Gianduia: The Flash ‘Alternative’ from Apple?
5/12/2010 09:48:00 PM - 1 comments
As the Apple-Adobe war intensified over Flash, reports of new developments has begun to surface about Apple developing its own Flash alternative. It is learned that it is based on the technology called Gianduia, which was introduced by Apple at WWDC 2009. This was much expected as Apple had earlier made it very clear that it will rather support HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS instead of Flash.Apple has always been taking strong exceptions in not using Flash in any of its mobile devices, starting from the iPhone to the latest device - the iPad. And they have always been rather open about their reservations in not using the same. Speaking about the limitations of Flash, Apple CEO Steve Jobs had referred to it as "a closed system" and said "we strongly believe that all standards pertaining to the Web should be open."
So, does the technology Gianduia fulfill all requirements that Flash cannot provide? Lets find out!
What is Gianduia?
Gianduia (read "jan-doo-yah") is described as being "a client-side, standards-based framework for rich Internet apps." Reports indicate that Apple have been apparently using Gianduia in several of its retail support applications, including services such as the One to One program, the iPhone reservation system, and the Concierge program for Genius Bar and Personal Shopping reservations. Thereby, considering that the technology is standards-based and is not new to Apple, it does make sense for Apple, considering its position on Flash.
The Apple-Adobe ‘Flash’ war
It all began since the time Adobe announced Creative Suite 5 saying that Flash would allow its developers to export projects as apps for use on the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. However, a change to its iPhone Developer Licensing Agreement banned developers from using technologies other than Apple's to develop applications.
Steve Jobs then had justified Apple’s decision on not allowing a third-party layer of software (Flash) to come between the platform and the developer; saying that that will eventually result in substandard apps, which will further hinder the enhancement and progress of the platform.
But, the explanation did not go well with Adobe as they quoted the allegations completely false and baseless. The company reportedly has also filed a complain with the U.S. authorities about Apple's unjustified actions. Analysts opine that if the case drags on too far, it may even lead to an antitrust investigation by the Federal Trade Commission or the Department of Justice.
What do you think of the ongoing Apple-Adobe dispute? Should both the companies call for truce or do you support a Flash alternative?
Posted: Seuli.B
Flash needs to become an open standard to be improved upon by the community or it needs to go die quietly. Either way, Adobe's stewardship of the platform is incompetent and unacceptable.