Introduction: The latest issue of the US Trade Weekly print edition published an article stating that with the rise of HTML5, the burden on software developers will be greatly reduced. Developers can now create one set of code that is compatible with most devices. However, this technology may also hinder technical innovation to a certain extent.
The following is the full text of the article:
Programmers are truly pitiable. In the past, the path was so clear: after coming up with a "profitable" software idea, the only decision to make was whether to choose the Windows or Mac platform. Now, there are many more choices. Besides traditional desktop systems, iOS, Android, and Windows Phone are competing for programmers' attention. Additionally, network hubs like Facebook cannot be ignored. Each platform requires time and usually different programming techniques.
In the video game sector, this issue is particularly acute. iPhone users still hope to interact with their friends even if they use different devices. Michael Carter, a 27-year-old software engineer, believes that HTML5 can solve this problem. His company, Game Closure, develops tools that allow game developers to write one set of game code that is compatible with all platforms. For example, Game Closure demonstrated a card game called Hearts, which allows friends in different cities to compete via Facebook, iPhone, and Android tablets. "It's the future," Carter described HTML5.
Essentially, HTML5 is a set of standards that enable web browsers to understand animations, videos, images, and other multimedia content without needing to download plugins like Flash—most online videos and graphics are currently displayed using this latter technology. Many technical experts, including the late Steve Jobs, criticized Flash for its frequent vulnerabilities and high energy consumption. For HTML5, which is gradually expanding its reach, its goal is to give websites the appearance and feel of applications. Until recently, this was just a luxury, far from reality.
This change is partly due to the strong sales of Apple's iPad and iPhone, neither of which supports Flash. Game Closure's "code once, publish everywhere" tool has attracted game developers like Zynga. According to informed sources, Zynga once planned to acquire this startup for $100 million. Carter refused to disclose details but denied it, saying: "We did indeed reject a substantial acquisition offer. But we have bigger dreams for game development." He raised $12 million in venture capital led by Highland Capital and hopes to grow the company independently, making money through licensing technology or revenue-sharing agreements.
Zynga is also hiring its own HTML5 game developers, while EA and Amazon last year both launched HTML5 versions of mobile sites. In early February, IBM acquired Worklight to develop HTML5 business applications for mobile phones and computers. "We are at a turning point in technology," said Tom Conrad, Executive Vice President of Product at Pandora Music Streaming Service, whose website was revamped using HTML5 in 2011.
As HTML5 becomes more widespread, software engineers proficient in this technology are becoming increasingly scarce. "Just call a headhunter and see how long it takes them to find someone like that," said Adam Miller, CEO of human resources management software developer Cornerstone Software. According to him, HTML5 programmers can earn $250 per hour.
Some people worry that the popularity of HTML5 could lead to a decline in software quality. Because HTML5 is universal, it might reduce developers' motivation to write specific code for certain devices. For example, not all phones have accelerometers that can sense tilting. "HTML5 is the greatest 'lowest common denominator' ever invented," said Phil Libin, CEO of note-taking application developer Evernote, "but it's just a 'lowest common denominator.'"
Related reports:
- Mozilla will launch a cross-platform HTML5 app store this year
- IBM acquires HTML5 app developer WorkLight
- Opera launches a TV app store using HTML5 technology