Companies and individuals as diverse as mobile chip-licenser ARM, browser-maker Opera, and former US Secretary of Labor Robert Reich are offering opinions on Adobe, Flash, Apple’s restriction on cross-compilers, and rumors of an Adobe-prompted DOJ/FTC inquiry into Apple — and they won’t be making Adobe very happy.

ARM flat out says Adobe’s Flash has held back the delivery of smartbooks (think netbooks running on smartphone-scale ARM-processors). Adobe and ARM signed a partnership in 2008 and ARM hoped Flash would be up and running by 2009, but say it’s “slipped”. They think we’ll see it in late 2010 (though there was outcry the iPhone didn’t have it in 2007, right?)

Opera, makers of Opera Mini for iPhone, believe Flash still serves a purpose but that that purpose is no longer online video:

“But flash as a video container makes very little sense for CPU, WiFi battery usage etcetera – you can cook an egg on [devices] once you start running Flash on them and there’s a reason for that.”

Robert Reich, former US Secretary of Labor meanwhile wonders why Apple’s ban on the use of cross-compilers is even on the DOJ/FTC radar:

Apple's supposed sin was to tell software developers that if they want to make apps for iPhones and iPads they have to use Apple programming tools. No more outside tools (like Adobe's Flash format) that can run on rival devices like Google's Android phones and RIM's BlackBerrys.

What's wrong with that? Apple says it's necessary to maintain quality. If consumers disagree they can buy platforms elsewhere. Apple was the world's #3 smartphone supplier in 2009, with 16.2 percent of worldwide market share. RIM was #2, with 18.8 percent. Google isn't exactly a wallflower. These and other firms are innovating like mad, as are tens of thousands of independent developers. If Apple's decision reduces the number of future apps that can run on its products, Apple will suffer and presumably change its mind.

Sounds familiar.

Steve Jobs’ open letter on Flash should be a huge wakeup call for Adobe. While they’re tried to play the victim for developers and complained to the government, increased adoption of H.264 and comments like these show they’re beginning to lose the mindshare battle. Fortunately it looks like Adobe is also going get into making HTML5 development tools.

I’d upgrade to CS6 in a minute for that.

[ZDNet, TechRadar via Robert Reich via TUAW, TechCrunch]

ARM, Opera, former US Secretary of Labor weigh in on Apple, Adobe, and Flash is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Dashboard for iPad is a Jailbreak app that will appeal to anyone who likes having widgets — like that little tiger puzzle — on their desktop computer.

Since Apple won’t allow widget apps on the official App Store, it’s Jailbreak only. You can get it free through Cydia and is a decent tweak for being in it’s beginning stages.  As of now, you’re stuck with whatever default widgets are at the bottom. Actually, a user in our comments section brought to my attention you CAN install new widgets through SSH.  If you plan to SSH, as always, approach with caution.  Not recommended for beginning jailbreakers! I’d assume we will see some start popping up in Cydia and Rock soon.  Video after the jump!

YouTube link

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iPhone OS 4 beta 3 brings orientation lock, widget-like iPod controls, and iTunes file transfer. Adobe vs. Apple vs… the USA? How to Jailbreak iPhone 3.1.3 with Spirit, and all the week’s news and app and game reviews. Listen in!

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Polyhedra XL [$2.99 - iTunes link] is a fun little game that involves creating shapes and avoiding obstacles as you fill the screen. The graphics are beautiful and while the beginning levels are simple enough for a child, they progresses to be challenging for an adult.

The goal of Polyhedra XL is simple: create enough shapes to fill up 66% of the screen.

To create a shape, just hold your finger down on the screen. The longer you hold, the larger your shape becomes. The challenge is that there are enemies bouncing around the screen that will pop your inflating shape when they make contact. Once your shape becomes solid, however, the enemies will bounce right off. Rotating the screen will cause your shapes to be affected by “gravity” and you can use this to your advantage to trap enemies.

Polyhedra XL also features a “Toy Box” mode where you can just create shapes, admire the graphics, and relax. I imagine this mode would be great for kids.

I have really enjoyed playing Polyhedra XL and applaud Binary Hammer for creating such a simple, challenging, and beautiful game.

Now for the giveaway! Binary Hammer has kindly provided us with 3 promo codes to give to you. Let us know why you’d like to have Polyhedra XL on your iPad, and we’ll randomly choose 3 winners. Contest begins now and ends Sunday, May 9th at 12pm PST. ( Unfortunately, a US iTunes account is required to enter. Apple’s rule, not ours!)

Screen shots and video after the break!

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Take a look at this amazing set up — an IPad installed into a kitchen cabinet. The fully visible front panel lets you surf the web, find your favourite recipes and listen to music (though not all at the same time). It is a great idea and would make time spent in the kitchen so much more fun.

The iPad is firmly held in place by a wooden 2×4 and can be removed by unplugging it and lifting upwards. (So you are still able to sync to your computer and charge it at a secondary location.)

You could of course just place your iPad on a counter or on a stand somewhere but this is so much cooler. It almost makes me want to pick up a new cabinet door, grab a jigsaw and dremel sander and do it in my own kitchen. How about you?

Video after the break!

[TUAW]

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An analyst has suggested that AT&T provided those “breakthrough” cheap and flexible iPad data plans in exchange for a brief extension in iPhone exclusivity, delaying the launch of iPhone (or iPad) on Verizon until 2011.

Of course, with analysts we never know how much of what they say is based on actual information and how much is based on supposition, but here’s the crux:

“AT&T had to do something dramatic to get the iPad,” said Brian Marshall, a Wall Street analyst at BroadPoint AmTech. AT&T’s move was to discount their normal wireless data plans by 50% to iPad customers.

As part of the tit-for-tat, AT&T got what it wanted. “For that pricing [on the iPad], AT&T was able to negotiate a six-month extension on the iPhone exclusive,” Marshall said.

Rumors of AT&T outbidding Verizon aren’t new. Before the iPad, we heard Apple and Verizon had the technology in place but were apart when it came to money — not surprising with both companies being so utterly controlling. Still, many believed they’d work it out and 2010 was finally the year iPhone would hit Verizon.

Despite success with Android, Verizon continues to want the iPhone. Verizon users also still want the iPhone. We daresay, users of other networks (some of whom already have iPhones) want Verizon to get the iPhone.

All that remains is… the deal.

[Computerworld]

Did AT&T iPad deal delay Verizon iPhone until 2011? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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With the iPad’s support for keyboards via Bluetooth, the dock, and even low-power USB, we all the “turn your iPad into a netbook” accessories coming, right? Clamcase seems to be first out of the gate, with renders of what they claim will be shipping later this year.

The concept is simple, the “case” holds your iPad like a screen and is hinged to a Bluetooth keyboard. There’s no Bluetooth trackpad functionality for the iPad, however, but that means you get extra space to rest your hands between screen swipes and pinches.

Since iPhone OS 4 includes keyboard support for the iPhone and iPod touch as well, I’m guessing we’ll see similar products offering to turn those into clamshells or sliders as well.

Check out the video after the break and let us know — you want?

[Clamcase via MacRumors]

YouTube link

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An Android-based tablet was captured on video running Flash — or should we say trying to run Flash — before it crashes:

“Here’s a quick and dirty hands-on video review of the Android multi-touch tablet prototype (Android ipad). Yes, it does Adobe flash and air well.”

Ironically, you can hear the cameraman boast how he’s happy he did not purchase an iPad just as he goes to YouTube and the tablet crashes.

(For the record, after watching this video I am perfectly content with my iPad purchase.)

In fairness, this is beta software on a beta device, and it will no doubt improve as they throw time, money, and hardware at it. Then again, it’s 2010 and Apple’s had YouTube on the iPhone since 2007, and now have it on the iPad (running cool to the touch with 10 hours of battery life).

Is Adobe proving Steve Jobs right?

Video after the break!

[Daring Fireball]

Android tablet shown off running (and crashing) Flash is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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