CNET Editors' review
There should be no doubt that Apple's decision to block Flash from iOS in favor of HTML5 has spurred Adobe to make sure that its media-rich content-building tool and player Flash remains competitive. Flash Player 11 brings hardware-accelerated graphics support to the platform.
According to Adobe, the new Stage3D technology in the new Flash Player brings combined 2D and 3D acceleration that is up to 1,000 times faster than the previous Flash iterations. While currently Stage3D is supported only for personal computers, it should make its way to mobile devices in future Flash releases. The advancements offered by Stage3D should bring far more complex graphics development for the player, and allow some developers to use it as a viable alternative for their projects, especially for cross-platform efforts.
In addition to accelerated graphics, Flash 11 now is natively in 64-bit code on all supported platforms, which will allow it to better integrate with browsers and plug-ins that are coded in 64-bit. This along with a slew of new enhancements for developers in terms of security improvements, media handling, and better JavaScript integration will enhance the player's use for future development. Flash also comes baked into Google Chrome, and therefore the Chrome OS that powers Google's Chromebooks.
Mac users take note: Flash requires OS X 10.6 or later running on an Intel platform since Adobe removed support for PowerPC Macs in Flash 10.
Although it's possible that HTML5 will at some point unseat Flash as the dominant code for media on the Web, that won't happen for a while yet since HTML5 standards haven't even been finalized. The Flash Player is a must if you want to experience the Web at its fullest, so users at any level of expertise should have no qualms about installing or upgrading.
Publisher's Description
From Adobe Systems:
Flash Player 11 is a lightweight, highly expressive client runtime that delivers powerful and consistent user experiences across major operating systems, browsers, mobile phones, and devices. Adobe Flash Player software is a cross-platform browser plug-in that delivers breakthrough web experiences and is installed on more than 98% of Internet-connected desktops. Flash Player 11 introduces 3D effects, custom filters and effects, advanced text support, and more.
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All versions:
2.4 starsout of 164 votes
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Current version:
2.6 starsout of 8 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-8 of 8
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"Doesn't work on non Intel Mac's"
Version: Adobe Flash Player 11.1.102.55
Pros
None that I know of.
Cons
This is not backwards compatible. It leaves a lot of people wanting something they can't have. In my opinion this newest version of Flash is poor since it is limited to alienating people from its use.
This is why Apple didn't want to use it on its portable operating systems.Summary
I'll be glad when CSS3 will be standardized for the video and audio over the Web.
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"Glad I have it"
Version: Adobe Flash Player 11.1.102.55
Pros
Works like a charm
Cons
Wish there was a newer version for Mac OS 10.4.11 PC
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"Adobe doesn't support Power PC any more."
Version: Adobe Flash Player 11.1.102.55
Pros
Who cares? I can't use it.
Cons
Adobe won't support real Macs any more. I'm not sure why. There's still a ton of us out there. A very poor decision.
Summary
I hope Adobe is reading this.
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"Works well when it's working well"
Version: Adobe Flash Player 11.1.102.55
Pros
smooth and efficient
Cons
but crashes often -- I like to browse with Firefox and have a Mac
Summary
so I'm in search of another app
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"oesn't work"
Version: Adobe Flash Player 11.1.102.55
Pros
Very extended app all around the net.
Cons
This app doesn't work fine with Firefox in a Mac OS Lion.
For example in this URL
http://blogs.elpais.com/la-voz-de-inaki/ -
"Installs a lot faster that it used to."
Version: Adobe Flash Player 11.1.102.55
Pros
Works OK, so far, and installs a lot faster that it used to, so I guess that is an improvement.
Cons
Haven't had any complaints with it so far, so I guess I would say thats a good thing.
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"Great product"
Version: Adobe Flash Player 11.1.102.55
Pros
Works with every site I have tried
Cons
I hope they continue to support it!
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"Some issues with Safari 5 in Lion"
Version: Adobe Flash Player 11.1.102.55
Pros
Uses less memory most of the time. 64 bit is a plus
Cons
Some flash content hangs now and did not in previous version.
Summary
This for me is causing some problems in Safari. I am just about ready to give up on Flash.
Results 1-8 of 8
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