14 DAY TRIAL // The Skyfire Web Browser for iPhone and iPad has been updated with the ability to automatically discover video as a new page gets loaded. Previously, users had to manually request a video search to play back Flash content on their iOS devices.
Although it’s basically just a web browser like any other, Skyfire has at least one key feature that distinguishes it from them all - it allows you to watch Flash videos that otherwise wouldn’t work on iOS.
As Apple fans well know, Adobe Flash is not supported on Apple’s iOS platform because it’s CPU and battery hog - or at least so thinks Steve Jobs, the company’s former CEO.
Another thing this $2.99 app does is leverage a patent pending video compression technology that allegedly saves up to 75% bandwidth while streaming video.
The iPad version of the software works identically, but it’s priced at $4.99 as it features an interface that has been optimized for the bigger 9.7-inch screen.
For those wondering whether Flash games and Flash apps are supported by Skyfire, they’re not. The browser is optimized solely for Flash video viewing.
Now, according to the developers, there are new versions to download for iPhone and iPad.
The small-screen version (iPhone and iPod touch) only fixes an issue with custom homepage URL periodically resetting back to the Skyfire default homepage. This behavior will no longer be experienced by users, according to the makers.
This bug is also addressed on the iPad version. However, the tablet application update brings more than just bug fixes.
According to a post on the Skyfire web site, “Version 2.6.0 brings forth a great new feature to iPad - Video is now automatically discovered as a new page is loaded - Ushering in a brand new way to watch video with Skyfire!”
“You no longer need to request that Skyfire search for video by clicking on the 'video' icon in the Skyfire toolbar - If a video is available, Skyfire will deliver the video pop-up for easy OneTouch play!”, the developers explain.
Finally, the studio promises to come back soon with “an even more significant, feature rich product update.”