Flashkill: Adobe’s worst decision ever?

Adobe, as we all know, is on a killing spree recently, and the ones most affected by their actions are Linux and all its friends. After dropping support for AIR for Linux, and Flash for mobile, the California-based company has decided to abandon the Linux version of its popular yet universally hated Flash player. The news, oddly enough, didn’t cause any major panic among penguinians, as Flash will still live on for Google Chrome users via the Pepper plug-in API. Though the announcement might seem like a jubilant moment for many HTML5 supporters, it is still a rather disappointing decision as far as the Linux platform is concerned. The question is whether this move by Adobe will affect Linux in any way? And, is this their worst decision ever?

Adobe’s worst decision

Instead of talking of Linux, let’s focus on Ubuntu, which is, at the moment, growing at a steady pace. Ubuntu is perhaps the most popular Linux distribution around and its position as a major desktop competitor is going strong day by day. Adobe, on the other hand, has been on a downward spiral ever since the late Steve Jobs decided to shun its sluggish platform. Also, the unprecedented growth of HTML5, both on mobile, and on desktop has put Flash on the road to oblivion. Now, how can Adobe, which is so desperately in need for users, make the mistake of abandoning one of the fastest growing platforms around? Agreed that the Linux market share is hovering around the 1% mark, but with the recent developments like Ubuntu on Android and the surprising improvements in the much-loathed Unity, there’s very little doubt that it will stay that way. Also, if Ubuntu on Android and other innovations by Canonical come to fruition, Adobe will have nothing to do but regret this decision.

Let’s not pretend; this WILL affect Linux

Though Flash will not die out completely, its loss will still affect the Linux platform in general. Windows users who’re eager to switch to Linux, will find another road bump in their planned migration. And though Pepper will fill the needs of YouTube junkies on Linux, it will still be another addition to the growing list of Tux’s caveats.

Some Changes Needed

Now that Ubuntu and other Linux users will be forced into a Flashless world,  Canonical can make the much-awaited switch to Chrome. Making Google Chrome as the default browser on Ubuntu will make sure that newly switched users won’t come across any major brick walls. Keeping Firefox as the default browser, though, won’t be a good decision in long term as the absence of Flash is still a crippling defect as far as new users are concerned. Moreover, Chrome is currently the most popular and yes, the fastest browser around making it the perfect candidate for the coveted default spot on Ubuntu.

How will these changes affect you?

So, if you are a Linux user reading this, how will these changes affect you? Are you disappointed by Adobe dropping support for Linux or are you happy about the freedom our platform is getting? Leave your response in the comments section.