Big widget action at MySpace. It seems that a bunch of malignant widgets got into the system and spread like wildfire. MySpace's response has been to change how Flash based widgets operate and try to force a general upgrade to the latest version of Flash. Techcrunch has the full story along with a lot of good commentary for full details:
MySpace users are now being encouraged to download a beta version of Flash 9 in order to view MySpace hosted video.
It's slightly confused and will no doubt hurt the MySpace widget industry that has suddenly sprung up. The Techcrunch item also correctly points out that MySpace, in common with a bunch of other sites such as eBay, doesn't allow Javascript widgets anyway, so no change on this front. We are believers in an Open Widgetsphere, which means no discrimination between widget types, javascript, flash, iframe, embeds, what have you, all are welcome at Snipperoo. My view is that in time sites will find it a competitive disadvantage to not offer access to the mass of javascript widgets and the situation will change. We believe we will help this happen by offering a secure widget platform - more on this in future postings.
