Google just finished taking over On2 Technologies and their video format, VP8, so Free Software Foundation (FSF) sent an open-letter to Google where they encourage Google to release VP8 as an open-source format and also use it themselves on YouTube. By doing that, Google will “free” the world from patented and proprietary formats such as H.264 and Flash by Adobe.
FSF wouldn’t mind getting rid of Flash and refer to Apple which doesn’t support Flash on either the iPhone, iPod Touch or the new iPad. Steve Jobs also recently said that Apple don’t spend a lot of energy on old technology (Flash).
YouTube is already experimenting with a Flash-free version by using HTML5 and H.264. Not enough, says FSF, they would like Google to step up and really show they care about user’s freedom and not just about their own market position.
Now the question is, what will happen to Flash in the future?
It does seem though, that lots if iPhone users would like Flash…
Personally, I wouldn’t mind getting rid of it. Just make sure we have something else in place for YouTube and similar – then I wouldn’t mind not seeing Flash anytime soon 🙂
What do you think? Cast your vote and remember to leave a comment as well. And don’t forget to share by clicking on the “retweet” badge below, digg or stumbleupon. Thanks!
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I have to say that I like flash, I love the flash on our tanning salon site. It allows for some powerful marketing in my opinion.
.-= Extreme John´s last blog ..A Day in the Life of.. Episode 5 [video] =-.
Well, on your Extreme Tan site, the Flash does look nice 🙂 I wonder if the same thing couldn’t have been done with another technology? I don’t know what HTML5 will allow us to do.
Wow. I hadn’t heard of this news. I don’t know much about VP8, but it would be nice if that would be the answer. The whole dispute (involving Mozilla, Apple, etc.) over the new standard for video in HTML5 reminds me of the whole Blu-Ray HDDVD thing all over again.
.-= Evan @ 40Tech´s last blog ..2 Ways to Get TV on Your iPhone – Slingplayer vs. OrbLive =-.
To be honest, it’s the first I hear about VP8 too. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for us in this “online video codec”-war 🙂