ADOBE ENDING MOBILE FLASH
PC Magazine
LISTEN To The Daily Numbers podcast [MP3]
98% of Web-browsing computers have Flash technology installed.
85% of the most heavily visited sites use Flash.
THOUGHT: So how does that make Flash dead, Dave?
I’m glad you asked.
Adobe’s withdrawal of support for mobile Flash means they see the writing on the wall and it says, Die, Flash, Die!
Though Flash may not be dead yet, there’s no way it will be feeling better when all trends point to mobile and Apple refuses to support it.
It can’t die soon enough, as far as I’m concerned.
From a personal standpoint, once we rid ourselves of Flash, my browser will be 98% less likely to crash.
Seriously, Adobe has had 15 years to figure out how to make their technology stable yet has failed to do so, and this after they update the software seemingly every other reboot.
From a professional standpoint, however, there’s plenty to hate.
The crashing presents an obvious usability problem.
But I’ve also seen entire sites built using Flash and while they make nice eye candy, they leave a lot to be desired from a marketing standpoint. Chief among the problems is that for the longest time, Flash files have been essentially invisible to search engines. They can’t read the content within a Flash file so there’s nothing for the search engine to index.
Therefore, no search traffic.
I have also seen plenty of sites built with Flash that get cute with navigation. It seems that simply because you can get creative with Flash, Flash developers feel compelled to do so…with the navigation system.
Dont’ fix what ain’t broken.
People know how to use websites, they know how their navigation systems are supposed to work. When you go switching that up, all you’re doing is intentionally disorienting your visitors.
I do have some sympathy for Flash developers who should start learning a new development environment but the technology itself? Please.
Good riddance, Flash. It was never nice to know you.
FOLLOW FRIDAY: Videographer extraordinaire, Nate Maydole.
Thank you for the future.
GET THESE INSIGHTS DELIVERED DAILY TO YOUR INBOX:
The e-Strategy Academy covers all aspects of digital marketing including search optimization & marketing, email marketing, social media marketing, video marketing, mobile marketing & public relations.