Posted on June 10th, 2010Many people argue whether HTML5 will kill Flash for playing videos and animations directly. Although HTML5 still needs years before being accepted to replace earlier HTML standards and needs compatible web browsers to work effectively, it is unlikely to replace Flash completely, mainly because of these six reasons:
- Multiple useful features: You may enjoy great levels of flexibility, power and robustness with Flash. With extra features like 3D effects, animated text support, hardware acceleration, and dynamic streaming, for years Flash reigns supreme to fill holes in current HTML features.
- A proven technology: Be it working efficiently with various media formats or getting latest browser versions, Flash has proven itself. But then, HTML5 is still in its infancy and would need further development efforts and support to effectively rival the popularity and versatility of Flash.
- Periodical updates: Flash goes on improving itself with added functionality and features while nobody is certain when HTML5 will be completely ready. Even when it is ready, HTML5 will require sometime to allow Internet users replace Flash with HTML5, unless Adobe introduces new features to anticipate HTML5.
- User comfort: Flash technology has been around for years; it is getting installed and used everywhere. We all know about it and seldom have any problem installing and using it, and there are many their-party apps related with Flash. With HTML5, the new standards may need further development to match the functionality of the mature Flash technology.
- It simply works: As Flash is working adequately despite occasional hitch here or there. Apple argued that Flash is hardware intensive and shorten battery life on mobile devices; however Adobe may easily respond by developing lighter Flash player with an optimized algorithm to reduce hardware utilization and power consumption.
- Perfect for big corporate: For corporate titans, making the switch to HTML5 from Flash for displaying online video may include a significant investment on account of manpower, resources, and money. Given the present economic situation, it is unlikely that they would be willing to make the move. Converting their Flash-based media and application cost millions if not billions, unless HTML5 can justify the cost involved, Flash will still dominate the business world in displaying advertising and interactive media.
For many years, Flash was the actual standard of showing animation and video. HTML5 isn’t likely to change this long-term trend in the foreseeable future. Although some video sharing sites are saying that they will change their Flash-based system into HTML5 standards, Flash is still widely used in interactive maps, web site navigation, online apps, games and others.