Flash 8 may compete with Apple/Microsoft

Early next month Macromedia is expected to announce Flash 8, according to a source familiar with the company's plans. The company has officially re-designated Flash as a platform for application development and released a public beta earlier this month. The new version's improved codec (VP6 from On2 Technologies) along with various other advantages could pose a threat to Microsoft Windows Media technology, Real Format of RealNetworks and Apple Computer's Quicktime.

Tim Bajarin, an analyst with Creative Strategies stated "This new version of Flash is quite an improvement, [...] 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." Flash 8 also reportedly supports alpha transparency allowing users to combine Flash video with text, vector graphics and other elements. Macromedia shareholders will vote on a proposed acquisition by Adobe Systems on August 24.

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Dr.Funkenstein

So....

07/29, 1:41pm, EDT

We can expect even more annoying web ads in the future?

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birdman

app dev

07/29, 6:27pm, EDT

"Application development"? Does that mean Flash 8 will be replacing Director? That might be nice -- the power of Director mixed with the less-sucky interface of Flash.

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SlowX

go figure

07/30, 12:35pm, EDT

I like Director's interface better... but then again, i started there and THEN started using Flash. ;)

btw, when they say "application development," i think they mean the creation of stand-alone programs like games or media manipulation/creation software, not "just" web-based files.

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flur

vote?!

07/31, 5:12am, EDT

bwaHAHAHAHA!!! we can still stop this mad merger? i should buy stock.

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ultrasource

oh no!

07/31, 11:38am, EDT

Flash will be the death of interface standards and it will forever be used to confuse users and slow down the flow of information.... loading..... loading..... loading..... loading...... ok, maybe it's not that bad but it still stinks to high hell.

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