HTML 5 to take over.

Flash working poorly on your Google Cr-48? Adobe's working on it originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeAdobe FlashAdobeFlashchromechrome osChrome OS netbookChromeOsChromeOsNetbookcr-48flashflash 10.1Flash10.1googleHTML 5Html5Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyfire for iPhone hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/04/skyfire-for-iphone-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/04/skyfire-for-iphone-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/04/skyfire-for-iphone-hands-on-video/#comments Although Skyfire for iPhone is almost exactly like its Android counterpart, it's still not available for download in the App Store due to server issues, so we thought you might want to see how it works. We've seen improvements on the Flash-to-HTML5 conversion servers in the past day or so, which makes watching videos a breeze. The app itself serves as a fully functional browser with the usual features you'd hope to find: bookmarking, a dedicated search bar, custom homepage, and even private browsing. Pages render rather quickly, although scrolling and pinching to zoom is a little rough around the edges. As for actually watching Flash videos, it couldn't be easier -- once you've navigated to a page embedded with a video, a popup window will appear and you're good to go. Sadly, though, the browser lacks the ability to scrub videos. But hey, if you've been waiting three-plus years to play flash videos on your 3.5-inch display, Skyfire might (or might not) be the solution to your burning desire. Be sure to check out the browser in action after the break!

Continue reading Skyfire for iPhone hands-on (video)

Skyfire for iPhone hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplebrowserflashhands onhands-onHandsOnhtml5iosiphoneipod touchIpodTouchpinch to zoomPinchToZoomskyfirevideoThu, 04 Nov 2010 19:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Google: HTML5 is good, Flash is the 'best platform' for YouTube today, WebM is the future]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/google-html5-is-good-flash-is-the-best-platform-for-youtube/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/google-html5-is-good-flash-is-the-best-platform-for-youtube/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/google-html5-is-good-flash-is-the-best-platform-for-youtube/#comments We can't say there's a ton of surprises here, but, if you're curious to know exactly where Google stands on the whole HTML5 / Flash debate, the company has now laid out its position in a post on its official YouTube API Blog. The short of it is that while Google says it has been "excited" about HTML5 for some time now and that the <video> tag is a "big step forward for open standards," it says that Flash will continue to play a "critical role in video distribution," and that it remains the "best platform" for YouTube's requirements today. Of course, Google also didn't let slip the opportunity to once again talk up the recently-announced WebM video standard, which it says is the open video format the web has been waiting for. It isn't saying, however, that it will replace Flash for video, and notes that Adobe itself has committed to supporting VP8, the video codec for WebM. Hit up the link below to read the company's complete argument for yourself.

Google: HTML5 is good, Flash is the 'best platform' for YouTube today, WebM is the future originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashgooglehtml5videoweb videowebmWebVideoyoutubeWed, 30 Jun 2010 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe and Greystripe partner for ads that convert Flash to HTML5]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/adobe-and-greystripe-partner-for-ads-that-convert-flash-to-html5/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/adobe-and-greystripe-partner-for-ads-that-convert-flash-to-html5/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/adobe-and-greystripe-partner-for-ads-that-convert-flash-to-html5/#commentsWhen you complain about Apple's products lacking Flash support, we figure you're talking about games and video, but web developers have to make a living too, right? That's why Greystripe and Adobe are working together to bring ads to iDevices all around, with an intriguing technology that might one day enable the real reasons we want Flash as well. Like the Smokescreen demo we saw last week, Greystripe can reportedly transcode the banned content to HTML5 on the fly, and it's apparently impressive enough that Adobe's signed on to create an interactive, crossplatform ad solution (also on Android and Java devices) priced and marketed specifically to rival Apple's own. With Apple's distinguished record as keeper of the walled garden, we'll see how well that goes, but we're definitely interested in other possibilities for the company's code. Full press release after the break.

Continue reading Adobe and Greystripe partner for ads that convert Flash to HTML5

Adobe and Greystripe partner for ads that convert Flash to HTML5 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 01:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adAdobeAdobe FlashAdobeFlashadsadvertisingAndroidAppleconvertFlashGreystripeHTML5iAdinteractive adsinteractive advertisingInteractiveAdsInteractiveAdvertisingJavatranscodeTue, 08 Jun 2010 01:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple puts HTML5 where its mouth is]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/04/apple-puts-html5-where-its-mouth-is/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/04/apple-puts-html5-where-its-mouth-is/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/04/apple-puts-html5-where-its-mouth-is/#comments Looking for even more HTML5 samples to see what all the fuss is about? Good, 'cause Apple just went live with its HTML5 showcase page. Naturally, it took a veiled jab at Flash in the process:
"Standards aren't add-ons to the web. They are the web."
Samples include video, typography, photo galleries, transitions, audio, 360 degree object manipulation, and VR implementations including the source code so devs can tinker around for themselves. Now hit up the source for a taste.

Update: Apple's offering a developer link that lets you play with the demos in Google's Chrome browser.

Apple puts HTML5 where its mouth is originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 02:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleCss3developersflashhtml5html5 designHtml5DesignJavaScriptstandardsweb designweb standardsWebDesignWebStandardsFri, 04 Jun 2010 02:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Smokescreen makes Flash content visible on iPhone and iPad (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/30/smokescreen-makes-flash-content-visible-on-iphone-and-ipad-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/30/smokescreen-makes-flash-content-visible-on-iphone-and-ipad-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/30/smokescreen-makes-flash-content-visible-on-iphone-and-ipad-vide/#comments Mind you, it's just a preview release, but Chris Smoak's Smokescreen does exactly what it promises: enable Flash content to play on Apple's iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad. Kind of. Here's how Smokescreen gets around using a Flash plugin as described by Simon Willison:
"It runs entirely in the browser, reads in SWF binaries, unzips them (in native JS), extracts images and embedded audio and turns them in to base64 encoded data:uris, then stitches the vector graphics back together as animated SVG."
While it works fine with simple animated banner ads (uh, huzzah!?), we found that Smokescreened Flash content like video and games was impossibly slow when tested on our iPhone 3G. Still, it's a start for this soon to be open sourced Flash player written in JavaScript. Check the video after the break for a demonstration or give it a go for yourselves by browsing over to the appropriate source link below.

Continue reading Smokescreen makes Flash content visible on iPhone and iPad (video)

Smokescreen makes Flash content visible on iPhone and iPad (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 May 2010 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeappleChris SmoakChrisSmoakflashhtml5ipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchjavascriptSimon WillisonSimonWillisonsmokescreensvgswfvideoSun, 30 May 2010 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[HTML5: seriously, it's not just for video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/html5-seriously-its-not-just-for-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/html5-seriously-its-not-just-for-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/html5-seriously-its-not-just-for-video/#comments In a way, HTML5 has been reduced to a buzzword. You hear a lot of noise about how great it is for video, and how the web standard is an alternative to Flash content, but you don't see a whole lot of examples of that. We thought we'd take a moment and round up some of the cooler, more exciting instances of HTML5 online -- sites and experiments that go way beyond just playing someone's home movies. We're talking 8-bit gaming, some really crazy video effects, and a handful of incredibly interesting ways designers are maximizing the potential of the everyone's favorite new toy. Check out the links below, and prepare to readjust your expectations of HTML5.

Note: Your best experiences for the links below will be in Chrome or Safari. You can get some of this working in Firefox, but as Chris Ziegler just remarked, "It's mega slow."
If you guys have suggestions or examples you'd like to show off, let us know in comments!

HTML5: seriously, it's not just for video originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 May 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codecodingdemosdesignexperimentsflashgaminghackinghtml5html5 designhtml5 gamingHtml5DesignHtml5Gamingweb designweb sitesweb standardsWebDesignwebpagewebpageswebsitesWebStandardsFri, 28 May 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NBC and Time Warner inform Apple they'll be sticking to Flash, thank you very much]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/nbc-and-time-warner-inform-apple-theyll-be-sticking-to-flash-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/nbc-and-time-warner-inform-apple-theyll-be-sticking-to-flash-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/nbc-and-time-warner-inform-apple-theyll-be-sticking-to-flash-t/#comments When the iPad bandwagon was launched in late January, ABC and Netflix quickly jumped onboard with tailor-made apps, while CBS and others started transitioning their content to HTML5-compliant formats, all in the name of not being left behind by the revolution. As it turns out, however, some content providers will be letting this ride pass them by, at least for the moment. The New York Post today reports that big media heavyweights Time Warner and NBC Universal have turned their noses up at the iPad's high entry demands and will be sticking to what works:
Sources said several large media companies, including Time Warner and NBC Universal, told Apple they won't retool their extensive video libraries to accommodate the iPad, arguing that such a reformatting would be expensive and not worth it because Flash dominates the Web.
According to the NYP article, these conglomerates have been emboldened by the forthcoming arrival of competing tablets from the likes of Dell and HP, and will be seeking their fortunes in the mobile space atop Adobe's winged stallion of web domination that we commonly know as Flash. This is a decision sure to end in tears -- we just don't know who'll be doing the crying when it all shakes out.

NBC and Time Warner inform Apple they'll be sticking to Flash, thank you very much originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 May 2010 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe flashAdobeFlashappleapple ipadAppleIpadcontentdigital contentdigital mediaDigitalContentDigitalMediaflashhtml5ipadnbcnbc universalNbcUniversalonline videoOnlineVideorich mediaRichMediatime warnerTimeWarnerThu, 27 May 2010 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Hulu says HTML5 'doesn't yet meet all of our customers' needs']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/13/hulu-says-html5-doesn-t-yet-meet-all-of-our-customers-needs/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/13/hulu-says-html5-doesn-t-yet-meet-all-of-our-customers-needs/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/13/hulu-says-html5-doesn-t-yet-meet-all-of-our-customers-needs/#comments
As you may be aware, Hulu rolled out an updated version of its video player today, but what you may not have noticed is that the company also took advantage of the occasion to briefly talk about HTML5. In a post on the Hulu blog (which has curiously since been pulled, though it remains in the RSS feed), Hulu's VP of Product Eugene Wei took a moment for an "aside on HTML5," in which he said that while Hulu continues to monitor developments on HTML5, "as of now it doesn't yet meet all of our customers' needs." Wei further goes on to note that Hulu's player doesn't just stream video, that it also must do things like secure the content, handle reporting for advertisers, and do "dozens of other things that aren't necessarily visible to the end user" -- all of which are critically important for Hulu and often part of contractual requirements. Of course, Wei also notes that it's possible that HTML5 will one day meet those needs, but it doesn't look like a switch is coming anytime soon.

Hulu says HTML5 'doesn't yet meet all of our customers' needs' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 May 2010 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Eugene WeiEugeneWeiflashhtml5hulustreamingstreaming videoStreamingVideovideoThu, 13 May 2010 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe targets Apple in ad campaign launched today, publishes open letter from founders]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/13/adobe-targets-apple-in-ad-campaign-launched-today-publishes-ope/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/13/adobe-targets-apple-in-ad-campaign-launched-today-publishes-ope/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/13/adobe-targets-apple-in-ad-campaign-launched-today-publishes-ope/#comments If you're reading Engadget today (and let's be honest, you're reading it right now), then you might have noticed that Adobe has launched a pretty full-force campaign to call out Apple on its anti-Flash mission. If you don't know what we're talking about, it's the advertisements that start with "We [heart] Apple." Along with the web ads, the company has also snagged a full page in today's Washington Post to address the battle in which the two companies have been engaged. All of this links back to a new statement from Adobe, as well as an open letter from founders Chuck Geschke and John Warnock ("Our thoughts on open markets"), addressing Apple's recent spate of clear and direct attacks against the company and its products. Most of the reading should sound familiar to those of us who've been following the saga, but here are a few choice quotes from the duo:
We believe that consumers should be able to freely access their favorite content and applications, regardless of what computer they have, what browser they like, or what device suits their needs. No company - no matter how big or how creative - should dictate what you can create, how you create it, or what you can experience on the web.

When markets are open, anyone with a great idea has a chance to drive innovation and find new customers. Adobe's business philosophy is based on a premise that, in an open market, the best products will win in the end - and the best way to compete is to create the best technology and innovate faster than your competitors.

We believe that Apple, by taking the opposite approach, has taken a step that could undermine this next chapter of the web - the chapter in which mobile devices outnumber computers, any individual can be a publisher, and content is accessed anywhere and at any time.

In the end, we believe the question is really this: Who controls the World Wide Web? And we believe the answer is: nobody - and everybody, but certainly not a single company.
So, it's clear this issue isn't going to die out any time soon, and it's also clear that Adobe is going to go to great lengths to defend and protect its cash-cow. Of course, if they really want this message to hit home to the core iPad and iPhone users out there, they're going to need to run that ad in HTML5.

Note: As you should know, the ad sales and editorial teams at Engadget are separate entities, so this campaign was as much a surprise to us as it probably is to you!

Adobe targets Apple in ad campaign launched today, publishes open letter from founders originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 May 2010 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadobeadvertisementadvertisingApplebreaking newsBreakingNewsflashhtml5Thu, 13 May 2010 07:50:00 EST<![CDATA[CBS suits up, promises iPad-friendly HTML5 video for all content by this Fall]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/07/cbs-suits-up-promises-ipad-friendly-html5-video-for-all-content/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/07/cbs-suits-up-promises-ipad-friendly-html5-video-for-all-content/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/07/cbs-suits-up-promises-ipad-friendly-html5-video-for-all-content/#comments Visit CBS.com from your iPad right now and all you'll get is a full episode of Survivor and clips from various other shows. By the start of the Fall season, however, CBS Interactive SVP Anthony Soohoo is promising content parity between its Flash-based website and HTML5-compliant iPad portal. While on the subject, he also notes that the video strategy will be entirely web-based, with no plans for an app à la ABC Player. Flash isn't being subjected to a veritable slapsgiving, however, as it'll remain the desktop technology of choice. Soohoo notes HTML5's toolset for measurement and encryption isn't quite at the same level yet. Full video interview after the break, and iPad users? This fall, expect something quite legen -- oh, you know where we're going with this, but still we'll pause for dramatic effect -- dary.

Continue reading CBS suits up, promises iPad-friendly HTML5 video for all content by this Fall

CBS suits up, promises iPad-friendly HTML5 video for all content by this Fall originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 May 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobe flashAdobeFlashappleapple ipadAppleIpadcbscbs . comcbs interactiveCbs.ComCbsInteractiveflashhtmlhtml 5Html5ipadvideovideo streamingVideoStreamingFri, 07 May 2010 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe decries Apple's 'walled garden,' yet pledges 'best tools' for HTML5]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/adobe-decries-apples-walled-garden-yet-pledges-best-tools/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/adobe-decries-apples-walled-garden-yet-pledges-best-tools/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/adobe-decries-apples-walled-garden-yet-pledges-best-tools/#comments Adobe CTO Kevin Lynch says Flash works just fine on the Apple iPhone, thank you very much -- and he thinks that's exactly why Apple keeps on denying it access. Speaking at the Web 2.0 Expo in San Francisco, he explained his belief that by eliminating Flash, Cupertino is forcing developers to build apps natively for iPhone OS rather than one of Adobe's cross-platform solutions, and thus creating a "walled garden" of applications that users must flock to an iDevice to be able to use. Lynch compared Apple's control over development formats to 19th century railroad lines that competed for customers by using differently sized rails, and pledged that Adobe would not be part of such a competition. "It's not HTML vs. Flash -- they've been co-existing for over a decade," he said, adding, "We're going to try and make the best tools in the world for HTML5." So, what do you think about that, Steve?

Adobe decries Apple's 'walled garden,' yet pledges 'best tools' for HTML5 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 May 2010 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdobeAdobe FlashAdobeFlashAppleFlashHTML5iPhoneiPhone OSIphoneOsKevin LynchKevinLynchWed, 05 May 2010 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft weighs in: 'the future of the web is HTML5']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/microsoft-weighs-in-the-future-of-the-web-is-html5/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/microsoft-weighs-in-the-future-of-the-web-is-html5/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/microsoft-weighs-in-the-future-of-the-web-is-html5/#comments Where Steve Jobs leads, Microsoft follows -- how's that for shaking up the hornet's nest? It's said in jest, of course, but we've just come across a post from the General Manager for Internet Explorer, Dean Hachamovitch, and the perspective expressed by him on the subject of web content delivery broadly agrees with the essay penned by Jobs yesterday on the very same subject. Echoing the Apple CEO's words, Hachamovitch describes HTML5 as "the future of the web," praising it for allowing content to be played without the need for plug-ins and with native hardware acceleration (in both Windows 7 and Mac OS X). He goes on to identify H.264 as the best video codec for the job -- so much so that it'll be the only one supported in IE9's HTML5 implementation -- before turning to the dreaded subject of Flash.

This is where it gets good, because he literally repeats one of Jobs' six pillars of Flash hate: "reliability, security, and performance" are not as good as Microsoft would like them. Where Hachamovitch diverges from Apple's messiah, however, is in describing Flash as an important part of "a good consumer experience on today's web," primarily because it's difficult for the typical consumer to access Flash-free content. Still, it's got to be depressing for Adobe's crew when the best thing either of the two biggest players in tech has to say about your wares is that they're ubiquitous. Wonder how Shantanu Narayen is gonna try and spin this one.

P.S. : it's notable that in multiple paragraphs of discussing "the future," Microsoft's IE general fails to once mention the fabled Silverlight, itself a rich media browser plug-in. Given Silverlight's featured role in the Windows Phone 7 infrastructure and other things like Netflix, we doubt it's on the outs, but there are sure to be some sour faces greeting Hachamovitch this morning.

[Thanks, KnifeX4]

Microsoft weighs in: 'the future of the web is HTML5' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 04:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobebrowsersDean HachamovitchDeanHachamovitchflashh.264html5ieie9internetinternet explorerinternet explorer 9InternetExplorerInternetExplorer9microsoftrich mediaRichMediasilverlightwebFri, 30 Apr 2010 04:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyfire 2.0 beta now ready to set Android ablaze]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/skyfire-2-0-now-ready-to-set-android-ablaze/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/skyfire-2-0-now-ready-to-set-android-ablaze/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/skyfire-2-0-now-ready-to-set-android-ablaze/#comments We've been seeing mobile browsers steadily raising their game lately, so it was inevitable that Skyfire would look to shock and awe us with its first release for the Android platform. Version 2.0 introduces a brand new SkyBar -- which ironically sits at the bottom of the screen -- providing users with a trifecta of new features. Firstly, the Video link serves as a workaround for those pesky "your phone ain't got no Flash" missives by doing server-side conversions of Flash video into universally comprehensible formats like HTML5. If implemented well, this should be a major coup for the company, particularly in light of a potential iPhone release as well. There's also a streamlined sharing feature for social networks, and an Explore function that suggests internet content on the basis of what's currently on display. We'll be testing out the usefulness of these shortly -- for now, hit the source link to get your own Skyfire going.

Update: Check out our hands-on preview of the new browser right here. Hint: it's pretty awesome.

Gallery: Skyfire 2.0 now ready to set Android ablaze

Continue reading Skyfire 2.0 beta now ready to set Android ablaze

Skyfire 2.0 beta now ready to set Android ablaze originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid osAndroidOsbrowserflashhtml5mobile browserMobileBrowserskybarskyfireskyfire 2.0Skyfire2.0steelwebweb browserWebBrowserThu, 29 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steve Jobs publishes some 'thoughts on Flash'... many, many thoughts on Flash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/steve-jobs-publishes-some-thoughts-on-flash-many-many-thou/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/steve-jobs-publishes-some-thoughts-on-flash-many-many-thou/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/steve-jobs-publishes-some-thoughts-on-flash-many-many-thou/#comments Steve Jobs just posted an open letter of sorts explaining Apple's position on Flash, going back to his company's long history with Adobe and expounding upon six main points of why he thinks Flash is wrong for mobile devices. HTML5 naturally comes up, along with a few reasons you might not expect. Here's the breakdown:
  • It's not open. "While Adobe's Flash products are widely available, this does not mean they are open, since they are controlled entirely by Adobe and available only from Adobe. By almost any definition, Flash is a closed system." Man, that's some strong irony you're brewing, Steve. Still, we get the point -- HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript are open web standards.
  • The "full web." Steve hits back at Adobe's claim of Apple devices missing out on "the full web," with an age-old argument (YouTube) aided by the numerous new sources that have started providing video to the iPhone and iPad in HTML5 or app form like CBS, Netflix, and Facebook. Oh, and as for flash games? "50,000 games and entertainment titles on the App Store, and many of them are free." If we were keeping score we'd still call this a point for Adobe.
  • Reliability, security and performance. Steve hits on the usual "Flash is the number one reason Macs crash," but adds another great point on top of this: "We have routinely asked Adobe to show us Flash performing well on a mobile device, any mobile device, for a few years now. We have never seen it." You've got us there, Steve, but surely your magical A4 chip could solve all this?
  • Battery life. "The video on almost all Flash websites currently requires an older generation decoder that is not implemented in mobile chips and must be run in software." Steve Jobs is of course H.264's #1 fan, and it's hard to blame him, since he cites 10 hours of H.264 playback but only 5 hours with software decode on the iPhone. Still, those "older generation" sites that haven't moved to H.264 yet are pretty much the exact same sites that aren't viewable with HTML5, which means we're being restricted in the content we can access just because some of it doesn't perform as well.
  • Touch. Steve hits hard against one of the web's greatest hidden evils: rollovers. Basically, Flash UIs are built around the idea of mouse input, and would need to be "rewritten" to work well on touch devices. "If developers need to rewrite their Flash websites, why not use modern technologies like HTML5, CSS and JavaScript?" That doesn't really address the Flash-as-app scenario (that's point #6), but it's also a pretty silly sounding solution to a developer: your website doesn't support this one UI paradigm exactly right, so why not rewrite it entirely?
  • The most important reason. Steve finally addresses the third party development tools situation, but it's really along the lines of what we were hearing already: "If developers grow dependent on third party development libraries and tools, they can only take advantage of platform enhancements if and when the third party chooses to adopt the new features." We doubt this will end all debate, but it's clear Apple has a line in the sand.
He concludes in saying that "Flash was created during the PC era - for PCs and mice." Basically, it's for the olds. And you don't want to be old, do you? Follow after the break for the whole thing in brilliant prose form.

Continue reading Steve Jobs publishes some 'thoughts on Flash'... many, many thoughts on Flash

Steve Jobs publishes some 'thoughts on Flash'... many, many thoughts on Flash originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeappleflashhtml5iphonesteve jobsSteveJobsThu, 29 Apr 2010 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe says iPhone / iPad adoption and 'alternative technologies' (cough, HTML5) could harm its business]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/adobe-says-iphone-ipad-adoption-and-alternative-technologies/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/adobe-says-iphone-ipad-adoption-and-alternative-technologies/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/adobe-says-iphone-ipad-adoption-and-alternative-technologies/#comments
Adobe might continue to crow about Flash and its importance on both the desktop and mobile devices, but there's no lying to investors, and the company is pretty blunt about the threat of the iPhone and iPad in the end-of-quarter Form 10-Q it just filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission: it flatly says that "to the extent new releases of operating systems or other third-party products, platforms or devices, such as the Apple iPhone or iPad, make it more difficult for our products to perform, and our customers are persuaded to use alternative technologies, our business could be harmed."

Now, Adobe has to make doom-and-gloom statements in its SEC filings -- it also says that slowing PC sales or a failure to keep up with desktop OS development could harm its business -- but the timing is crazy here, since just yesterday Apple changed the iPhone OS 4 SDK agreement to block devs from using the upcoming Flash CS5 iPhone cross-compiler to build iPhone apps. What's more, Apple's also using HTML5 for its new iAd platform, which could potentially undo Flash's stranglehold on online advertising as well. Yeah, we'd say all that plus the recent push for HTML5 video across the web -- and from Microsoft -- could harm Adobe's business just a little. Better hope that final version of Flash Player 10.1 is everything we'd hoped and dreamed of, because Adobe's going to have to make a real stand here.

Adobe says iPhone / iPad adoption and 'alternative technologies' (cough, HTML5) could harm its business originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-qadobeappleflashflash player 10flash player 10.1FlashPlayer10FlashPlayer10.1form 10-qForm10-qhtml5investorinvestorsipadiphonesecFri, 09 Apr 2010 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[iPad roundup: New York Times and others get HTML5 video, iPad app store demo, and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/29/ipad-roundup-new-york-times-and-more-get-html5-video-ipad-app/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/29/ipad-roundup-new-york-times-and-more-get-html5-video-ipad-app/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/29/ipad-roundup-new-york-times-and-more-get-html5-video-ipad-app/#comments The momentum towards HTML5 and away from (or at least in parallel with) Flash seems to be accelerating with today's launch of the free Brightcove Experience framework for HTML5 -- a "way to publish, distribute, and monetize web video for the iPad and other Apple devices" according to the Brightcove press release. While Brightcove might not be a household name, some of its 1,000 customers, including Time Inc. and The New York Times (a Brightcove investor), certainly are -- both of whom are already using the new HTML5 solution in preparation for the iPad's April 3rd US launch. A real coup for the Flash-hating Steve Jobs if you start factoring in the rumored Flash-free NPR and Wall Street Journal iPad sites as well as that little HTML5 iPad test CBS was testing out in the open last week.

Also rumored for launch is an iBookstore filled with 30,000 free e-Books courtesy of the Gutenberg Project. See the screengrab evidence after the break in addition to a purported video walkthrough of the iPad store. The video previews several new "HD" formatted iPad apps that we've already seen as well as a few new ones like Twitterific. Sorry, still no Hulu HD. The mouse pointer in the video, however, makes it clear that this is running on desktop somewhere, not on an iPad. Still, it definitely looks the part.

Continue reading iPad roundup: New York Times and others get HTML5 video, iPad app store demo, and more

iPad roundup: New York Times and others get HTML5 video, iPad app store demo, and more originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 02:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeappleAppStorebrightcoveflashGutenberg ProjectGutenbergProjecthtml5ipadipad storeIpadStoreitunesitunes storeItunesStorenew york timesNewYorkTimesproject gutenbergProjectGutenbergrounduprumortimetime incTimeIncvideoMon, 29 Mar 2010 02:11:00 EST<![CDATA[CBS testing HTML5 iPad video out in the open, sorry Flash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/25/cbs-testing-html5-ipad-video-out-in-the-open/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/25/cbs-testing-html5-ipad-video-out-in-the-open/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/25/cbs-testing-html5-ipad-video-out-in-the-open/#comments Hey Dan, ever heard of a staging area to do your testing? Apparently not judging by the screenshot above. MacRumors took that "iPad - test - dan config - 3" content from the CBS.com homepage for a spin and discovered what appears to be HTML5 (not Flash) video. A bit more sleuthing reveals several "webkit" (the foundation of the iPad's and iPhone's mobile Safari browser) calls after peeling open the CSS. This suggests that CBS is preparing to serve up parallel HTML5 content with the launch of the notoriously Flash-less iPad -- take that Hulu -- becoming yet another high-profile company swayed into providing video and other content in an Apple friendly format. Then again, maybe CBS is just testing a "what if" scenario with no intention of moving this into production any time soon. US netizens can try it themselves by setting your browser to spoof the iPad's user agent and hitting the source below (for as long as it lasts) but you'll need the iPad SDK Simulator to view the actual HTML5 videos.

CBS testing HTML5 iPad video out in the open, sorry Flash originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecbsflashhtml5huluipadiphonemacrumorssimulatorThu, 25 Mar 2010 05:09:00 EST