Flash 5.0

Rating:
Summary: Flash is extremely buggy now
Review: Any Flash user or Beginer Flash user will be glad they have this version! This version beats them all!!! If you are a serious web developer who wants that animation of graphics this version is for you! Have fun!!!

Rating:
Summary: THE ULTIMATE
Review: FLASH 5 It speaks for itself. It's even MORE awesome than Flash 4...which is hard to do

Generator 2 The ultimate solution to the problem of static content on web pages

Rating:
Summary: Generator Give Flash it's Dynamic Whistles and Bells
Review: If Flash 5 is the ultimate web-creation tool, Then Generator is the catalist that makes it possible.

Macromedia Generator is the server solution for automatically delivering dynamic, on-the-fly, personalized Web graphics immediately or at scheduled times.

With the authoring environment inside Flash users can quickly be up and running.

An excellent product that enhances flash content.

Rating:
Summary: THE ULTIMATE VERSION OF FLASH ? A MUST HAVE!!!
Review: OVERVIEW: Flash 5 represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, making it a "must have" for any serious web developer who wants to develop high-impact web content. The improvements are not superficial, instead Flash 5 impressively enhances the developer's ability to design, develop, and deploy. This tool is the resource for anyone who is serious about Flash and maximizing its amazing potential at a rapid pace.

At RAYHAWK.COM we have been using Flash to enhance our web productions for the last 2 years and the results have been noticeable, not only to us, but to our clients (KFC, Taco Bell, BMW, Porsche, Deltamedical.com).

WHY FLASH? With Flash player's pervasive presence in a majority of all browsers, Macromedia's Flash has become the industry standard for delivering high-impact web animations and dynamic site content.

THE COMPETITION: What competition? Macromedia is the creator and leader of this technology and Flash is the master of this domain with no other product coming even close to its innovation and power. Adobe's marginal attempt to introduce a competing product with Live Motion was not well received by developers and is comparatively lacking in features. The most significant proof that Flash owns this entire arena is that even competitor wanna-be, Live Motion features Flash animation (*.swf) as an export format because Adobe is painfully aware that nobody would invest in their product if it did not support Flash.

FLASH 5 FEATURES:

1. POWER LIBRARY - Flash's Library feature has received a big boost in version 5. The library allows users to reuse graphics and buttons repeatedly with a minimal increase in the final file size. In Flash 5 multiple developers can share the symbol libraries. Now revising the placeholder graphics into the final artwork on one system, will ripple back to all other Animators document instantly... a great feature for multi-group workflow.

2. ADVANCED ACTION SCRIPTING - resembling Java-script, the scripting can be created and edited in any text/html editor and imported into Flash for use; old script can be viewed without searching through frames of individual code-chunks.

3. ENHANCED INTERFACE - many controls are now available in dock a able palette, which ultimately allows more development efficiency.

4. FULL BEZIER SUPPORT - but its gets better... the option to draw with the traditional pencil is retained allow optimal developer flexibility.

5. POWER EDITING - the developer is now permitted to instantly edit what they want and where. Endlessly searching a document's layers of imbedded symbols is over. A hierarchical tree allows for easy navigation and editing of flash symbols.

6. HTML EMBEDDING - To really change the balance of power Flash 5 makes it possible to imbed actual HTML pages within Flash Documents so now sites will become Flash shells with HTML inside, rather than vice-versa.

7. NO LOST VISITORS - Publish html that detects if your visitors have Flash 5 player and automatically directs them to Macromedia's download center if needed.

8. OTHER ENHANCEMENTS - improved XML transfer support within documents; improved integration with Freehand and Generator; seamless importing of MP3 soundtracks; and exporting to QuickTime.

CONCLUSIONS: At RAYHAWK.com we have used Flash technology to successfully enhance our projects and exceed our client's expectations for the last 2 years. With the launch of Flash 5 Macromedia has solidified its position as the premier developer of powerhouse web content. Macromedia Flash 5 is an outstanding upgrade for any developer already using Flash and for those newcomers to the web arena this is AN ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENT!!!

Rating:
Summary: THE ULTIMATE VERSION OF FLASH ¿ A MUST HAVE!!!
Review: OVERVIEW: Flash 5 represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, making it a "must have" for any serious web developer who wants to develop high-impact web content. The improvements are not superficial, instead Flash 5 impressively enhances the developer's ability to design, develop, and deploy. This tool is the resource for anyone who is serious about Flash and maximizing its amazing potential at a rapid pace.

At RAYHAWK.COM we have been using Flash to enhance our web productions for the last 2 years and the results have been noticeable, not only to us, but to our clients (KFC, Taco Bell, BMW, Porsche, Deltamedical.com).

WHY FLASH? With Flash player's pervasive presence in a majority of all browsers, Macromedia's Flash has become the industry standard for delivering high-impact web animations and dynamic site content.

THE COMPETITION: What competition? Macromedia is the creator and leader of this technology and Flash is the master of this domain with no other product coming even close to its innovation and power. Adobe's marginal attempt to introduce a competing product with Live Motion was not well received by developers and is comparatively lacking in features. The most significant proof that Flash owns this entire arena is that even competitor wanna-be, Live Motion features Flash animation (*.swf) as an export format because Adobe is painfully aware that nobody would invest in their product if it did not support Flash.

FLASH 5 FEATURES:

1. POWER LIBRARY - Flash's Library feature has received a big boost in version 5. The library allows users to reuse graphics and buttons repeatedly with a minimal increase in the final file size. In Flash 5 multiple developers can share the symbol libraries. Now revising the placeholder graphics into the final artwork on one system, will ripple back to all other Animators document instantly... a great feature for multi-group workflow.

2. ADVANCED ACTION SCRIPTING - resembling Java-script, the scripting can be created and edited in any text/html editor and imported into Flash for use; old script can be viewed without searching through frames of individual code-chunks.

3. ENHANCED INTERFACE - many controls are now available in dock a able palette, which ultimately allows more development efficiency.

4. FULL BEZIER SUPPORT - but its gets better... the option to draw with the traditional pencil is retained allow optimal developer flexibility.

5. POWER EDITING - the developer is now permitted to instantly edit what they want and where. Endlessly searching a document's layers of imbedded symbols is over. A hierarchical tree allows for easy navigation and editing of flash symbols.

6. HTML EMBEDDING - To really change the balance of power Flash 5 makes it possible to imbed actual HTML pages within Flash Documents so now sites will become Flash shells with HTML inside, rather than vice-versa.

7. NO LOST VISITORS - Publish html that detects if your visitors have Flash 5 player and automatically directs them to Macromedia's download center if needed.

8. OTHER ENHANCEMENTS - improved XML transfer support within documents; improved integration with Freehand and Generator; seamless importing of MP3 soundtracks; and exporting to QuickTime.

CONCLUSIONS: At RAYHAWK.com we have used Flash technology to successfully enhance our projects and exceed our client's expectations for the last 2 years. With the launch of Flash 5 Macromedia has solidified its position as the premier developer of powerhouse web content. Macromedia Flash 5 is an outstanding upgrade for any developer already using Flash and for those newcomers to the web arena this is AN ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENT!!!

Rating:
Summary: Are you seriuos?
Review: Well, won't bother with explanations. If you're serious about Web design and multimedia authoring, then you need this, and probably Director 8.5 and Dreamweaver Ultradev 4.0. End of story.

Rating:
Summary: Are you seriuos?
Review: Well, won't bother with explanations. If you're serious about Web design and multimedia authoring, then you need this, and probably Director 8.5 and Dreamweaver Ultradev 4.0. End of story.

Rating:
Summary: Flash 5 is the Samurai Sword of Tools!!!!!
Review: Who am I? I am a website designer, corporate trainer and Flash 5 designer/creator. I am Microsoft certified, CTT certified, M CIW D, A+. I-Net+, Net+, IBM certified recently. I know my stuff. This program rules! Version 5 has increased its ease of use, the dynamics of ActionScript has blossomed 4 times over, and things have also become more simple and user friendly.If you thought Flash 4 was an awesome weapon, then version 5 will rock your world once you learn the new abilities. IT IS NOT BUGGY like the other review claims. I have had Flash 5 since it was first available. Has it crashed on me once or twice? Yes. Why? Well, sometimes it just happens. Computers arenot perfect. Out of the few times it happened, it was either my fault, or when I was trying to use another program within Flash 5. Flash 5 has also been updated with a patch. I doubt you will have any problems my friends. Freehand 9 DOES NOT weight this package down!!! Freehand 9 lets you mock up and layout websites quickly to show your clients a "working quickie example". This saves me time over and over again! It also lets me create nicely streamlined graphics to use within Flash 5. Creating them in Freehand first can be easier than in Flash sometimes, the tools are also a bit better. Together, they become a hurricane of creative power to be unleashed upon your competitors! ActionScript is taken to a new level too. Forget the ActionScript you knew in Flash 4. Childs' play!!! It is a whole new ball game. The concepts, layout and theory are still the same, but the new commands, and means of using the..especially the new "dot notation" system is incredibly easy and quick! Ignore the other reviews that pooh, pooh this product. If they were right, Macromedia wouldnot have a BEST SELLING and one of the BEST RATED vector graphics programs that all of us PRO designers use. Don't get this suite if all you want to do is create a web page for your kitty or puppy. DO get this if your career needs to go further! Best Wishes and check out my book reviews for Flash 5 tutorial books hereon Amazon.

Rating:
Summary: Many revisions have improved this application
Review: With Flash 5 (which is at the time of writing in beta only), Macromedia appears to have attempted to further bridge the gap between its original primitive proprietary functionality (in its previous life as FutureSplash) and the overall Macromedia interface; this gap has in the past often impeded usability and defied intuition. The most robust overhaul has been made on the behaviours and actions... it is much easier to tailor Flash to do what you want without having to rely solely on readymade (and often generic) functions embedded within Flash. This of course makes it that much more difficult to get the ball rolling for novice users, but for more advanced users this will open a world of opportunity. In this way it is somewhat similar to Director in the way it manages operations/functions; you can insert pre-fab functionality or develop your own, dependent upon your skill level.

The drawing tools have been changed to incorporate vector tools, with a Bezier pen tool that will make any Flash user's life much easier. It is no longer so crucial to have a drawing program open as you work, although these tools are still not quite up to the standards set by FreeHand and Illustrator.

One nice aspect of the changes made to the interface of the application are that it neither adheres strictly to the FreeHand system nor is totally different... by this I mean that those comfortable with FreeHand or Illustrator will both be able to use the new interface with relative ease. Say goodbye to the awful, cumbersome application that was Flash 4. There are many more options for floating palettes that permit a greater ease of editing and doing things on the fly, whereas before Flash usually required dragging down menus and calling up dialog boxes.

Whether or not Flash 5's improvements will make it an optimal work environment remains to be seen; I've only scratched the surface of the application, because, after all, the surface is what is most immediately different. Certainly there are going to be hindrances and bugs under that surface, but hopefully they will be few and far between.