While HTML5 has most web developers and designers very excited for its cool new features that dramatically eclipse HTML 4, the standard is still not fully compatible with all browsers—most notably Microsoft Internet Explore 8 and older. But if you’re using Chrome, Firefox or Safari, most of the new robust features are available.
Bottom line: Older browsers will not display most HTML5 features so if your audience is very mixed, you might want to wait until browsers catch up before you rely on HTML5 for core messaging and content. If your audience consists more of early adopters, then it’s much safer to go for HTML5.
Here’s an excerpt from 1000 Watt Spotlight that does an a good job laying out the features.
HTML5 is the latest version of the language that underlies the entire Web. Its roll-out largely happening behind the scenes, but promises to change the way you use your browser.
The future of the Internet is here. Right. So, what does this mean for you?
It means you’ll get new media experiences and interactive content that will work quickly and easily, right in your browser. It will allow even more powerful web applications to free us from our desktops.
The HTML5 specification brings dozens of new elements and functions to the Web, but for our purposes, its impact will likely be felt in three main areas (along with some examples):
1. Video
In HTML5, video files can be embedded directly into a web page, without any plug-in required for playback. This leads to a smoother, faster streaming experience and allows us to watch native video files on many portable devices.
- Sublime Video player is a stunning HTML5 video player
2. Geolocation
HTML5′s geolocation attribute is able to bring a great level of reliabillity to pinpointing your location, by using cellular towers and WiFi hotspots.
- This Geolocation demo will automatically detect your location down to the street level
3. Offline
The offline attribute allows you to continue interacting with a web-based application even after you are no longer connected to the Internet.
- Everytimezone.com is a simple web tool that will allow you to calculate current time in multiple time-zones. Bookmark it and it’ll work whenever you need to use it.
In order to experience these examples, you will need the latest version of an HTML5 compliant browser. you can download any of the following applications:
Also check out the gallery of HTML5 demos created by Apple.
Go ahead, see what the future holds.