The Great Debate

There is a great debate going on right now between using HTML5 vs. Flash. If you are anything like me you might be oblivious that this was even going on. So to help ease you into what is going on lets discuss what the background is. Most of the stuff you see in your browser is HTML and until recently was limited to static text and flat image content. Along came Flash and we had more complex stuff going on in the web world like audio, video and SVG. If you are like me you remember how exciting this was for the design world because of course we like stuff that is pretty and complex! Flash has enjoyed its fame of being a web standard even though it is a plug-in.

So now came along HTML5 to start the great debate. Not to surprising, where would we be if new technology didn't come out to challenge the old. The most important part to remember is that HTML5 will be able to support canvas elements, audio, video and SVG but the beauty is it is just code, no plug-in. Sounds slightly crazy doesn't it?

Steve Jobs with Apple made it interesting when he announced that Flash would be banned from its popular iPhone and iPad platform in favor of HTML5. I guess we know what side he is on! Seems crazy to me since I often think of my Mac and Adobe products going hand in hand. He wrote an entire article on his position which can be viewed at http://www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughts-on-flash/. Mike Shuster from Adobe rebuttals his article with one of his own http://www.minyanville.com/businessmarkets/articles/apple-steve-jobs-adobe-flash-closed/4/29/2010/id/28041. Shuster thinks that HTML5 has a way to go. Which is probably true but we can all keep are fingers crossed that they will work out the kinks soon.

Not to surprisingly CNN reports that Apple had a change of heart and is lifting its restrictions on its licensing terms. Maybe Steve Jobs realized he was getting himself in too deep too soon before things have really gotten going with HTML5.

While I think both Steve Jobs and Mike Shuster make great points about both Adobe products and Apple products being closed systems I still think they are missing the true point and that is finding a faster and better way (and better designed) to continue to move forward. Which to me seems to be heading towards HTML5. I hope as we move forward the best technology prevails as we always need to move forward if we want to stay ahead!