Say Goodbye to Adobe Flash Player for Android
We hate long goodbyes, don't you?
You might remember, back in November, when Adobe revealed its plans to focus on Flash for the PC and mobile applications packaged with Adobe AIR. Part of this shift in focus involved the discontinuation of development of Flash Player for mobile browsers. Now it seems the end has arrived for the Flash plugin for Android.
Adobe in June announced that Flash Player was not certified for use with Android 4.1 and recommended users with devices running 4.1 uninstall the plugin. Further, the company confirmed that beginning August 15, it would use the configuration settings in the Google Play Store to limit continued access to Flash Player updates to only those devices that had Flash Player already installed.
In case you haven't had a chance to check your calendars, today is August 15. It seems Adobe is prepared to let the day pass without any formal announcement on its official Adobe AIR and Adobe Flash Player Team blog. Adobe announced the August 15 deadline shortly after Android 4.1, AKA Jelly Bean, was unveiled.
In November, Adobe pointed to the widespread support of HTML5 as the reason for Adobe's departure from the mobile market.
"[...] HTML5 is now universally supported on major mobile devices, in some cases exclusively," the company said last year. "This makes HTML5 the best solution for creating and deploying content in the browser across mobile platforms. We are excited about this, and will continue our work with key players in the HTML community, including Google, Apple, Microsoft and RIM, to drive HTML5 innovation they can use to advance their mobile browsers."
The comments bring back memories of Steve Jobs' crusade against Flash on iOS. When asked why the iPad didn't support Flash, Jobs called the plugin buggy, and said that 'whenever a Mac crashes, more often than not it's because of Flash.' The late CEO of Apple then said that the world was moving towards HTML5.
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Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.
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A Bad Day As much as HTML5 looks promising, it needs security work. Flash programs have two layers of encryption so breaking into them is somewhat difficult.Reply
HTML5? Right click, open source, and it will reveal everything. -
chomlee I have been noticing that many of the sites have been switching over to a different source of streaming. I am assuming this is because they are using HTML5 instead of flash.Reply -
sylvez john_4Linux is open source too yet is very secure so your point is...If your cards are out in the open for everyone to scrutinize then it does not take long before there are no holes left to exploit.Reply
I believe he meant the security of the codes (intellectual property). Its too easy to access the codes, and all it takes is a good enough programmer to replace all the images/sounds and call it a new game/app.
Well, afaik anyway. Not a HTML5 programmer full time. -
tachi1247 So does this mean that if I do a factory reset on my phone then I will no longer be able to install flash? Or is the flash app linked to my google account?Reply -
schmich Wrong move in my opinion. Google should have worked with Adobe to keep flash as it is. Don't need more things, just keep it supported.Reply
This is a step backwards, especially when it comes to Android taking its first steps in the netbook/notebook/desktop market. Flash isn't going away for a while and it works flawless on my 16month old SGS2. Can do HD video without any lag.
If there are any out there who say good riddance: have you uninstalled Flash on your desktop/laptop? Thought not.
We'll just have to save the flash apk. I feel sorry for the average Joe who doesn't know it's possible to just side-load Flash. -
proxy711 A Bad DayAs much as HTML5 looks promising, it needs security work. Flash programs have two layers of encryption so breaking into them is somewhat difficult.HTML5? Right click, open source, and it will reveal everything.Ya adobe has been at the pinnacle of security for.....HAHAHAHAHA.....em..sorry couldn't even type that with out laughing.Reply -
dextermat I wish I could say goodbye flash and java on pc as they are mostly responsible for malware these daysReply -
getreal STEVE JOBS WAS RIGHT AGAIN! Flash sucks on mobile. Apple was right, like usual.Reply
Android is now copying Apple yet again!