Flash Animation: Adobe Abandons Apple, Joins Google

In a decision that was expected for some and a surprise for others, Adobe announced that it would stop developing technology that would allow Apple’s new iPad and upcoming iPhone to work with Adobe Flash.  

Many of the world’s most popular companies use Flash to present interactive websites, games, and other types of multimedia. Since the release of the iPad earlier this month, the topic of Adobe Flash and its incompatibility with Apple technology has been a common topic.

Adobe had agreed to create technology for Apple that would allow Flash to run on their hardware, but increase restrictions from Apple brought things to a halt.

According to a BBC article, Adobe aimed to release Creative Suite 5 in mid-April. The software, in basic terms, would translate Flash to make it compatible with Apple hardware like the iPad and the new iPhone.

Unfortunately, just before Adobe released CS5, Apple adjusted the license the developers must sign and essential forbid them to use any “code translators” on their hardware.

With that, Adobe was finished with Apple. They announced that they would still release CS5 to be used with iPads and iPhones, but they will no longer be dedicating their time and efforts to Apple and their restrictive technology.

Naturally, Apple has attacked Flash for being “closed and proprietary,” inappropriate for the open iPhone.  Macromedia, a company acquired by Adobe in 1995, is the original creator of Flash.

The software, used quite commonly on contemporary websites, presents complications for programmers that added to Adobe’s frustration. But this was expected. In his article “Behind the Adobe-Apple Cold War,” published in January, Michael V. Copeland gives a point-by-point outline of why Adobe Flash will be difficult to translate onto iPhones and iPads.

Recent reports say that Adobe is now working with Google to make sure Flash-powered sites will work on Android, Google’s operating system for portable devices.

It might be a surprise that Adobe would detach themselves from such an epic line of products, but they know that the market for smart phones and tablets was only just born. In the next few years, Apple and its seemingly industry-leading hardware will be in for a challenge.