Why HTML5 Killed Flash

HTML5 is the most recent revision of the standard HTML markup language used for creating web pages. It has been developed to meet the growing demand for a stable cross platform language that integrates natively with web browsers on mobile devices as well as computers. Although it is still under heavy development it could potentially eliminate the need for Adobe Flash Player. A web page containing Flash requires the Flash Player plugin to be installed before it can be properly rendered in a browser. While this is appropriate for a computer it is a problem for other web enabled devices such as smartphones and gaming consoles. Updating the plugin is simple on a computer but is not always an option with other devices.

For example, a Nintendo Wii can run a customized version of the Opera web browser which already has Flash Player installed. However the plugin is outdated and cannot display most Flash movies on the internet today. The normal Flash Player installation file does not work on a Nintendo Wii and unless Adobe steps in to provide an update the issue will remain unresolved indefinitely. They have been making an effort to support the most popular devices but Adobe cannot possibly create an installer for every individual device that can connect to the internet. HTML5 hopes to solve this problem by providing a way to natively create web pages with the same level of graphic quality and depth of interactivity as Flash. It is comparable to the Adobe Flex program but does not require any dedicated servers or complex architecture development.

The arrival of HTML5 is good news for everyone except for Adobe. The impact could potentially be damaging to the popularity of Flash but it will not become obsolete as it is still a very powerful tool and is capable of doing much more than playing video clips on the internet. HTML5 eliminates Flash as a requirement but is not expected to be its replacement. The great thing about HTML5 and why it will become an obstacle for Adobe is it will streamline the development and maintenance process of future web driven applications. It makes options such as shared hosting more appealing by offering the ability to pack more content into less space and requiring less CPU power to run a web server. Mobile giants such as Verizon, Blackberry, and Apple will no longer need to worry about working with Adobe to ensure compatibility with their devices. HTML5 is sure to have an impact on the way multimedia is created and delivered on the internet and is an exciting change that is just around the corner.

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