Google integrates Flash into Chrome

Adobe's Flash will be integrated into Google's Chrome browser, adding more distance between former best friends Google and Apple.

Apple refuses to support Flash on its products - including the soon to arrive iPad - saying it's not secure.

Google doesn't seem too worried about Flash's many security woes, however, as the Adobe tech will be automatically embedded into Chrome.

When a user downloads Chrome, they'll also download Flash, which will be updated using Chrome's own system. "This eliminates the need to manually download separate updates and reduces the security risk of using outdated versions," wrote vice president of engineering Linus Upson in the Chromium blog.

To help boost security, Google will work with Adobe to include Flash pages in its "sandbox", to keep malware from affecting computers.

Plug-in improvement

Google claimed this was an improvement on the current system of installing Flash as a plug-in.

"The traditional browser plug-in model has enabled tremendous innovation on the web, but it also presents challenges for both plug-ins and browsers," said Upson.

"The browser plug-in interface is loosely specified, limited in capability and varies across browsers and operating systems. This can lead to incompatibilities, reduction in performance and some security headaches."

The Flash integration will hit the developer versions of Chrome first, but Google hopes to roll it out to all versions "as quickly as we can," Upson said.

"Mess of proprietary brain damage"

While the move won't likely be warmly welcomed by Apple, commentators on the blog also weren't too happy.

"Just when we thought that Google was the champion of HTML5 they turn around and partner with Adobe on Flash to ensure that the web remains a mess of proprietary brain damage," said Daniel Hansen in a comment.

Anders Tornblad wanted to know if he could choose to not have Flash installed. "But how do I make sure that Flash does not end up on my computer? I assume there will be an option to not install it, much like the option to not install other annoying plugins or toolbars," he said.

Joel Fiser favoured the Flash-friendly plan. "Rather than accede to Apple's ridiculous 'solution' of trying to kill an excellent - but needs improvement - technology, Google is trying to make it better."