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iPad & Flash (seriously, nothing negative, just read)

K

kdesign7

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Feb 1, 2010
647
9
earth, for now.
We all know the story about the iPad & Flash, so no need to go digging into those waters again.

I have a question. But first, for those who want to disregard flash entirely, move on, nothing to see/read here.

When the iPhone/iPod came out, they were a success. Furthermore, when they were both JailBroken, that opened the doors to an infinite slew of ideas.

My question is this. If/when the iPad gets JailBroken (which Im hoping it does), can't someone write a Flash-Plugin script that would work with the iPad and then render all the Flash Content? I mean, why do we need to wait on Apple and Adobe to settle their difference?

Regardless of the use with Flash, I'm just curious if someone/anyone would be bright enuff and talented enough to just side step Apple and Adobe entirely and write the needed code to allow Flash Support? Hell, even if someone created an ENTIRELY new APP that allows Flash Support.

The reason I'm asking is this... and I got thinking. Ages ago, I tried to get FLASH sites to work on my Windows Mobile 6.5 phone, and for many months no luck. Even tho there was a Flash Lite Plugin, it was crap. Didn't render FLASH like you would see on a laptop/desktop.

Then came along SkyFire. This TINY application, did something MANY developers could not... and they created a Browser for the Windows Mobile platform that was OUT OF THIS world. It just works. IF you go to youtube.com in SkyFire, it loads the exact same way it would on your desktop, giving you Video/Audio without a hassle.

Again back to my question...

Would it BE possible for SOMEONE (when the iPad is JB'd) to create a Script-Code for the Flash Plugin to work with Safari, or another Browser type App?

.... and yes, I know that NOT Everyone would want to JailBreak their iPad, so for those people - ignore this post. :)


Ooh, and for ALL those Negative Haters out there.. really tho.. if you have anything negative to say, don't say it at all. Did you all forget the golden rule?

:)

Thats my question.
4EverApple
 
of course anything is possible, but my thinking is what would a developer get out of putting in so much effort to create a flash plug-in for an underground community that is constantly playing a cat and mouse game with Apple and software updates, I know I got tired of jailbreaking.

also, I think if someone wanted to create a flash plug-in, they would have done so by now for the iPhone.

But lets say for argument sake that someone did create the plug-in. Flash has been known for being unsecured and allowing viruses, malware and phishing program to get through. Are you wiling to install the plug-in from a unknown 3rd party developer in a jailbreak community? Would you feel safe logging in to your bank from the iPad?

you asked a serious question, so I'm trying to give a serious response. I get why people want flash (Hulu), but people need to understand that the iPad is not meant to take the place of your desktop computer, the iPad is an accessory.
 
saving107 said:
of course anything is possible, but my thinking is what would a developer get out of putting in so much effort to create a flash plug-in for an underground community that is constantly playing a cat and mouse game with Apple and software updates, I know I got tired of jailbreaking.

also, I think if someone wanted to create a flash plug-in, they would have done so by now for the iPhone.

But lets say for argument sake that someone did create the plug-in. Flash has been known for being unsecured and allowing viruses, malware and phishing program to get through. Are you wiling to install the plug-in from a unknown 3rd party developer in a jailbreak community? Would you feel safe logging in to your bank from the iPad?

you asked a serious question, so I'm trying to give a serious response. I get why people want flash (Hulu), but people need to understand that the iPad is not meant to take the place of your desktop computer, the iPad is an accessory.
Click to expand...

True - I didn't really think about the idea, of WHAT WOULD THE DEVELOPER GET OUT IF IT, I suppose that is a fair statement. No one really wants to invest their time into something and not be rewarded. I guess that would also depend on the type of reward a Developer(s) would want?! Money?! Fame? Nah, more likely Money... but how much?! :)

As for the 3rd Party Developer, that is TOTALLY a risk in itself, but I mean, if you are comfortable with your own knowledge (do your research, ask questions, etc). Not everyone is out to get ya... but sure there are MANY that are.

And yes, I understand your statement about Flash (possibly) making the host unstable and unsafe, but wouldn't that depend on where your surfing? For example, if you did have a jail broken ipad, with a FlashPlugin of some sort, and you went to Hulu.com, would that be considered safe?! Or are you saying the inital fact of having Flash Support would merely say "Hi Internet, I'm Open, come get me" ?

I totally get your point about the iPad not BEING a computer, but I mean, if the device is more than capable of doing said features, but only lacks them due to sqwable between two companies; if they set aside their difference and worked together, and MADE Flash a reality, then would the RISK still be there?

I'm just saying, I do see the advantages for the masses if they had Flash and how valuable some see it as. I mean, Could you honestly say, that you'd be 100% ok with surfing the internet on your desktop computer, without Flash Support... Would you be ok with ALL the missing content?

Again, I know the iPAD isn't a replacement computer - but you have to admit, the hardware is there, and it's MORE than capable of rendering such scripts. (And for those who SAY it'd kill the battery and all that jazz) Maybe so, but 10h on wifi, is MORE Than most Laptops/Netbooks, so even if say, Flash did deplete the battery to say, 6hrs of wifi usage, thats pretty fair.

:)

Just saying.

Thanks for your comment! :)
 
There have been several jailbreak workarounds for flash over the years. None of them worked particularly well though. Who knows, maybe someone will have better luck with the iPad but I would not count on it.
 
GadgetX said:
There have been several jailbreak workarounds for flash over the years. None of them worked particularly well though. Who knows, maybe someone will have better luck with the iPad but I would not count on it.
Click to expand...

Ive seen a few work arounds on the iphone/ipod and ya, I agree, it doesnt really work ALL that well... But, who knows... Im crossing my toes and fingers and hoping someone or a group of people will see the project and get at er! :)
 
I'm quite sure Apple and Adobe will add Flash support to the iPad in the near future since it's definitely a very important feature for users. Just like video on the iPod, I guess it'll happen but Apple won't admit it until the very last moment.

As for a 3rd party solution, it is sad to see how many people count on jailbreaking as a solution for the iPad's limitations but still won't hesitate to buy yet another iPhone OS device. Anyway, it's probably impossible to add 3rd party Flash support on the iPad as it hasn't happen on the iPhone for nearly 3 years. It probably requires modification of closed source code in the Safari app which is impossible if I'm not mistaken.
 
yyy said:
I'm quite sure Apple and Adobe will add Flash support to the iPad in the near future since it's definitely a very important feature for users. Just like video on the iPod, I guess it'll happen but Apple won't admit it until the very last moment.

As for a 3rd party solution, it is sad to see how many people count on jailbreaking as a solution for the iPad's limitations but still won't hesitate to buy yet another iPhone OS device. Anyway, it's probably impossible to add 3rd party Flash support on the iPad as it hasn't happen on the iPhone for nearly 3 years. It probably requires modification of closed source code in the Safari app which is impossible if I'm not mistaken.
Click to expand...

You keep waiting for that to happen.
 
I think Apple are onto a winner.
I do not think Flash wiill be an issue.

There are a decent number of content providers moving away rfom flash in order to service the iPhone/Pad community - face it guys we are advertising gold-dust... they want us to look at their sites.

We have money
We like new tech
We arent afraid to be early adopters

My gut feeling is that most of the sites where us types will drop Flash unless they resolve their issues with apple...

Once a few big sites make the change, many will follow
 
guycross said:
I do not think Flash will be an issue.
Click to expand...
ComScore thinks web browsing will be THE most likely activity on the iPad. I suggest future iPad owners take the time now to add a flash blocker to their current PC (not iphone or Touch) browser. Then visit all the sites you would normally visit. Counting on the absence of flash to not be an issue is risky, especially when we can try it right now.
 
4DThinker said:
ComScore thinks web browsing will be THE most likely activity on the iPad. I suggest future iPad owners take the time now to add a flash blocker to their current PC (not iphone or Touch) browser. Then visit all the sites you would normally visit. Counting on the absence of flash to not be an issue is risky, especially when we can try it right now.
Click to expand...

I've lived with a flash blocker for the last 6 months. Aside from youtube links which i've whitelisted. I've probably run into a problem twice in that entire time. Not such a major issue as a lot of people make it out to be.

BTW one of those times was a car insurance website that used flash on their form. Needless to say they didn't get my business.

M.
 
Has anyone written a Flash Plugin for the iPhone and released it in some public mean?

If yes, then Flash could be on a Jailbroken iPad, if no, then no.
 
I have spoken to a number of web developers and flash is now blacklisted from future projects. Apple users reflect where the money is and the internet will make sure they are being served.

Making flash work from a third party perspective is a huge undertaking. How do you adapt a precision mouse work enviroment to a clumsy fat finger interface?
 
yyy said:
I'm quite sure Apple and Adobe will add Flash support to the iPad in the near future since it's definitely a very important feature for users. Just like video on the iPod, I guess it'll happen but Apple won't admit it until the very last moment.

As for a 3rd party solution, it is sad to see how many people count on jailbreaking as a solution for the iPad's limitations but still won't hesitate to buy yet another iPhone OS device. Anyway, it's probably impossible to add 3rd party Flash support on the iPad as it hasn't happen on the iPhone for nearly 3 years. It probably requires modification of closed source code in the Safari app which is impossible if I'm not mistaken.
Click to expand...

Not important for many of us as we already block flash on our computers.

Flash likely won't show up on the iPad anytime soon unless SJ is no longer at Apple.
 
4DThinker said:
ComScore thinks web browsing will be THE most likely activity on the iPad. I suggest future iPad owners take the time now to add a flash blocker to their current PC (not iphone or Touch) browser. Then visit all the sites you would normally visit. Counting on the absence of flash to not be an issue is risky, especially when we can try it right now.
Click to expand...

I've been using a Flash blocker for years. On systems I don't have a blocker, I immediately close pages which require me to watch a video, play background music, or assault me with animated ads, which accounts for like 90% of sites with Flash. I'm not worried.

I get some people's uproar, though. I'm probably in the minority now, but I think the contingent of people who find Flash obnoxious and unnecessary is growing, and the massive growth in mobile web use (iPhone, Android, RIM, webOS, etc) is fueling the flight away from Flash. Even if a handset supports Flash, the sites made with it are typically not very functional on a <4" touchscreen.
 
4DThinker said:
ComScore thinks web browsing will be THE most likely activity on the iPad. I suggest future iPad owners take the time now to add a flash blocker to their current PC (not iphone or Touch) browser. Then visit all the sites you would normally visit. Counting on the absence of flash to not be an issue is risky, especially when we can try it right now.
Click to expand...

Have used Click2flash for some time now and aside form Hulu, no issues at all. I find the whole experience much faster since i'm on a relatively slow 3mb cable connection. The most common blocked flash items are about 1" tall and 8" wide... useless ads I don't care about anyhow.

I do plan on using my iPad for surfing the web a great deal and it should be rather enjoyable to not need a mouse and keyboard to enjoy the content of all my favorite websites.
 
I think there are wise comments here:

Basically, I surf a lot from my iPhone... if I really want to use a site thats flash ridden, I check to see if there is an iphone for that site (like soundcloud.com).

Otherwise I just pick another site, it isnt like there is a shortage!
 
What would the developer get out of it?

I would easily pay $50 for such an app if it wasn't buggy. If there are several million iPad owners and only 5% of the population is jail broken... the developer still stands to make millions.

In fact if you say the ipad base is 3 million, and 5% are jailbroken, and 50% of those bought the app, you'd have $4 million right there.
 
msduncan said:
What would the developer get out of it?

I would easily pay $50 for such an app if it wasn't buggy. If there are several million iPad owners and only 5% of the population is jail broken... the developer still stands to make millions.

In fact if you say the ipad base is 3 million, and 5% are jailbroken, and 50% of those bought the app, you'd have $4 million right there.
Click to expand...

As long as were in speculation mode :). I did read that Cydia had right around 1m iPT/iPhone users that had saved their data on it. Taking 75m total user base, 1m end up just over 1%. I'd be willing to bet of that 1%, a very, very small percentage would pay anywhere near $50 bucks for this type of app.

I don't know for fact, but am guessing a large percentage of those with JB devices are kids which did it for "free" apps and such. They can't afford the .99 to 4.99 apps let alone a $50 app. Then again they would just hack and download the $50 app from a torrent site for free, leaving the Dev hosed for any profit anyhow lol.
 
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