Dealing with Flash Incompatibilities with Mobile Web Browsers

Using Adobe Flash can bring many benefits to a website’s visual appearance. It can add a layer of graphical zeal not found with traditional XHTML coding methods. Adobe Flash embedded websites can have animations, movies, interactions, and even games. However, there is a downside to using Adobe Flash. Many people are now using nontraditional browsers on smartphones, tablet PCs, and even multimedia devices that lack compatibility with Flash (like the new Apple iPad). By using Adobe Flash in a website, there is a risk that many potential visitors may either be unable to view the site’s contents, or view the site incorrectly.

There are several strategies to deal with non-Flash compatible web browsers, especially for those on mobile platforms. One strategy is to develop two versions of a website, with one using Flash and one without Flash. This might work on simpler sites, but for more extensive designs, it can end up creating competition between the two website versions. The Flash version might present a far better web presence, whereas the non-Flash version might appear limited, especially if compared directly to its Flash sibling.

Another strategy can be to develop a Flash driven design template around the site’s main content. The main content can then be presented without Flash animations or graphics. Then the main content can be presented in identical fashion on both the Flash and the non-Flash site. Visitors could then see similar content regardless of Flash implementation.

Perhaps a more radical strategy would be to develop a Flash site and an identical site using JavaScript or other scripting languages. Both sites could then present nearly identical designs and content without a direct noticeable difference by most visitors. This strategy might entail that the designer tone down some of the Flash development, but it would keep both sites from competing with each other.

While Flash is a widely utilized and well-designed authoring tool, there are some problems in terms of compatibility. Using one or more of these strategies can help alleviate potential problems, especially if a website will be positioned for mobile and regular computer users.

Want to learn more about Adobe Flash? Check out the reviews of online Flash tutorial programs on TopTenREVIEWS.

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