Adobe Flash Player is the widely used software to watch animations and movies on the Web. You are watching most videos and animations on the Web because of Adobe Flash Player plug-in installed on your Web browser. This software is installed on 98 percent of computers in the world. Flash Player is basically a multimedia tool developed by Macromedia. It was mainly used to run animations prepared in Macromedia Flash. But with Adobe Systemsâ takeover of Macromedia in 2005, Flash Player came under its control. The San Jose, California-based software company later developed the concept of Adobe Flash Player. As a result, the software turned out the worldâs most popular video streaming tool on the Web.
Pricing and availability
Flash Player is offered by Adobe for free of cost. Anyone can download the software and enjoy its benefits in Web surfing spending no bucks at all. You can download Flash Player from Adobeâs official site. The most recent version of the software is Adobe Flash Player 10.3, codenamed Wasabi and unveiled on 12 May, 2011.
Whatâs great
Abode Flash Player is a plug-in that you must install on your browser to watch majority of videos and animations on the Web. You see most of video clips, animated ads and slideshows on Web thanks to Adobe Flash Player. Apart from computers, the software runs on smartphones, tablets and many other devices. But Apple has not yet approved the software meaning that it will not run on your iPhone, iPad or Macs.
With Flash Player on your Web browser, you have access to all media contents on the Web. Most video contents including YouTube videos run on your Web browser in help of Flash Player plug-in. The software makes your Web surfing experience far smoother. Web sites open up faster and all contents are visible to visitors with Flash Player. The latest version of Flash Player installs very quickly. You need to spare a few seconds to get the software installed. On restarting the Web browser, you are ready to enjoy the juice of Flash Player.
Whatâs not so great
However, Adobe Flash Player is blamed by many analysts for its security failure. Apple has some solid reasons to avoid Flash Player from its products. They are certainly related to the security susceptibility of the software. Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs in April 2010 listed out six major reasons that discouraged the company not to use Flash Player in its devices. The biggest concern of Jobs was associated with the security flaw. Mr. Jobs once called Flash Player âbuggyâ when journalists asked the reason not to integrate the software with its iPhone, iPad and other devices. But most of Appleâs arguments are properly elucidated by Adobe executives and several security experts.
Things to watch out for
Certain critical vulnerabilities have been found with the latest version of Adobe Flash Player. Android version of the software cracked due to some issues. According to security analysts, vulnerabilities cause crashing of the software, and it will give loophole for hackers to take control of the system. It is not a common problem, however.
Verdict
Flash Player is now the worldâs most used online video streaming tool. The software helps Internet users watch movies and animations clearly. The latest version of Flash Player offers excellent HD video, quick graphics rendering and great performance on handheld devices. In short, the software realizes more immersive experience for Internet users.
Further readings or Word around the web
A CNet article on the latest Adobe Flash Player says,
You need a Flash Player to experience the Web at its fullest, so users at any level of expertise should have no qualms about installing or upgrading to Flash 10.
