On 8/23/05, Oliver Leitner <shadow333@xxxxxxxxx> wrote: > Philip Prindeville wrote: > | Seems to me that it's been a while since x86_64 Linux has been out > | and relatively stable. Any idea why Flash plug-ins still don't > | support 64-bit mode? > | > | Anyone heard an explanation directly from Macromedia? > | > | -Philip > | > this might sound dull... > > but is there any reason why one would need a 64bit flash implementation? > > seriously, just to play some online games or watch that fun movie, you > dont need 64bit of cpu, right? > > greetings > oliver Hi Oliver, The factor that you are missing is that the current 32-bit plugin does not work with 64-bit browsers (or at least not without a lot of trouble). So those with 64-bit systems have to either not use Flash or install a 32-bit browser, which is not ideal even if there is little benefit from having the browser be 64-bit. Philip, I think the only explanation is that Macromedia is being lazy. There is even a 64-bit version of Windows (though the lack of driver support make it difficult to use). I guess Macromedia still doesn't see 64-bit as wide-spread enough to warrant them developing the 64-bit flash player. Give it time, and they should eventually come around. It may not happen until the next 64-bit Windows (whatever Longhorn will eventually be called) and it starts to catch on, but I'd say it will happen. Most software companies are more concerned with Windows than Linux, unfortunately. Maybe if we Linux folk with 64-bit systems bug them enough, they will see it would be worth it to go ahead and build the 64-bit plugin for Linux now. Jonathan
