by Sara Haun
The iPad is here. The NY Daily News describes the device as “It’s an iPhone on steroids that combines a fast, vibrant Web browser, game console, portable theater and book library in a whisper-thin, 1-1/2-pound tablet that’s much easier to tote than a laptop.” Despite the one major drawback to the iPad (no Flash), the consumers are instantly smitten. Could this device be the beginning to a change in computing? Although Apple rejects Adobe Flash programming now, if the iPad obtains an overwhelming market share, will the lack of Flash technology matter tomorrow?
Apple decided not to use Adobe Flash technology, a popular, basic website plugin. Instead the tablet will work off of a browser plugin called HTML5. HTML5 does not need to be downloaded in order to work, but popular websites from news to entertainment industries are formatting their sites to be compatible with the iPad, such as CNN, Reuters, New York Times, Sports Illustrated, TIME, Major League Baseball, The White House and Flickr.
Why does Apple want everyone to convert to HTML5? Whenever a Mac crashes, more often than not it’s because of Flash. Steve Jobs believes no one will need to use Flash when a popular video viewing database such as YouTube has already made the switch.
If we take a look at Apple’s prior market strategy, Steve Jobs’ vision of a HTML 5 world might come to fruition:
• Apple set the standards in the digital music industry with iTunes and the iPod player (with $.99 per song). What will stop Apple from overcoming other aspects of the digital media market (i.e. multimedia players)?
• If the iPad takes over the tablet market, Flash embedded websites such as Hulu and ABC will be forced to succumb to consumer pressure and convert to the iPads HTML5 format.
• None of Apple’s products have conformed to others on the market. Products have simply conformed to them.
Apple has even provided a new addition to their site entitled, “iPad Ready.” This source is easily navigatable and includes a list of websites that will officially work on the iPad. Also, at the bottom of the page, there is a link for companies to ‘take advantage of the latest web standards’ and have their URL be rid of flash players and be converted to the HTML5 format.
Some major entertainment sites are finding ways to circumvent Apple’s HTML 5 vision. Hulu and ABC are among many other popular media sites opting out of HTML 5 by allowing their videos to be played through applications that can be purchased on iTunes. In fact, by monetizing app downloads and mobile advertising through those apps, they are potentially doubling their profit margins. However, by creating a content pay wall Hulu and ABC are deterring a significant mobile audience. The thinking: why pay for something that’s already free online?
As an iPhone user since the first generation, I have always been frustrated with the little blue cube that appears when I go to certain websites on Safari. Yet, now I do not think of it anymore. I use my YouTube application to stream videos and only run into a few problems here and there when surfing the web. Overall the iPhone functionality (the use of apps, music player, email, mapquest) Apple is taking a step in the right direction with the idea to conform old flash technology to a new format, HTML5.
I think Apple has created a device that will change everything. We are all witnessing the frontiers for a new platform of technology.
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Comments
who cares for flash when u hve HTML5 adoption..:)
My YouTube does not work at all!!!!!! Going to return my iPad! Cool but too controlled, this would be great if it were a computer, but it’s a glorified super sized (which is cool)crappy version of an iPod touch, would be perfect if it allowed all Mac software to be installed.