Apple Fans Rejoice: Flash is Fixed with Skyfire

The absence of Flash capability is one of the most notorious drawbacks of using new Apple technology. iPhones, iPod Touches, and iPads do not have the ability to run Flash-based video on websites, but a new app called Skyfire will change that on Thursday.

Steve Jobs has been known to talk serious Flash trash, suggesting the third-party software is the core cause of major Mac issues in the past. This has been a thorn in Apple’s side, since many people have avoided Apple technology for this reason. On Thursday, an app will be available that will fix this problem for Apple until they can come up with their own intelligent solution.

Firefly, which will be available to Apple users for download on Thursday, will make any Flash-based video visible on Apple devices. Put simply, Firefly will change any Flash video into HTML5, a code which works like magic on Apple products and does not require any third-party downloads.

Steve Jobs has made his stand on Flash very clear, expressing that the simpler HTML5 coding compared to third-party software will cause less problems. His passion for this opinion drove Flash developer Adobe to leave Apple and work with Google and their Android Operating System. The idea of plug-ins for Apple technology just doesn’t fly with Jobs.

According to Wired.com, however, Apple willingly gave the new Skyfire app some feedback and oversight, suggesting the technology giant’s willingness to work with this Flash to HTML5 transition.

Even though Apple continues to make their devices in a way that limits its compatibility with other technology, their popularity makes that issue somewhat insignificant.

The Skyfire app will only allow Apple users to view Flash videos, not play games or utilize other Flash functionality. But, for now, I think Apple users will be satisfied with the ability to, at least, watch some Flash videos on their favorite websites.

In reality, I think Apple would have been seriously injured by Google if they took too long to enable its users with the ability to watch video. For a technology company that thrives on its ability to produce smooth, visually appealing content online, it’s shocking this app didn’t come sooner.