Skyfire says who needs Flash on Android? Our app is better.

June 23, 2010 | by Andrew Kameka

The world is waiting on Android 2.2 and Flash in order to access the web’s video content, but Skyfire claims you don’t need to wait. Instead, they’re encouraging people to join the 500,000-strong parade of users who have opted for their Android browser.

Skyfire claims that its app renders video faster than Adobe’s Flash 10.1, and does so in a manner that is better on battery life and performance. I feel compelled to point out that Skyfire doesn’t display “true” Flash content; it detects Flash-based video, re-encodes it through HTML5, and then sends to mobile devices for “less buffering, less ‘stuttering’” in playback. And to be fair, Flash 10.1 offers more than just video features, like games and tailor-made menu features, that Skyfire does not reach.

However, one can argue that Skyfire’s method is actually better for video consumption. Who cares if video playback is technically not Flash if the final product is smooth, reliable, and consumes less energy? And it’s available now to rather than theoretical dates like “soon” and “this summer.” Check out this video in which Skyfire claims to be superior to Flash.

Adobe, alternative browser, android apps, browser, Flash, Skyfire

6 Comments

Francis Bawasanta said: On June 24, 2010

I've got HTC flash player on my Magic and I've got to say that the Skyfire browser player seems to have a little more success loading videos. I wish Opera and Skyfire got together and made 1 super mobile browser.

Davest010 said: On June 24, 2010

This would be great if it worked on all sites. I tried it, and it seemed that many sites have mechanisms in place to block it.

Brian Klippel said: On June 24, 2010

How does it do with games? I rest my case.

whaaait said: On June 25, 2010

Skyfire fails to show videos on most sites. And when it does it's like watching a slideshow.

- Brian Klippel said: On June 25, 2010
  
  It's probably slow because a million new iPhone owners are desperately attempting to bypass the supreme leaders decree.
  
  - whaaait said: On June 27, 2010
    
    iPhone? Skyfire isn't available for iPhone.

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