Apple and this problem with Adobe Flash

If you have not yet heard, Apple is not a big fan of Adobe Flash technology and plans not to include support for it on the iPhone, iTouch and iPad. From my perspective it seems that Apple is trying to prevent users of their devices from having access to content that is not within their control, let alone more than 75% of the video published on the web.

Over the years Steve Jobs and Apple have made tons of commercials telling people why we should "Think Different," but now is failing to take their own advice. At a time when Apple needs to be more open and embrace standards they are looking to make themselves the new standard by force. Apple also has taken this same stance with "The App Store." Users of Blackberry, Google and other mobile devices can easily author, test and deploy applications to their phones. Apple has "The App Store" and requires developers to have their applications screened by Apple prior to publishing them on a phone. This approach is seems to be the converse of thinking differently, creativity and exploration; all things the Apple brand was known for.

My hope is that Steve Jobs and Apple will look at the pros and cons of not supporting standards like Adobe Flash. Apple also needs to take a hard look at what it means to the long term success of their products when they are the sole gatekeepers of applications for their product. How can Apple be more successful? Apple can embrace standards, promote creativity through open software development similar to Google and Blackberry devices and continue developing useful hardware and keeping the market competitive.

That is what I think, what do you think? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Apple in the news
- Why is Steve Jobs so Flash obsessed
- Apple Criticized for not supporting Adobe Flash
- Adobe chief says Apple is hurting itself by not including Flash