HTML 5 v Flash

The ongoing battle between Apple and Adobe, or more specifically HTML 5 and Flash is something to keep a close eye on. Apple's newest release of Safari, Safari 5 does not support Flash. Here is a section from an article on the subject :

"One of those features is the Reader icon in the browser’s smart address field. By clicking on that button, Safari 5 instantly eliminates blinking and flashing advertisements and turns an on-line article into a continuous, easy-to-read page.

That feature will be of interest to Web users who want to get past the distraction of online ads. However, for advertisers who depend on users clicking on such ads for revenue, the Reader icon will be an unwelcome addition to the new browser.

Safari 5 supports the HTML5 and CSS3 standards, but not Flash, keeping in line with Apples’ and CEO Steve Jobs’ push to eliminate Flash support from Apple products. That could disappoint users who access content such as games which support Flash, and advertisers and retailers whose Websites include Flash."

And here is a great info graphic breaking down the difference between the two platforms, and their strengths and weaknesses. See a bigger version here.

If HTML 5 is universally adopted it could spell the end of online flash banner advertising. For some, especially the user, this is a good thing. For advertisers it forces us to create online experiences that engage and entertain rather than shout and "take-over" our screens with flashy graphics.