internetnews.com is reporting that “Top developers at Microsoft (Quote, Chart) are working on a new graphics and animation toolset for Longhorn (the next generation of Windows) that could spell trouble for Macromedia’s (Quote, Chart) popular Flash MX and Director MX animation tools…”
The tool is code-named “Sparkle” and could be a huge dent in Macromedia’s stronghold in the interactive arena for the Windows platform. This spells trouble for both Flash and Director.
I dont think it’ll be a big deal unless MS decides to take it cross-platform (which is highly unlikely). Thats the edge MM has against “sparkle” - that and experience and presence in the interactive/animation market. It’ll most likely just remain a tool for Windows developers in making longhorn apps.
For it to be taken seriously I think they may need to change the name. Sparkle just sounds like a program packed with the latest version of Ballerina Barbie.
And you are right, MM definitly has the edge cross platform. After the failed attempt MS had with IE cross platform (didn’t they stop working on that now?) I doubt they would attempt it with this.
The code names are always changed once the software is released - so it wouldn’t actually be called sparkle thats just while in dev. Still, I doubt it will take any serious market from macromedia. Adobe has a product for animation as well don’t they?
I dont think it’ll be a big deal unless MS decides to take it cross-platform (which is highly unlikely). Thats the edge MM has against “sparkle” - that and experience and presence in the interactive/animation market. It’ll most likely just remain a tool for Windows developers in making longhorn apps. **
I think MM have a bit more experience in the market than MS unless MS bjust do what they usually do and buy MM
