Could the European Union Make Apple Allow Flash on the iPhone and iPad?

[Maura]

Kokeytechnology.com has an interesting report today about something called a "Digital Agenda", which may possibly result in Apple being forced to allow Flash on its devices. According to the report, the EU (European Union) Commission launched a "Digital Agenda" for Europe back in May, which lays down seven ICT-related goals for the next ten years. Priority 2 of the 7 is the one that has caught Kokeytechnology's eye, particularly the part where it says: "To allow people to create, combine and innovate we need ICT products and services to be open and interoperable." Commissioner for the Agenda, Neelie Kroes, explained this clause further in an interview with EurActiv, in which she said the following:

"We need to make sure that significant market players cannot just choose to deny interoperability with their product. This is particularly important in cases where standards don't exist. This is not just about Microsoft or any big company like Apple, IBM, or Intel. The main challenge is that consumers need choice when it comes to software or hardware products."

Interesting stuff indeed, with Kokeytechnology saying that the EU may force Apple to open up its platform to the likes of Flash if it wants to continue to sell its products in Europe. And as the story states, the EU has already forced Microsoft to back down and do something similar, so it's not without precedent.

Source: Kokeytechnology.com via Pocket Gamer

 

[Gregoris]

seems apple has to be forced to allow things on their phone :/

 

[marnoldi]

i hope we get in the US - i need this bad

 

[Gregoris]

when apple dont add something usually its for a reason like flash not working well on mac or mac os or iphone os

 

[DannyBoy]

Allow and work to create a real functioning flash product are two different things. The only thing that might come of this in my opinion is a bunch of lousy battery wasting apps that crash...and guess what apple won't approve them not because they have flash but because they crash and waste battery. Haha force apple... Yea sure

 

[Jlstrange]

Let the market decide. If the customers insist on certain capabilities then they'll buy those products that support them. Since iPhone, iPad, iPod are selling like hotcakes it doesn't seem to be an issue.

 

[Hintzmann]

Spokesman Rejects Rumor: The EU will not Force Flash Down the Throats of Apple

technorotic.com/2010/07/spokesman-rejects-rumor-the-eu-will-not-force-flash-down-the-throats-of-apple/