HTML5: Coming to a Mobile Device Near You

If you have a mobile phone, you probably use it for keeping track of appointments, texting friends and catching up on breaking news. But a new technology is hitting the mobile market which will transform the way you view the mobile web and your installed apps, and how fast you are able to access them.

HTML 5 is being touted as the next big thing by developers. Stated simply, HTML 5 represents a new language for the way web content is structured and presented. While still under development, HTML 5 aims for and appears to be reaching its goal of improved language and better support for current multimedia. The language also aims to replace other forms of HTML currently in use, including XHTML.

The idea behind HTML 5 stems from an observation that the more common languages currently in use on the internet, such as HTML and XHTML have a wide range of specifications by which they were created, and so have resulted in a number of syntax errors in countless web documents. HTML5 would simplify those specifications, and allow for more seamless translation across multiple devices. The language has been identified as a strong candidate for mobile applications, due to its ability to run on these low-powered devices. But what does this mean to you as a smart phone or tablet owner?

How HTML 5 Will Impact the Consumer

For those who use their devices to view graphics-intensive media such as movies and games, HTML5 will serve to make the experience more realistic. Visual details like lighting, shadows and reflections will be far clearer than before.  In fact, virtually any application that uses graphics will have a much clearer and more detailed display.

In the area of web apps, HTML5 will increase their usability by making them increasingly responsive; more so than even their desktop counterparts. This means instant results when accessing a link or altering app settings.

HTML5 is currently supported by many popular devices, such as the Android and the iPad. The new language will also offer improved performance due to the ability to access locally-stored files instead of making repeated server requests. This ability means a much shorter loading time.

How HTML 5 Will Impact Developers

For those who develop applications, HTML 5 will make the process much easier than before. By simplifying the development of apps with HTML5, creators can not only have more time to create more apps, but be able to target a large number of devices.

The language is also available to a larger number of developers, which could mean that we will see many innovative creations hitting the app market in the years to come. Because HTML5 standardizes the language developers use, there is no need to become fluent in a platforms tools and languages before being able to develop an app for that platform. Instead, developers can use the same technology for a wide range of platforms and devices.

The Popularity of HTML5

Many well -known web companies, including Google and Pandora have already made a commitment to use HTML5. The language is also being adopted as a core technology by companies such as DN2K, which develops advanced remote monitoring and management systems.

The language is expected to be in over two billion mobile devices in just four years from now, a huge jump from the prediction made in 2010 that 109 million devices would be using HTML5. And so it’s unlikely that you will have to purchase a new device in order to enjoy all of the benefits that this new language will provide you with.

Citations:
  • Wikipedia’s explanation of html5
  • Benefits of html5
  • cloud platform for mobile devices

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