Flash 8 poised to take on Web video

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company specifically mentioned its 15 content services, media library for content management, device synchronization and CD-burning capabilities.

"While Flash is receiving some good uptake on the Internet today, it has limited applications beyond short form, streamed content," Kevin Unangst, director of Windows Digital Media at Microsoft, said in an e-mail interview. "The scalability of Windows Media Video 9 (WMV9) allows it to be implemented in an incredibly broad range of applications, from standard definition video on wireless handsets to high-definition video on next-generation DVD."

Macromedia, which tends to downplay its competitive position against Microsoft, doesn't offer much of an argument to the company's claim that Flash and Windows Media are targeting different markets.

"I don't think there's really direct competition between Flash video and Windows Media," said Kevin Lynch, Macromedia's chief software architect. "The direction we're headed with Flash video is aiming at Web video, video embedded on Web pages. That's a different segment than downloadable videos, full-length movies, and Windows Media is supplying features toward that model."

But even if Macromedia is leaving full-length downloads to the fatter clients, analysts say Microsoft and RealNetworks can't be happy about Flash video's progress in either technology or popularity.

"Macromedia is going to keep increasing its functionality, and it will be a competitive threat over time," said Chris Swenson, analyst with the NPD Group. "Over time I can see Flash eating away at the market."

At least in the Web video segment, Flash has already begun its advance, according to one analyst.

"While I never discount Microsoft and doubt that Windows Media Player will get knocked out of the marketplace by Flash video, I also know that some leading brand sites are already voting for Macromedia," said Harley Manning, an analyst with Forrester Research. "And I think that more will do the same when the new player and tools arrive. At the very least, this will force Microsoft to think differently about some aspects of their product."

[aabcdefghij987654321]

Irritate and annoy

I hate flash. Its overarching purpose is to make irritating and annoying advertisements that move and make noise. The best improvement that they could make is giving users the ability to turn it off and on easily.

By the way, I use FlashBlock and AniDisable extensions in Firefox. It usually works great, but there are occaisions when flash gets through.

[jaximflash]

Despite annoying ads, Flash is Useful

Although I agree with you that many, MANY flash ads are EXTREMELY annoying, I would have to disagree with you that just because of a few bad apples, the entire Flash community should be casted as annoying and pointless.

I use Firefox's Adblock extension to block both annoying images and Flash ads. This allows me to keep seeing Flash which in many cases are very useful and adds to my viewing experience of the Internet.

Software Bloat Now a "Feature"

>Microsoft defended the comparative bulk of Windows Media
> Player,

This is perhaps the funniest comment I have EVER read in a Cnet article. Man, my side is splitting. Those monstrosities up in Redmond make nothing but bloated software. Now they've finally admitted as much and are actively touting it as a FEATURE! OMG. this is getting surreal.

[Andrew J Glina]

Errr....

Calm down. It was not quoted. Thus you could just be reading Paul Festa's atitude.

[Earl Benser]

Flash does seem like....

... too little, too late. There is also an impression that Flash 8 might
be a ploy for the upcoming sale to Adobe, if it happens. But then, if
Adobe does buy Macromedia, Flash should bulk up like all the rest
of Adobe's products. That should be the end of Flash, whatever the
version is by then.

Huh?

The Adobe sale is fairly recent news, and I'm sure Flash 8 has been
in development for quite a while. Also, if you're familiar with all the
new features being added to version 8 (even aside from the video
stuff), it's pretty obvious that this release goes far beyond a fresh
coat of paint and a version increment. Also, I don't see how Adobe
will bloat Flash to death... They've been 'bloating' Photoshop for
awhile now. C'mon nobody uses THAT app. :)

[zabadak]

SEO

Flash will never be accepted as a major platform while Search Engines cannot deal with it. When will Macromedia address this issue?

Flash and search engines

More on that subject here:

http://news.com.com/Flash+authors+ponder+Google+pitfalls/2100-1032_3-5657666.html

[JuggerNaut]

It's about time!

It's good to see Macromedia and On2 deliver Flash for video
streaming. One thing that's annoying about the other media
players (except for Real Player) is the lack of cross-platform
compatibility. Ever since Flash started doing video (check out
FOXNews.com), no matter what system your using (Mac, Windows
and/or Linux), you can view the video without getting snubbed by
some proprietary technology that only works on a single operating
system.

[Trane Francks]

Let's hope ...

So far, I've been less than thrilled with c|net's use of Flash for video content. No matter that I have 1.5 Mbit ADSL, c|net content always seems to rebuffer during viewing. Flash 8 better be a whole lot leaner before I'll be happy with it.

No standalone player...

If you happen to get your hands on a Flash Video file (.flv) you
can't just double-click and play it. Until those play in a
standalone way, Flash will never hold a candle to QT, Real, or
WM with the general public. I strongly support Flash and its
video features, but lack of stand alone playability is not wise.

[Frank Madaio]

Flash 8 Video

Flash 8 video files, flv files, do not post well online, my videos
do not show up??? Anone run into this problem, I have the
player!!!!