HTML5 Vs Flash - Battle Begins

HTML5 is a new standard for HTML that is newsworthy in many ways. First, it is the result of some (more than in the past) collaboration between heavyweights like Apple, Mozilla, Google and Opera. Microsoft is also leaning positively towards HTML5 as a standard they will employ- interesting because just as HTML5 is deemed as a competitor to Flash, it can also be seen in some ways as a competitor to Silverlight (MS product).

What does HTML5 bring to the table ?

- Obvious one: Support for Video embedded in the browser without the help of things like Flash

- Support for Audio

- Drag-and-Drop enhanced.

- "Web Sockets" which can facilitate pushing updates to a browser.

- Ability for web programs to perform multiple tasks at once.

- "Canvas" for better 2d graphics.

- Ability to store data on a computer for use by another app.

HTML5 still doesn't take advantage of things like GPU hardware acceleration on Windows, but let's give it time.

Essentially The question of HTML5 VERSUS Flash is open for debate at this time, but you have to give HTML5 it's due considering that YouTube is already making major inroads into it's test and conversion of videos to HTML5 standard. If you haven't tried it out and have a valid browser, I suggest you do so.

Flash will be around for a long time to come, but I think it's usefulness will go into the realm of "specialization" - a thin line to walk for Adobe. Gone are the days when it is a "no-brainer" to use Flash. Now web developers really need to understand strategic reasoning behind which method to use to achieve their goals on their sites.

Regardless of WHAT people employ, HTML5 is here and it does stuff that used to be Flash territory. And keep in mind, "HTML6" (or whatever they call it) will be here someday.... as well as the next major version of Flash.

Exciting times, and maybe some sleepless nights for the folks at Adobe.