The Beginning of the End of FLASH

TechCrunch's Mg Siegler wrote yesterday about the end of Flash for mobile computing. Adobe has thrown in the towel as far as handling flash web players on mobile devices, and this in fact signifies the end of Flash.

FLASH has been an invaluable tool for online interactive features, providing amazing, visually impacting marketing options for websites, creative outlets for artists and fast yet easier programming alternatives to Java. And now it's going away.


The Good
HTML5 specifications are now quickly becoming adopted with every new version of major web browsers, making vector graphics, data access and more readily available without the Flash (or Java) engines. This will eventually eliminate the need for plugins for web browsers, making web browsing safer and safer as time goes on. No need to upgrade your plugins, you just upgrade your browser if there are new features. No need to worry if you stumble across a web site that says "you need to upgrade your flash player" only to find out that in return they infect your computer. This will be the end of that mess.

The GOOD in a nutshell:

• Better security through elimination of plugin requirements.
• Better code clarity and open review of coding practices to inspect and avoid new vulnerabilities.
• One tool works everywhere and (hopefully) looks the same on all devices (via vector interfacing)
• Amazing data management features, including local and remote SQL data access and more
• Easier mobile device propagation. Most every mobile device browser will support this.

The Bad
It all can't be good? Wishful thinking. Programmers will have less options in controlling source code, because HTML5 and Javascript is exposed client side (ie: to the web browser), fully readable for vulnerabilities and theft. Web browsers will adopt portions of the HTML5 specification, but not all and not all browsers will have the same features working at the same time, and invariably at least one or more browsers will leave a (major) feature out, making coding that much harder. Flash worked the same (pretty much) for all devices because it was its own browser/platform.

The bad nutshell:

• Losing FLASH as a platform limits options for companies. Leveraging FLASH provides licensing protection for media that just cannot be done via HTML5 (as of yet). Licensing is key to services like HULU and NETFLIX (though Netflix is not Flash, same concepts - its a plugin too!)
• No source control (yet), as its not compiled nor encrypted, just html,css and javascript.
• Business's have no expectation of protecting their code from theft.
• Deriving a companies business logic via source review becomes MUCH easier, likely exposing too much information and entry points to gain access to vital data. Hackers will love the ease of access.
• HTML5 is a specification, not a rule. Its a moving target with spec changes happening daily. 
• Browsers will not be equal in support of features, and none will likely support the entire spec, making development insanely difficult compared to the Flash platform.

It's an interesting road ahead for web programmers and companies that rely on the Flash platform. Finding an all new business model that makes sense of migrating to HTML5 from Flash, while maintaining IP (proprietary code ownership) of your businesses is trickier than ever.

iPhone v Android Info Update

The peeps at "The Understatement" have a great info-graphic highlighting some nastiness regarding the Android platform when compared to the iPhone.

Basically the problem is that Apple is the single point of updates to their phones. This makes updates easier to transfer since there is no one in-between causing havoc when you want to update. Whereas the chain of update custody is complicated, expensive and not really in any business's self interest outside of being good to existing clients.

If you are getting ready to purchase a new phone, this will at a minimum give you something to think about, and at best confuse the hell out of you.

http://theunderstatement.com/post/11982112928/android-orphans-visualizing-a-sad-history-of-support

The Danger at StarBucks!

Hackers have crafted new tools that give them access to your logins! On laptops and even from your DROID or iPhone!

This is for anyone that has used, or will use a shared public WIFI hotspot, such as a Starbucks, airports or even a "paid for" hotel network - beware!  New "hacker" tools allow hackers to gain access to your accounts while you use them, simply at the stroke of a button.

Use this for gmail, yahoo mail and facebook every time! 

The fix? Make sure you are using https connections to facebook, gmail, yahoo email, corporate email, etc... Any connection to a secured service (ie: facebook, gmail, etc...) that doesn't contain https: in the browser is at risk on these shared networks.

We've had more than a few customers hacked in this manner lately, from Vegas to Texas, airports and coffee shops, you are not safe. Knowing is half the battle! GI JOE!

To read more on these pesky hackers:

http://codebutler.com/firesheep
http://droidsheep.de/

Time for an iPhone?

Lifehacker has a nice little article comparing the base contract options from the big three cell phone services.

For the business that depends on voice phone calls, the $240 more for Verizon is just the cost of getting good service. From experience Verizon works where the others don't, and hands down you know that is important when that call comes in for a big job that would ROI that $240 tenfold.

We've heard plans for the casual data user as low as $30 a month for unlimited data, text and a measly 100 minutes of voice, hitting the high notes for teens and possibly the casual cell user who wants an iPad2 or other data connected device up and running on the cellular data plan, specially with the new iCloud from Apple coming out.

Open Letter to HP

Dear HP, You make some pretty good printers. At least when the hardware is compared to the printers in the printer world, I have to say I prefer your printers performance - usually. That being said - Why is it that while every other companies drivers and software take minutes to install, your "suites" take nearly an hour to install? Seriously, this is one massive complaint for IT support people in managing printers for HP - We know it will take way to long to install and support an HP printer. It's ridiculous. It's nonsense. Your bloatware has to get better than this. Signed- quite bothered IT support person who has spent approximately half the last 10 years dealing with HP printer software installs and issues.

Fire v iPad2

Saw some interesting news about the color Kindle "Fire" from Amazon. It's essentially a very slimmed down version of the iPad2. So, is it for you?

FEATURE	FIRE	iPad2
Speed	slower	faster
Screen	smaller / not as good a screen	larger / best screen on market
Memory	8gb - not alot of space	16gb min - up to 32gb
Apps	Android market - 240k+ and growing - robust market applications	Apple - Massive application library over 500k
Specific Software differences	SUPPORTS FLASH!	DOESN'T SUPPORT FLASH (Stupidly)
Communications	Wifi only - no camera, no mic, no chatting online via voice or video	Wifi and 3G/4G - Cameras and microphones for video chat with those who have compatible devices
Price	$200	Starts at $400

We are looking forward to a hands on experience with the Kindle Fire soon!

Online TV - Update of September - Oct 2011

A quick update on the state of the union for the "Cable Cutters" enthusiasts! 

A few shows have opted to contract with cable and satellite companies requiring you to log in to view any 'first-run' or 'older than 8 days' shows. So, if its a brand new show "tonight" OR if its a show that was previously broadcast more than 8 days prior you have to be a subscriber to a cable or satellite service.

Worse yet, each production company (ie: House, or Miami Vice) have their own contractual requirements of WHOM you are subscribed to, so for instance while CSI Vegas might require Time Warner and Verizon, House will require Direct TV - Making this a total mess for us CC's (Cable Cutters).

Our request to the mass CC's out there - don't give in! There's so much online in the form of entertaining content that you simply DO NOT HAVE TO GIVE IN! Here are a few links to get you started in viewing online content, from free, partial pay to full pay for: