The basic topics of the letter cover:
It's not open.
The "full web.
Reliability, security and performance.
Battery life.
Touch.
One of the web's greatest hidden evils: rollovers. Rollover flash ads don't fit with the Touch interface.
Basically, Flash is built around the idea of mouse input, and would need to be "rewritten" to work well on touch devices.
Development.
If developers grow dependent on third party development libraries and tools, they can only take advantage of platform enhancements if and when the third party chooses to adopt the new features."
I'd like to add my own two cents about the PC side concerning Adobe Flash:
While I have worked for many PC shops over the years to do their Mac work ... occasionally I'm asked to assist with the influx of PCs that need to be virus cleaned. The main culprits for loading viruses on PCs are Flash and infected Adobe PDFs.
And then the Mac side of things:
Since I sell my own networking device for Macs - one common question I get is how to speed up the internet. My first suggestion is always to try to avoid sites with Flash ... but if you must visit them ... download a program called Click To Flash.
From The Click To Flash description:
Ever wanted to get rid of the scourge of the web that is Adobe Flash, but still retain the ability to view Flash whenever you want? With ClickToFlash, you can! Using ClickToFlash, all of those icky Flash bits that have infected most webpages on the internets are replaced with a nice, smooth gradient and the word "Flash" set in a nice, pleasing font. When you want to view the Flash, just click on it!
The advantages of ClickToFlash are numerous. Since Flash isn't loaded until you specifically ask for it, your CPU usage will stay at normal levels when browsing the web. This has tons of benefits: web browsing stays speedy, your Mac laptop won't get as hot, and your Mac's fan won't come on as often. In fact, we guarantee* that ClickToFlash will quintuple your battery life and that it will protect those precious parts of your body on which you rest your laptop! (*note: not actually guaranteed)
Best of all, ClickToFlash even supports viewing all those ADORABLE meowing cat videos, annoying dog videos, and hilarious rickrolls from YouTube without using Flash at all! That's because YouTube also offers H.264 videos, which are used when viewing YouTube on the iPhone. With ClickToFlash, you get access to those same, higher quality videos.
Flash only when you want it.
One-click Flash loading.
View blocked Flash with just one click.
Higher quality YouTube
Play H.264 videos in QuickTime.
HD YouTube support.
No more blocky video.
Website Whitelist.
Allow Flash on certain websites.
Application Whitelist.
Allow Flash in certain applications.
Load quality typesetting automatically.
Finally ... If you've ever gone through the process of installing Adobe Flash/Adobe AIR/Adobe Reader you know that's it's one of the worst experiences you'll ever have with a computer.
At points in the past Adobe has:
1) Had an installer that installs an installer that downloads an installer that downloads from the web.
2) Had an installer that contained an exploit for PCs
3) Had an installer that crashed Macs
4) Had an installer that altered your "file opening" preferences without your permission.
