Adobe claims 10x performance from Flash Player 10.2
Recent drama in the Apple versus Adobe debacle was stirred again when Apple shipped the new MacBook Air without a version of Flash Player installed, claiming it was more effective for users to keep Flash updated themselves. With HTML5 continually nipping at Flash's Internet dominance, Adobe must act fast.Currently, no iOS device has native Flash support. The mobile Web space is quickly growing beyond Flash, and Apple is leading the push with its support of HTML5 for video playback. Despite Android tablets and smartphones including Flash support, I still have not seen any mobile device provide a useful experience while using Flash. Short battery life and poor CPU performance generally take the spotlight from the novelty of having Flash Player installed.Perhaps Flash Player 10.2 will get Adobe back on track. Certainly 10 times better performance on your CPU is a good start. The video below shows off a new, optimized, video playback mode called Stage Video that builds on GPU acceleration added to Flash Player earlier this year.Early reviews on Flash Player 10.2 beta, including this small forum on the Apple Support Discussions, seem to be largely positive. But again, I have to wonder if this is enough. It seems the wheels are rolling in the other direct and Adobe must greatly improve its product if it is to maintain its market (and mind) share.What has been your experience with Flash Player? Are you for it, or moving on? Let me know in the comments!Be sure to follow MacFixIt on Twitter and contribute to the CNET Mac forums.
