Flash plug-in for x86_64 browsers

[Jonathan Berry]

On 8/23/05, Oliver Leitner <shadow333 at gmail.com> 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