It’s been years since Flash did anything useful, unless you count munching on all my RAM as ‘useful.’ Just like the Java plugin before it, Flash is dying a slow and ungraceful death, and Chrome is trying to help it on its way a little.
In a blog post today, Google announced the next step in ridding Flash from Chrome. Starting with Chrome 53 in September, the browser will automatically block background Flash content. In December, Google will go further, and only show the HTML5 version of websites. If a site is Flash-only (because apparently that’s still a thing!) you will have to specifically enable Flash for that site. Or, y’know, go back and make a note never to visit again.
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This is just the latest onslaught against Flash from Chrome. Starting last year, the browser changed all Flash elements to be click-to-load, which already helped with battery life and speed. The changes really just take that to the logical extreme, which should help speed up browsing for users all across the web.
Google said that “the only change you’ll notice is a safer and more power-efficient browsing experience.” But it wasn’t all bad: the post also had some nice things to say about Flash.
“Flash helped make the Web a rich, dynamic experience, and shaped the modern set of web standards. We continue to work closely with Adobe to ensure that your web experience is as fast and secure as possible and to help the Web transition to HTML5.”
Which is all true, but then again, banner ads.
Rest in hell, Flash.
