August 24, 2010
To Whom Does the Web Belong?
It wasn’t that long ago that Apple announced that its iPad would herald in a new era of the world wide web. And it would do so without using Flash which is currently the leading technology behind video and animation on the web.
If Flash is so pervasive, why would Apple chose to disallow it on the next generation of its web-connected devices? Well, Apple sees a mobile future and one that is not tied to desktops or even laptops, it takes another step forward onto your phones, your TVs, and of course your iPad. And Flash is not ready to make the leap.
Adobe (the creators of Flash) took Apple’s pronouncement as a slap in the face and responded in kind(ness). After all, Flash has grown up alongside the web since the mid-90s and has become interwoven into the coded fabric of more than 80% of the websites that you visit.
This argument has been pretty big news to those of us who love technology, but let’s consider the average Joe/Jane for a moment. Does Joe care about Apple’s lack of Flash support? Doesn’t Jane just want all of this to “just work” regardless of how it all gets done. Today you can read articles, play games, watch tv, talk to your friends, or enjoy the latest video with kittens.
In the past few years, we have become so accustomed to what the web can do that most of us take for granted how it all gets done. And in truth, as time has passed and the dust settles on this platform war, it really makes little difference for the consumer right now.
Apple is placing its money on the next generation of web standards, something referred to as “HTML5″. HTML5 won’t replace Flash immediately or completely, but it will certainly redefine when and where people decide to use it. HTML5 has the potential to create a more visually interesting, more functional and less bloated user experience. Flash will be still be around, albeit in more of a niche role as it serves more online applications and fewer websites.
The next generation of the web is a more diverse one. Now that you use it on everything from your large flat-screen monitor to your phone to your TV, it must become more adaptable and adjust to your user habits. So, back to the question of to whom does the web belong. Don’t be fooled into thinking that it belongs to any of the companies competing for attention. The web belongs to YOU. Enjoy!
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