> > Is the current license preventing another > players (like GNash)? > > Answer: No. It's just forcing GNash team wasting time in trivial stuff > instead of time creating a bug-free swf player that will run on some > platforms Adobe just don't support now. >
Exactly. I used to think like you, Zwetan. In fact, I wrote an article about why it was a bad idea to open the player (Deleting the current problems in the SWF specs license). But in this world, right now, it's just not true and realistic your position. The best option will be to allow a open source-like process in the development of the player. Like Tamarin. Everyone can use their skills to give code to the player, but Adobe will retain control in the distribution and release of new versions of the player. I really don't think alternatives and forks to the Flash Player will rise like Firefox. Firefox is good and widely used mainly because IE sucks so much. The player, on the other hand is THE way to play correctly all SWFs. The support for forks of the Player will be minimum from the developer community and, while they will surely exist, it just can be good for Adobe (As the player will be more used [think amd64 and ppc linux] and SWFs will be even more omnipresent) and it's not gonna be like CSS support. Of course, if Microsoft decide to not include the Adobe player on Windows 7, but their own, then Adobe *could be* screwed and we as developers will have a rough time. But I don't think it will happen with all the antitrust policies they are facing. Long story short: An open source Player whose development will be controlled by Adobe (Like Firefox is controlled by Mozilla Fundation) will allow SWF to be standard PDF-like, will allow the people with specific wished for features to implement them without pain (And without a "CSS hell", 'cause they will be the only people using the fork) and will mantain a global platform where we can develop and design without fear of incompatibilities. Again, because, in reality, the Flash Player from Adobe will continue to be the most dominating one in 99%/1% proportions Of course, I suspect, as other folks on the community, that Adobe is planning a "Flash Player in a chip" in the far future (In internet time, so, 5-10 years). I don't know well how open the player will affect the plan (If the plan is real and not crazy talk of mine, I suspect it is) but maybe in a paranoid scenario, it will. I just think it is a good decision, not the best or the most needed, to open the player. It will also generate A HELL of a good PR for Adobe, so it's win/win. So, Zwetan, and hopefully Adobe too, let's be open-minded. There are good things with the idea. -- Freddie(r) Cristalab http://www.cristalab.com/
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