15 February 2010 | Author: D. Warburton Search Copywriter

Adobe blocks HTML5 to support Flash

Adobe has taken action to block the HTML5 specification, despite previous claims that the company would support the new open standard of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) for the web.

Ian Hixie, Google employee and member of the HTML5 working group, stated on his website: "the latest publication of HTML5 is now blocked by Adobe, via an objection that has still not been made public (despite yesterday's promise to make it so)."

The HTML5 canvas element supports the creation of web games, advertisements and other interactive content, causing it to be viewed as a threat to Adobe's Flash platform as a means for supporting video playback, or add animation and navigation elements to webpages.

Mr Hixie contrasted a series of statements from Adobe executives who had previously stated their support for the improved HTML standard, including the company's CEO Shantanu Narayen who said last year: "To the extent that an improved HTML standard accelerates innovation and consistent reach for web content, we're very supportive."

Adobe Evangelist Dave McCallister also explained: "for Adobe, 'open' is all aspects of communications and technologies. For us, those are open source, standards, and community.

"We make sure that we talk to our communities, that we play with the standards groups.

"We are actually one of the most open companies that are active."

Earlier this month, Adobe CTO Kevin Lynch also said that "Adobe supports HTML and its evolution."

HTML5 is part-owned by Google, and Adobe recently announced that it will be launching its application building system on Google's Android mobile platform later this year.

AppleInsider reports that Adobe has been working extensively to promote Flash and incite interest, particularly in regard to products such as Apple's iPhone, iPod touch and new iPad - none of which supports Flash technology.