01-30-2010, 07:45 PM
tahoedrew wrote:
So, if Apple's really just trying to protect their revenue stream, why would they be the first (along with Google) to embrace HTML5 (an open source, opposed to FLASH)?
The truth is Steve and Apple just don't want to have to program their OS and applications for a company they despise.
Apple and Google are business partners and Google has never made more than a token effort to protect the content on YouTube.
The truth is that we don't really know why Apple insults Adobe every chance they get lately, but it makes sense that when companies that big have conflicts it's all about money.
I think maybe it's just a bit cheaper for Apple not to cooperate with Adobe. If Adobe could produce a compelling economic reason for Apple to open up their iPhone/iPad OS for Flash then Apple would jump into bed with them without a moment's pause.
...
The market-advantage of Flash video is that it's proprietary.
The market-problem with HTML 5 is that the specification and APIs are available to anyone. Sites like Hulu don't want people taking advantage of that to download and distribute videos because that would undermine their profit-model.
Consumers generally accept the limitations imposed by Flash in exchange for the convenience of abundant free legal streaming tv shows and movies.
Apple wins because they can push sales of otherwise free content through the iTunes store. Adobe wins because on most devices other than Apple's niche products they've got a lock on the market. Most consumers win because they get the experience a plethora of rich multimedia without great investment.
People who buy Apple's niche devices and who get all of their multimedia through legal means are the only ones suffering in this fight.