Something Special On 8/8
Flash, my gateway drug into web design, is ready for an update. Flash 8 (I hope it’s a tentative title), will be taking a big leap and upgrading their once laughable video integration to compete with the big boys. Writeup taken from Paul Festa @ CNET:
Macromedia is expected to announce the latest version of its signature Flash software Aug. 8, or 8/8, and release the software a few weeks later, said a source familiar with the company’s plans. Macromedia, whose shareholders will vote on a proposed acquisition by Adobe Systems on Aug. 24, released the Flash 8 public beta, a test version, earlier this month.
[...]
But it is the software’s video capabilities that are stirring the most interest, particularly among those who think the new version’s improved codec, which is its particular video compression format, and various other advantages could make it a significant threat to Microsoft’s Windows Media technology, RealNetworks’ Real format and Apple Computer’s QuickTime format.
“This new version of Flash is quite an improvement,” said Tim Bajarin, an analyst with Creative Strategies in Campbell, Calif. “If positioned more as a media engine, then it could cause Real, Apple and Microsoft some concern since it will evolve into a competitive platform for streaming video.”
It’s an interesting read. Macromedia has really done well for themselves. Their flash player has snuck its way into many kinds of browsers in one form or another, with manufacturers on board to support it as well. And even though a lot of people still use Flash movies to create long, unnecessary site intros, it has the potential to become the ‘all-in-one’ answer for online multimedia experiences.
Dan Carr, a Flash pro that I spoke with @ a conference in San Francisco, already has a handle on Flash video. Maybe there’ll be more to come from him after this update. I’m still learning the enhancements from Flash 5 to MX to MX PRO 2004, so it’ll be a while before I pick this one up. I think.
Eight is great! 
~Spec
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Requests: Incubus – Echo (Ringer Edit)
Reading: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
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