Avatar News : April 2010

Greetings People, Featured in this newsletter is a comparison between Flash and jQuery. If you're a technophobe, no need to freak out... simply put, they're both ways of how to display nice visuals on your site. We talk about the differences between them and how we think you'll be hearing the word 'jQuery' a lot more in the future. As always, we have a collection of interesting tidbits and don't forget to check out one of our recent projects.

In This Edition

• jQuery vs. Flash
• Tidbits
• This Month's Site Of Interest

jQuery vs. Flash

Flash has been the major player in Web animation for many years. However, jQuery is emerging as a tool that can offer faster and more flexible development which will make it easier to add dynamic content to your site.

Flash is a powerful and extensive format that can also be used to create simple animations and image transitions. Flash files are created using Adobe Flash or similar animation software.

Two downsides to using Flash can be development time and that your online target audience needs to have a current Flash component installed in their Web browsing software. jQuery is compatible with more browsers than Flash and can be 3 or 4 times faster to deploy site enhancements. Here are some examples of how jQuery can be used:

Menus
jQuery menus are different to ordinary html and CSS menus because they bring life to a Website and encourage user interaction.
View some examples of jQuery menus.

Photo Galleries
JQuery has the ability to transform groups of images into animated galleries or sliders quickly and easily.
View some examples of jQuery photo galleries.

Fading Image Script
A jQuery fading image script is a photo gallery with images that fade after one another, creating a seamless, flowing display.
View some examples of jQuery fading image scripts.

If you're interested in adding some cost-effective enhancements to your site, then contact Avatar.

Tidbits

Ferrari Fun. If you want to experience the thrill of a Ferrari, but you're not so keen on the car's price tag, try this for size.

VSS Enterprise. The ride of a lifetime has successfully completed its first captive carry flight. Check out the momentous day when VSS Enterprise first took flight.

Unique USBs. A cool collection of USBs that are bound to attract all sorts of attention.

Room With A View. Sick of looking into your neighbour's windows, or the wall of your neighbouring office building?
Here's a neat window alternative for your viewing pleasure.

The Venus Project. Jacque Fresco is the Project Founder Director and was recently in New Zealand. If you're up for "a bold, new direction for humanity that entails nothing less than the total redesign of our culture", then the Venus Project site is for you.

Google in Space. Not happy with dominating our planet, Google is already focusing on conquering the known universe. Read this interesting collection of links on Google's fascination with space.

This Month's Site Of Interest

Freedom in Motion Mobility (Web site design and development) Freedom in Motion Mobility is New Zealand's premier supplier of mobility aids, with a wide selection of electric and manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters designed to improve the quality of life and independence of those with limited physical freedom. The FIMM site uses WordPress CMS and includes jQuery animation for top images and jQuery FancyBox pop up windows for image enlargements.