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HTML 5 vs. Adobe Flash — Which Should you Choose?

According to Wikipedia, Flash has been in existence since 1996 and, because of this, has a strong base of developers and users. According to Adobe statistics, Flash has reached 99% penetration on Web browsers, while HTML 5 has a 40% penetration.

The latest version of the Adobe Flash Player runs on Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android 2.2+, RIM QNX and Google TV. Earlier versions run on PlayStation 3 (Flash 9), and PSP (Flash 6). Adobe Flash Lite runs on Wii, Symbian, Maemo Linux, Windows Mobile, and Chumby. In contrast, some video sites, including YouTube, and blip.tv, have implemented a degree of experimental support for HTML5 video. Steve Jobs noted that Flash is not an open standard – it is controlled by Adobe Systems, whereas HTML5 is largely controlled by a committee (WHATWG) made up of three companies: Opera Software, the Mozilla Foundation, and Apple.

Some users have complained about the relatively high CPU usage of Flash for video playback. This was partially because the Flash plugin did not use the GPU to render video. Adobe has responded to some of those criticisms in the 10.1 and 10.2 releases of the Flash plugin by offloading H.264 video decoding to dedicated hardware and by introducing a new video API called Stage Video. In addition, the use of the newer ActionScript 3.0 inside Flash movies instead of the older ActionScript 2.0 improves code execution speed by a factor of around 10. But older websites that use ActionScript 2.0 will not benefit from this. Another reason for poor Flash performance is that some Flash developers incorrectly code their Flash files which can be a problem with “HTML5” animations as well. Read More...

Do You Really Need a FoundersCard?

FoundersCard is now two years old and has over 5,000 members. So what is it?

FoundersCard lets you receive discounts and deals from a whole bunch of businesses, like 10% off of everything at AT&T, 10% off Groundlink cabs, instant “Silver access” on Virgin Atlantic, 50% off domains at Hover, and a free account at Shoprunner — to name a few. In total, the startup has about 96 companies offering its members benefits, including 44 lifestyle companies, 16 travel companies, and 36 business companies. In addition, members enjoy access to frequent networking events held throughout the year.

So what’s the catch? Read More...

What’s the best way to test a new website on a budget?

Naomi Kokubo

Question: My startup is launching a new website. It’s in “alpha” right now. I need to test it out before it goes to public “beta”. What’s the best way to test a new website on a budget? I can’t afford costly focus groups or expensive usability studies.

Answer by Naomi Kokubo, Editor of Founders Space Read More...

500 Startups: Blowing up Startups with Design, Data & Distribution

Today, as part of incubator roundup, we’re featuring Dave McClure’s 500 Startups.

If you haven’t heard of it already, 500 Startups provides early-stage companies with funding ranging from $10K to $250K via seed investments. They offer a startup accelerator program and new micro-fund models, like the Twilio Fund. With over 160 experienced startup mentors around the world, a cool creative workspace in the heart of Silicon Valley, and a vibrant community of startup founders, we think 500 Startups is a winner!

Need a loan for your startup? Try ZestBank

Okay, so angel investors are ignoring you, VCs won’t give you a second meeting, your credit card is maxed out, and you can’t get a loan from any bank. What do you do? First off, pay-off your credit card. The interest will kill you. Next, look for an alternative.

One option is ZestCash, a financial services technology startup that serves the needs of the underbanked. It has just secured $73 million in its second round of funding. ZestCash doesn’t pull any information from credit burrows. Instead, it uses non obvious variables, like cell phone payment records and how much time applicants spend on our site, to offer loans to its customers.

Most banks approve borrowers for loans based on small amounts of data; usually a credit report and credit score from FICO, a company that evaluates credit risks. Since not every person has enough information on file with FICO, some people are turned away for loans from major lending institutions. ZestCash uses thousands of metrics to offer short-term installment loans to customers who can’t get loans elsewhere. Read More...

Planning on Developing an App? Start with App Cooker

Just heard about App Cooker from a friend, and it’s a pretty nifty tool. Whether you’re an indie developer, an established company or an amateur, App Cooker helps you shape your iOS application ideas.

It’s pretty easy to use. Just start with an idea, a sketch or an icon, then utilize the App Board to organize and inspire your work as you go. It’s easy for anyone to use yet achieves professional standard results. App Cooker is a good solution for planning and perfecting your projects until they are ready for production.

App Cooker helps with all sorts of things, including defining your app, evaluating your app, setting up workflows, creating icons, and UI design. Read More...

Making an Android Game? Get Discovered!

With hundreds of thousands of apps currently in the Android Marketplace, it can be difficult for game developers to break through the clutter and have their games seen by the public. To help developers gain exposure, Hooked Media brings Get Discovered, a worldwide competition for Android game developers that gives them a unique chance to win both wide scale distribution through Best Buy’s App Discovery Center™ and seed funding from Trinity Ventures, a top Silicon Valley venture capital firm. The winner will also receive an online advertisement package from VentureBeat, one of the industry’s most widely-read blogs.

Developers can submit their games between now and January 24^th, 2012.

Games must be live in Android market by January 24^th 2012.
Judging period January 24^th 2012 – February 24^th 2012.
Finalists notified by March 2^nd 2012.
Winner announced at live event.

Five Approaches to Acquire a Client

Raj Gavurla

by Raj Gavurla of LiiiVEN, Inc.

Entrepreneurs have an idea they research and chisel into service and product. To make a significant difference in the marketplace acquiring a client is needed. Why a client? To help them, gain revenue, and find new ways to apply service and product. Read More...

Making a Game out of Learning to Program!

That’s right. Coding is no longer some boring, arduous task. It’s now become a game thanks to Treehouse. They’ve developed a Facebook app called Code Racer that let’s players compete at coding.

Code Racer is a multi-player live coding game that teaches newbies how to code a basic website using HTML and CSS, and tests intermediate and advanced users on their coding speed and agility. Players race against each other and the clock to complete coding challenges, unlocking weapons and rewards along the way.

Even if someone has zero experience with building websites, they’ll be able to watch a video tutorial and complete the code challenges that will give them the basic skills to launch a web site. Read More...

Want to be a Reality TV Star while Founding a Startup?

Start Engine, the small L.A.-based accelerator, is now the focus of a new reality TV show. That’s right, you’ll get all those horrifying startup moments memorialized on video for the world to watch. If this sounds like a cheesy idea, welcome to reality TV. The show, which comes from Cameron Casey, producer of the TechStars reality program on Bloomberg TV, will capture entrepreneurs on video as they participate in the accelerator program.

Besides selling your soul to Hollywood, here’s what you get when you join Start Engine:

Up to $20K of seed funding.
Mentors, each with a proven track record of success.
Legal services, financial advice, Human Resource (HR) services, and administrative support.
Gym, health bar access, and weekly meals with industry leaders.
Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) to offer a mix of weekly and monthly curriculum.
And of course, fame and fortune!

You can decide if this is the life for you.