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iPad does not Play Flash ?

admin — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:28:15 +0000

The arrival of the Apple iPad, and the tech pundits are declaring the demise of Flash.

The view is based largely on the fact that the iPad, like the iPhone, will likely not support Adobe’s plug-in, but it’s also a result of the enthusiasm surrounding the current momentum of HTML5. The emerging web standard, which is quickly being adopted by browser manufacturers and developers, offers native video playback and animation tools that don’t require Adobe’s Flash plug-in. Google recently added its significant weight to the HTML5 camp when it announced HTML5 video support for YouTube. That Apple appears to have again shunned Flash is simply more fuel for the anti-Flash fire.

At this point, however, the demise of Flash is anything but assured. Even if it does eventually fade away, Flash will still be with us for quite some time because there’s currently nothing to replace it with.

While some proponents of the open web would have you believe that a viable replacement for Flash is already here — in the form of HTML5 –that’s not exactly the case. The HTML5 video tag does indeed allow you to embed videos in web pages without Flash, but it’s up to the browser to actually play that video. And that’s where the problem arises — what video codec should the browser use? Apple, with the iPad, iPhone and its desktop apps, is pushing the H.264 codec. But the H.264 video codec has licensing requirements and is not free in any sense of the word. Moving from the Flash plug-in to the H.264 codec is like moving backward — from Flash to a more expensive Flash.

The iPad then, even if it does hasten Flash’s demise, isn’t helping to bring about an open web, it’s just moving from one controlling body (Adobe) to another (MPEG LA, which controls the H.264 codec and is not, for the record, affiliated in any way with the MPEG standards organization). The iPad delivers Apple’s vision of the web, which currently happens to not include Flash. But the iPad isn’t some giant leap for the open web, no matter what Steve Jobs would have you believe.

Mozilla has already said that Firefox will not support H.264. Google’s Chrome browser does support H.264, but the company also recently moved to acquire On2, makers of another, competing video codec which means, if nothing else, Google isn’t completely satisfied with H.264 either.

Ogg Theora, which Mozilla has elected to support, is an alternative set of video codecs which might overcome some of the problems with H.264. But while Ogg is open source and free, there is some possibility that elements of it may be encumbered by patents. Apple has long cited these so-called “submarine patent” concerns among its reasons for not supporting Ogg. Critics dismiss these fears as misplaced. However, part of the reason Google acquired On2 may be to obtain these potential patents, and what Google does with them when the sale is completed — keep them or release them under an open source license — will have a significant impact on Ogg’s future.

So there’s no agreement on an open web video codec yet. This means no matter which option you chose — HTML5 with H.264 or HTML5 with Ogg Theora — the best case scenario is that 20 to 25 percent of the web sees your video without needing a plug-in.

Obviously that’s not ideal.

Adobe likes to say that if you use Flash, around 99 percent of the web will see your video. But throw in the iPhone, the iPad and other mobile devices without Flash capability and that number drops significantly. But even if Adobe’s penetration is lower than it claims, Flash still has a much deeper reach than any of the myriad other options.

So which option are developers going to chose?

Well, smart developers are going to chose all of the above. And indeed, they already have. YouTube has not abandoned Flash. The site is offering both Flash and H.264 video. We expect YouTube will add even more file formats to the mix before it’s done.

So if Flash’s dominance is slipping, then eventually it will just disappear right? Sure, just like IE 6 disappeared quickly as soon as something better showed up?

Flash isn’t going to disappear overnight, and probably won’t even fade significantly any time soon. Dion Almaer, who works at Mozilla and is editor of Ajaxian.com, put it best when he wrote about this in a blog post Monday:

HTML5 is slowly going to put a dent into [Flash] if we ever get some of the use cases just right (e.g. video), but Adobe has a good penetration and can move at the speed of a dictatorship… There is still much more work to be done. Flash and browser plug-ins have had a long history at forging new paths, and the web can come in behind them and standardize.

Flash will continue to exist because for many it will continue to be the best tool for the job. And let us not forget that while Flash has its problems — namely performance — it’s also been an incredible innovator for the web. All that Ajax and amazing desktop-like stuff we all love about today’s web? Many of the tools used create those interfaces were written specifically to catch up with Flash.

Instead of dancing prematurely on Flash’s grave, we ought to be hoping Adobe can turn it around and release something so innovative, so fast, so amazing — and so open — that even Steve Jobs has to smile.

Gaps between iPhone and Macbook Addressed by Apple iPad

admin — Sun, 09 May 2010 14:45:57 +0000

Apple has unveiled its much anticipated touch-screen tablet device, the iPad, which fills a niche in Apple’s portable platforms between the handheld iPod Touch and the MacBook laptop PC.

The device lacks a keyboard, but offers a multi-touch user interface, like the UI on the iPhone. It includes an on-screen keyboard, iTunes music library, iBook, eReader software, plus the usual mix of personal digital assistant software to support email, calendar and contacts applications.

Users will also be able to buy a docking station that includes a qwerty keyboard.

Apple has introduced a version of the iPhone software developer’s kit designed for building iPad applications. Members of the iPhone Developer Program can download iPhone SDK 3.2 plus a simulator that lets them build and run iPad application on their Mac. According to Apple, developers will be able to build apps that run across the iPad, the iPhone and the iPod touch without modification.

Since it uses the same operating system as the iPhone, the iPad is unlikely to support Adobe Flash, Java or other virtual machine environments such as VMware.

Consultancy Deloitte said devices such as the Apple iPad, which it calls “net tablets”, are likely to thrive in 2010 despite only modest success for tablet computers over the past decade, due principally to the integration of wireless connectivity into these devices.

“Connectivity transforms the uses that tablets can be put to. Additionally, improvements in touch screen technology, power management and storage all combine to make the netTab a compelling device,” said Jim Sloane, lead technology partner at Deloitte.

Apple iPad – Pros and Conts

admin — Wed, 05 May 2010 14:52:46 +0000

Ok, now that the word is out, let’s all just settle down and reflect a bit on what Apple has told us, and showed us about the new iPad. Most rumors about this thing have proven to be accurate. Why? Because this was the only obvious direction for Apple, if it really wanted to build the tablet. Sure, some of you wanted to see more from the iPad (Softpedia included), but we’re getting a good deal for that $499 price tag. Or so it seems.

· You get WiFi-only with the base model, yes. But, the Apple iPad isn’t really for geeks, is it now? Most people will be happy to get Internet access at home, via occasional hot spots here and there, the coffee shops and pubs they regularly go to, etc., so I don’t think Internet will be such a big problem for these people. And those who want the Internet at their fingertips all the time can just go for the more expensive models, get an unlimited data plan while they’re at it, and still spend less for more. Even though there’s still a good couple of months (maybe more) before we get to hold this thing in our hands, the iPad makes a lot of sense for all kinds of people, particularly for those who are not computer experts. And that’s Apple’s customer, right there. A monkey could use this thing!

(Seriously, does anyone have a monkey around, and would be willing to do some tests when this thing is out? Let us know. We’ll write about it.)

· Yes, Apple also ties the 3G model to a microSIM card that limits your choices for preferred carriers. AT&T is the only carrier confirmed to support the iPad in the US. The company is also one of the few that offers that pesky, tiny SIM card, which many people still wonder why it was even necessary to invent.

· Battery life. Apple says ten hours. Softpedia says, “Not likely” and, “Would you like to put your money where your mouth is?” That’s how sure we are the iPad will not live up to its name, from a battery life standpoint, just like the iPhone. Your regular iPhone user – who browses the web, downloads an app or two, sends emails and listens to music on their iPhone, every day – will tell you that he or she needs to recharge that baby once every 24 hours. Apple claims up to seven hours of video playback on the iPhone 3G, and ten hours on the 3GS. These figures don’t reflect our experience with any of the iPhones we’ve employed. Sure enough, graphics-intensive apps – like racing games, for instance – will drain the iPad’s lithium-polymer battery before you can even reach for the charger. Of course, this is one take on the matter, based on experience with other Apple portables. We truly hope we’re wrong here. On the other hand, the device really belongs in a bag, or on a tabletop, so it’s bound to either have a plug nearby, or always be close to its charger.

I don’t think we even need to go into the whole size-and-weight thing, not to mention the design. Apple has always done well from both these standpoints, and will surely continue to do so with every upgrade / new product to come. You don’t need to turn the iPad around to see the sleek Apple logo on that finely finished aluminum casing to know you’re looking at a product designed at One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, California.

· But there are more aspects that can be considered drawbacks. Here’s one: for the love of God, doesn’t Apple see the importance of multi-tasking on such a device? Also, no camera? Not even one? We get that video conferencing was too much to ask from a 500-dollar Apple portable, not to mention the difficulties AT&T is encountering with its 3G network, but there are some things that simply need to be part of a device like the iPad. And one of those things is a camera. If a webcam was too much to ask for, then the ability to take a picture with the thing, include it in one of those fancy Keynote slideshows and email it to your loved ones really sounds like a key feature Apple missed out on.

· According to those who’ve had a go with it (following the end of Steve Jobs’ keynote address yesterday), the device is extremely snappy. No surprise there – it’s powered by Apple’s own chip. That should translate into many years of flawless operability, but also limitations, so we’ve got a good and a bad inside the 1GHz A4 silicon. Perhaps there’s also some hope for that ten-hour battery life thanks to the A4.

· Oh, how could we forget about the screen? Is that thing gorgeous, or what? It sure makes the iPad look like the device to watch video on (in bed, drinking your morning coffee, etc.). The increased real estate clearly provides tons of benefits for any activity, including using some third-party apps like Brushes. When the iPad is out, Brushes will be there to complement that glossy 9.7-inch display, its developer has confirmed, and we bet there will be quite a few artists taking things to a whole-new level, thanks to the iPad.

· “iPad”…hmm. We think Apple could have done a little better here as well. Of course, with no better suggestions for a name, we’re not going to weigh in on this too much. We just thought the company had it in it to come up with something better than the obvious name “iPad.”

It connects to a lot of neat accessories, like the iPad Keyboard Dock, which only enhances the tablet experience, combining Multi-Touch with traditional controls – a dream come true, for many Apple fans. The accessory combines a dock for charging your iPad with a full-size keyboard. Featuring a rear 30-pin connector, it lets you connect to an electrical outlet using the USB Power Adapter, sync to your computer, and use other accessories like the Camera Connection Kit.

· The storage capacities are OK. 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive for $499, $599, and $699, respectively (WiFi-only models). However, 16 gigs may not be enough for regular use in the nearby future. Apps will get bigger, as developers try to take advantage of the increased number of pixels, video automatically gets bigger for the iPad as well, etc. Hopefully, this will not prove to be a drawback. So far, storage sounds good.

We could go on forever about the things we believe are good with the Apple iPad, and those that are not so good. Basically, the iPad seems to combine Apple’s best features with many of its restrictions. But we’re going to save our energy for when it ships. In the meanwhile, why don’t you help us see what everyone thinks about this thing, what are the key points Apple has nailed, or failed to get right, and so on. Use the comments at will. With enough feedback from you, we’ll be able to do another piece, based entirely on your comments.

8 Flaws of IPAD

admin — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:27:19 +0000

Apple ipad is a hit but it does not have the quality and features that entice the gadget freaks to go for it.

In the weeks and months leading up to the launch of the IPAD, there have been many creative proposals for how the new unit might look like.

Too big

As an industry standard which are opposed to widescreen monitors, the IPAD is said to be a step in the wrong direction. You see when movies are not on a 4:3 screen.

No Multitasking

iPhone has a huge disadvantage compared to competitors. It can not multitask, so for example you can hear music from the web while you browse eg through your photo collection. The disadvantage is they also opted to transfer to IPAD.

No Flash Support

It’s funny that Apple themselves think that their IPAD can replace a netbook and perfect for browsing the web when it itself does not support Flash, and younger brother iPhone. It is simply too stupid a decision, and does include that you can not see Gear and mobile TV on your new IPAD.

No camera

It may well be that we can live without the camera, but why Apple has not chosen to throw it, so IPAD example could be used with Skype and iChat? That we do not understand.

No HDMI output

Apple IPAD obviously can show movies, especially HD material from iTunes is made for the wireless screen. But although the screen, despite its old-fashioned format (4:3), is well suited as a movie viewer, it could well be they would bring it to an external monitor instead. Damn tremble, no HDMI port.

Touch Keyboard

Apple talks about revolutionizing the tablet industry with their input method, and then they launch a touch-screen without the correct keys. That may be it is delicious to look at, but it had perhaps been smart with a few more buttons.

Adapters in a ton

Of course you can put your other gadgets IPAD, but you will have to buy an adapter first. Where is the USB port at? You also need to look far for a port for SD cards. It is not.

Technology for the Floor: Rugs!

admin — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Fashion is not only about clothes and accessories which come along with the new designs. But it is also about your sense in making everything around you in balance that the harmony can be achieved. If you have already understand about the true meaning of fashion, then it is now your turn to look at your surrounding and find what is lack about it.

Look at the decoration of your house for the starter. Make an evaluation about the furniture that you choose and the accessories that you buy to beautify all the rooms inside your house. Then think about the balance. Has the floor really support the decoration of the wall? If it has not, you should redecorate you house. Of course you will not redecorate all the parts of your house. You just need to focus on the part which is lack of fashion sense in your opinion. You have found one, the floor. Now think about what you can do with the floor! Okay, put rugs on it! But, do you really able to buy a rug for your floor since it is quite expensive? Yes, you can. It is because you have Superiorrugs.com which is able to give you cheap rugs without any defects and in high quality. You believe in the store because you know that the antique woolen area rugs which are sold by the store are made of 100% pure virgin New Zealand wool that they are really soft and durable with the backing of the heavy cotton.

You really are sure that the floor covering that you choose from this online store can make your floor as standout as your wall. It is because the rug will be the best accessory which turns the floor into a masterpiece with the best picture on it.

What is Lead Management ?

admin — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:56:48 +0000

Lead Management is the process of capturing leads in real-time, instantly routing them to salespeople, tracking follow-up, and improving conversion rates.(Lead Sales Whitepapers)

Efficiently storing, organizing, tracking, and nurturing sales leads until they are converted into deals is the essential core of lead management software. Leads360 Express is designed to be the ultimate easy and affordable lead management solution.

Sales agents and sales managers that have used a quality lead management system will tell you that there is no going back to ACT, Excel, Outlook, Goldmine, or paper files and folders. If you have never used lead management to run your sales process, it’s a bit like cell phones or email; before you try it you might wonder why you need it, and after you have used it, you will wonder how you ever ran your business without it.

After experiencing the benefits of lead management, we are sure that you will be hooked. That’s why we offer a free trial of Leads360 Express Team Edition and offer Leads360 Express Personal Edition completely free!

Sign-up for your free trial of Leads360 Express. No credit card. No contract. Start managing your leads in seconds.

Good Customer Service is important when you build a website

admin — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:27:43 +0000

You should be aware that with today’s popular site-builders you can simply create your own website in just a few minutes. Webmasters will supply you with all the tools and services needed to execute such a task. These techs became very useful lately for people who simply have no specific designing knowledge or have never dealt with programming.

There are bunch of companies out there who will try to help you create a website with these site-builders, but you do need to keep in mind that not all of them will direct you to the right path. Sometimes it can be very misleading and deluding, so as a result you end up wasting tons of your budgets on a website that is of no use or simply doesn’t match your corporate or personal business needs.

One of the best ways to estimate company’s product is simply try their service. That can be done by free trial or you can evaluate how well their customer service works.

As you start evaluating the companies’ customer service you should definitely start with the pre-sales department where, usually, you would get thousands of delays, excuses, but not much support. What you will encounter is constantly busy hotlines that are simply of no use when you are looking for an answer to your specific question. They will give you a general answer that would be of no use to you in your current situation. On the other hand with Site2you you get a whole different picture. First of all, we include our Customer service support in one standard package, unlike others site-building companies do. That means that you don’t need to contribute any additional payment for help.

In addition to all the benefits mentioned above an Admin Panel that we have processed specially for your needs is very useful as you decide to edit your webpage. But as far as you are a newbie and you have no idea how to build website you surely need an expert constantly by your side in order for the whole system to work like a clock. So nice design, an Admin Panel plus high quality Customer Service altogether will bring you an exquisite webpage that you will admire as long as you are in the business.

Our team members have always been known for that kind of support. We will take you through the whole process of construction helping you overcome any obstacles on the way. As you make website all you need to do is contact one of our Team members via Live chat, phone or interactive system and one of our staff will gladly assist you with your question.

So why wait forever? Create website today with Site2you. Simply visit us online at Site2you.com and check out our latest offers. Make sure you don’t miss out on your chance of getting the best Customer service on the whole internet market.

Internet Marketing-Indispensable for Businesses Today

admin — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:55:20 +0000

Internet has totally revolutionized marketing and it is an indispensable tool that businesses have to use to market their products or services these days. One cannot ignore such a powerful medium which offers so many benefits. A business owner can reach his prospective client or customer immediately, thanks to the internet. For one to succeed, he has to hire companies which offer range of internet marketing services that can help his business grow.

SEO or search engine optimization is a type of internet marketing which can improve traffic to a website. Just having an attractive website will be of no use, if the site does not feature highly among the most popular search engines like Google, Yahoo or MSN. For a web presence, a website has to rank high among the top search engine result. An SEO company studies and researches what people search for and study search engine results. An SEO firm carries out optimization for their clients or some big businesses can have in-house ‘optimizers’. Web site designs, menus, images, videos, shopping carts can all be optimized for improving the search engine results. These companies either offer only Search Engine Optimization service or they can offer many other internet marketing services.