html5
Latest
Netflix will switch from Silverlight to HTML5, explains what it's waiting for first
Due to Microsoft's confirmation that support for its Silverlight plugin will end and the rise of plugin-free browsers, Netflix will eventually need to stream to PCs using something other than the tech it's had in place since 2008. The company has already implemented one example of the technology for Samsung's ARM Chromebooks, and plans to bring it to Chrome on PCs and Macs eventually. Right now, it's waiting for several W3C initiatives it's been working on called the HTML5 Premium Video extensions that handle things like video quality and DRM support to be fully implemented. Once the last one (Web Cryptography API) is available, it can ditch the custom API plugin it's currently using and begin testing on PCs and Macs. What isn't mentioned is any support for other platforms like Linux, although Netflix says it can't wait until the features are "implemented in all browsers!"
Chrome 27 beta wrings out more speed, streamlines HTML5 input
It's like clockwork, really. Chrome 26 has barely hit the stable track, and Google is already posting a Chrome 27 beta for desktops and Android devices to show what's next. Apparently, that future centers mostly on raw efficiency: Google has eked out an average 5 percent speed boost through a more aggressive resource scheduler. It also has a simpler interface for date and time forms on HTML5 pages. Most of the other upgrades coddle developers, such as the introduction of live audio input for the Web Audio API and an offline storage API for Chrome Web Store apps. There's no mention of Blink, so those who were expecting rapid adoption of the web engine beyond Chromium will be disappointed -- even so, it's good enough that we could see internet Guinea pigs giving the release a try.
Unity and 'Nintendo Web Framework' offer new Wii U dev tools
Announced during GDC yesterday, the Wii U's "Nintendo Web Framework" allows developers to use HTML5, Javascript, and CSS to make apps that can run on Wii U, supporting both GamePad and Wiimote controllers. We'd guess this would be most useful for app development, given the web focus of these languages, but it would be possible to make games as well.A more directly game-focused tech developers can use is Unity. The popular multiplatform development environment is available for Wii U as well, Nintendo revealed. Both of these technologies are advertised on Nintendo's GDC site, which also offers links to the developer questionnaire for those interested in becoming licensed Nintendo developers.
BBC details iPlayer's open source TV Application Layer
The modern challenge for any content distributor is maximizing its reach. That means doing everything -- within reason -- to get your content in front of those who might want it. That's easier said than done, no doubt, and the BBC's plan is to do whatever it takes to get iPlayer on every connected device you own. To that end it's created the TV Application Layer (TAL), which uses the latest web technologies, like HTML5, to do as much of the heavy lifting as possible for would-be hardware makers. The TAL provides a layer of abstraction that takes care of any difference in devices capabilities or controls, so that software built using it will continue to run on anything added to the BBC's certified list without the need for a new version. This in and of itself is admirable, but the BBC has taken it one step further and put the source code out there for all to see and use. The hope is that this will motivate others to contribute to the Layer, help other content owners reach their viewers, and increase the return on investment of all those TV taxes. The BBC currently uses the TAL for its iPlayer, BBC News and BBC Sport apps, as well as new connected Red Button experiences. The code is live at the source link below if you'd like to take a look.
Kickfolio puts iOS apps on the web for hands-on interaction
Developers working on iOS applications have had a bit of a dilemma regarding app demos and beta testing. Getting a prerelease or ad-hoc version of an app out to testers' devices can be complicated, expensive or both -- although services like Testflight and Hockeyapp can streamline the process if needed. For marketing, many devs have used a short video to try to get across the key points of an app, while others use the freemium model to let users give the app a try before purchasing full functionality through an in-app purchase. They could also choose to not create a demo and use word of mouth and a good website to explain their app. Kickfolio, launched in December, is an innovative idea for developers who want testers to poke and prod or potential purchasers to try before they buy -- a fully functioning version of their app available in streaming fashion over the web. Kickfolio's service is quite reasonably priced. Developers get a private testing page for their apps, and for public access they pay by the number of embed sessions that are required -- in other words, how many times an app is accessed through a site other than Kickfolio. Prices start at US$9 per month for an unlimited number of apps and 500 embed sessions, on up to $69 monthly for unlimited apps and 5000 embed sessions. Enterprise plans with no cap on the number of embed sessions are also available upon request. To get the app online, the developer simply uploads the binary to his or her Kickfolio account. The embed is immediately available on the testing page, and can be dropped into any website in seconds. For customers visiting the website, the iOS app shows up onscreen with an "interactive demo" badge encouraging the user to touch or click on the demo app. From that point, the user is essentially working with a live version of the app. A small cloud icon provides the user with a way to share the app's iTunes App Store address via email or text message. The embed uses HTML5 and CSS, keeping Flash completely out of the picture. The resulting embed can be viewed and used in any modern browser, and response time is excellent -- a test of the RunKeeper app on the Kickfolio website was quite usable over an LTE connection on an iPad or iPhone. For developers, Kickfolio is a wonderful way to let potential purchasers or beta testers try an app. Thanks Derek!
Samsung's ARM-based Chromebook now supports Netflix courtesy of HTML5 streaming
Samsung's Exynos-powered Chromebook released last fall may get the job done for those who rely mostly on websites and web apps, but there have still been some gaps in the web-based services it supports -- like Netflix. That's changed today, though, with Google announcing that it has collaborated with Netflix and Microsoft to enable HTML5 video streaming on the ARM-based Chromebook (Google had previously said Netflix support was coming, but provided few specifics). That notably also makes it the first instance of Netflix using HTML5 for streaming instead of Silverlight, although there's no indication of it spreading to other devices just yet. As far as Chromebook users are concerned, all you have to do is go to the Netflix website and log in to get started.
Mozilla details apps for Firefox OS: Facebook, Cut the Rope, Nokia Here and Twitter confirmed
We've only just stepped into Mozilla's press arena but the Firefox creators handed a rich press kit as we did, detailing a fair chunk of what we're expecting to see over the next hour. One of the more noticeable announcements focused on Firefox Marketplace, detailing HTML5 apps you might have heard of before. Along the predictable likes of Facebook and Twitter, games like Cut The Rope will also make an appearance on the new mobile OS, as well as Where's My Water, Disney Mobile and EA game titles. There will be support for cloud file storage through Box too, as well as a mapping app from Nokia Here. Yes, the Finnish phone maker will be bringing its location clout to Firefox OS. SoundCloud, Pulse News, Time Out and Airbnb have also signed up for the new operating system. Want to know more? Check the PR after break.
Chrome OS update auto-arranges windows, allows multi-display desktops
Chrome OS being a web-based platform doesn't preclude the existence of power users -- see the Chromebook Pixel. Google wants to encourage them with software, too, which is why it's rolling out a new update to the stable Chrome OS code. The new version automatically positions windows to show more whenever a user hasn't customized the look, and there's now official support for extending a desktop across multiple screens. Other additions are subtler: copy protection is a bigger deal with both an HTML5 decryption module and support for Encrypted Media Extensions, and exacting users can both re-order the app launcher as well as set tap-to-drag as a preference. The refresh is pushing out over the next few days to all devices save for Samsung Chromebooks. It's not the first time a Chrome OS update has glossed over Samsung portables, but everyone else should enjoy the extra screen real estate.
Firefox nightlies now support AAC, MP3 and H.264 by default in Windows
Mozilla hasn't been the most eager supporter of commercialized media formats; it flipped the H.264 switch in Firefox's HTML5 support last year only when it was clear WebM wasn't taking off. Still, those who regularly test the company's latest work will be glad to hear that support for AAC, MP3 and H.264-based MP4 is now enabled by default in Firefox nightly builds. Provided you're using Windows 7 or newer, it's no longer necessary to change settings to play relatively common HTML5 audio and video formats. Web users wanting the extra support in a finished version of the browser will need to wait for a completed Firefox 22, which is expected to launch in late June; risk takers just need to check out the source links.
QNX unveils concept Bentley Continental GT alongside Car Platform 2.0
RIM's subsidiary QNX has a serious thing for cars. Today, the company announced the QNX Car Platform 2.0 and an associated development platform, which is now available to auto manufacturers. Later this year, the group will also release an HTML5 SDK, which will provide specialized APIs for accessing various hardware components within a vehicle. To show off the platform, QNX partnered with Bentley to produce a concept Continental GT, which the duo unveiled today at CES. It's said to boast smartphone integration, voice recognition and video conferencing -- scary to think about that last one. In the following clip, you'll find an overview of the development process, along with a peek of the interface and controls. Consider the Porsche 911 officially jealous.
Moonbase offers up a visual editor for creating HTML5 animations, memes
HTML5 holds great potential for creating interactive in-browser experiences, but wielding its power typically requires assorted web design skills and a good handle on JavaScript. However, Jake Lodwick -- who had a hand in creating Vimeo and College Humor -- is making an effort to lower the barriers holding back internet denizens from crafting web-based animations. Moonbase, the first project of Lodwick's new company, Elepath, replaces hand coding with a visual editor that enables users to create animations with custom text, images, colors, movements and more. Results vary based on a user's prowess with the tool, but the founder envisions the service as a fertile spawning ground for memes. Moonbase even has support for sharing animations, and the option to fork existing creations, allowing users to put their own spin on works of art. The service is free in its current state, but Elepath is contemplating charging for tools aimed at pros. Hit the jump for a video of the service in action or click the neighboring source link to give Moonbase a go.
W3C completes HTML5 definition, starts interoperability testing
Long heralded as the darling of the open web, the standards for HTML5 haven't actually been finalized by the W3C -- it was just recently that the international consortium pledged to get it done by 2014. So it's good to hear the group just hit a significant milestone on the road to that goal by publishing the full definition for the spec this Tuesday. With that accomplished, the next step is interoperability and performance testing to make sure HTML5 plays nice with any and all browsers, servers and other web tools. The W3C hopes that this will bring "broad HTML 5 interoperability" by 2014, which fits right in to the organization's philosophy of bringing the entirety of the web -- however divisive -- together.
Wunderlist 2 debuts, ditches HTML5 for native apps on Android, Windows, iOS and Mac
Wunderlist is one of those apps that's beloved by productivity nerds, but not very well known outside of those circles. Part of the appeal came from its availability on almost every platform out there. To reach true OS agnosticism 6Wunderkinder, however, relied on HTML5 -- which makes porting an app easy, but comes with its own drawbacks, including lackluster performance. (Just ask Mark Zuckerberg.) With the revamp, Wunderlist 2, the task management platform now has truly native apps for Android, iOS, OS X and Windows to compliment its web site. There are a few new features, including push notifications, reminders and reoccurring tasks, but it's the dramatically smoother and speedier operation that's the real story here. And, while the design is familiar, there are some tweaks to the UI that make it much more user friendly, especially on mobile. Unfortunately, the move away from the beleaguered HTML5 base isn't without its casualties. The company no longer offers a Linux client, though the available Chrome extension should help sooth the pain. To download it for yourself check out the source link.
Denki Word Quest brings the Quarrel to HTML5
Denki's new game is officially "inspired" by Denki's last game. That's a good thing! Denki Word Quest is an HTML5 browser game that explores the gameplay of the word-based combat board game Quarrel in a new setting.Instead of facing off against equal opponents for control of virtual land, Denki Word Quest uses words as attacks in a simplified RPG settings. So your quickest three-letter word built from available tiles can help you defeat a "Stinky Kitten" and progress on your quest.Being a browser-based game, it's simple to try it yourself for free. If you decide you want the full-size quest, it costs £3, €4, or $5.
Microsoft outlines Internet Explorer 10 differences between Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8
Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 together mark a rare confluence for Microsoft: they represent the first instance of the company's desktop and phone platforms sharing the same browser base, and that has wide-reaching implications for what developers can do. The Redmond team doesn't want anyone plunging headlong into web apps without knowing what to expect, however, and it just reminded us in a blog post that there are still a few off-limits areas for Internet Explorer 10 on the mobile side. Not surprisingly, elements that demand a truly big screen or a windowed interface won't fly -- there's nowhere to drag-and-drop from or open a new window to. A few other aspects are more likely to catch web developers off-guard, such as the lack of in-line video, a handful of touch inputs, ActiveX and the level of file access. The most important common ground stems from simply having a modern rendering engine whose HTML5 and CSS3 support will prevent any rude shocks. There's much more at the source link, although Microsoft and designers may just be happy that any Windows Phone web development is a question of finding those few things that won't work, rather than reinventing the wheel.
Microsoft posts Build 2012 session videos for eager Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 coders
Not every developer had the luxury of putting a flight to Redmond on the corporate tab so that they could attend Microsoft's Build 2012 conference in person. Much to their delight, they won't have to. The company has posted streaming video for every session addressing Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and beyond, ranging from the two keynotes through to nuts-and-bolts framework talks. Be warned: most programmers will want to know Visual Studio and similar tools like the back of their hand before tackling some of these sessions. If they emerge unscathed, though, they'll be well-equipped to live in Microsoft's Windows Store world.
Stitcher keeps the news flowing for desktop users with new web-based app
Stitcher is already a heavy hitter in the world of mobile apps, but users will now find their favorite radio shows and podcasts are accessible from the desktop. Today, the company announced an HTML5 version of its popular app that's optimized for all of the major browsers. Upon login, Stitcher users will discover their existing favorites for on-demand listening, playback controls at the bottom of the screen, along with Stitcher's discovery and sharing tools. While still in beta, the service is integrated between the desktop and mobile platforms, which lets users resume listening from wherever they left off, regardless of the device or platform. If you want to see more of what's in store, feel free to check the gallery below, or simply follow the source link to start listening for yourself. %Gallery-169910%
MooresCloud Light runs Linux, puts LAMP on your lamp (video)
Yes, we'll admit that we borrowed that pun in the title. MooresCloud founder Mark Pesce's Xzibit reference is still a very apt description of the Light, his company's Linux-based LED lamp. The Australian team's box-shaped illumination runs the open OS (including a LAMP web server stack) on an integrated mini PC with an accelerometer and WiFi. The relative power and networking provide obvious advantages for home automation that we've seen elsewhere, but it's the sheer flexibility of a generalized, web-oriented platform that makes the difference: the Light can change colors based on photos or movement, sync light pulses to music and exploit a myriad of other tricks that should result from a future, web-based app store. When and how the Light launches will depend on a Kickstarter campaign to raise $700,000 AUD ($717,621 US) starting on October 16th, although the $99 AUD ($101 US) cost is just low enough that we could see ourselves open-sourcing a little more of the living room. At least, as long as we don't have to recompile our lamp kernel before some evening reading.
'Contre Jour' is now playable in the browser, one third of the levels require IE 10
Say it with us: Developers! Developers! Developers! That's Steve Ballmer's mantra and indeed, it says a lot about the way Microsoft has gone about promoting Internet Explorer. In addition to a series of prime-time ads (maybe you've seen 'em), the company has been using certain HTML 5 apps to show devs what they can do using IE 10's deep multitouch support. Now the outfit's back, this time with a game: Contre Jour is coming to the web, and while it runs in any modern browser, you'll need IE 10 and a Windows 8 machine to play a third of the levels (it shouldn't make a difference if you have a touchscreen or a multitouch trackpad). That's because in some parts of the game, you'll be required to use as many as three fingers at once to pull off certain maneuvers. In IE 10 you can do this, so you get access to all 30 levels; if you're using a different browser that doesn't support these gestures, the levels will remain locked. Hit up the source link to play the game for free, and if a game based on "The Little Prince" doesn't do much for you, at least check out the Behind the Scenes section -- coding geeks should appreciate the deeper explanation as to how the web app was built.
W3C teams with Apple, Google, Mozilla on WebPlatform, a guide to building the open web (video)
The World Wide Web Consortium might just be the United Nations of web development, as it's bringing together some frequent enemies to fight for a common cause through WebPlatform.org. The collaboration will see Adobe, Apple, Facebook, Google, HP, Microsoft, Mozilla, Nokia and Opera pool educational resources to create a comprehensive, frequently updated guide to creating HTML5 and other content for the open web. The companies' instructional oversight is just the start, however -- visitors will have chats and forums to devise their own solutions, and they'll even have a better than usual chance at influencing mid-development web standards. It may be some time before we'll see the first fruits of the organization's work, but we're already happy to see technology companies set aside some of their differences.
