Why can't I play some videos on my iPhone?

Last week, I got an urgent call from my boss.  He just wanted to ask if the videos in our website could play on Smartphones and iPhones or iPads.  I answered prolonging the Y of my “Yes, sir…”. It was somewhat a wrong answer, of course.  It was also a slap on my face how oblivious I have become of information technology and its high speed evolution.  Where was I when that part of the world was buzzing about iPods, iPads, Apps and “No Flash Videos on iPhone”? I have an iPhone anyway. I know it’s a shame.  It is my job to be aware of the latest and useful innovations of technology. Anyway, enough of the whining.  I am redeeming myself.

So why won’t some videos play on the iPhone?  These videos are in Flash formats. Apple vetoed Adobe Flash products. In April 2010, Steve Jobs posted an open letter to Apple’s website explaining why Apple chooses not to allow Adobe’s Flash on iPhone or iPad .  However, he emphasized videos from YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and others can be viewed.  He also mentioned how Apple embraces “open standards” such as HTML5, CSS, and Javascript. So, what do you think about Apple's stand against Flash?  As an iPhone user,  is this a big deal for you?

Recently, Skyfire- a mobile browser for android, iPhone, and iPad is the top grossing utility app for both iPhone and iPad, offering a remedy to this “Flash on iPhone” incompatibility.  But, of course, it’s all up to you to check it out.

Now I know why. Now I know IT. So I am sharing IT!