Ericsson pushes video limits of HTML5
Demonstrates enhancements to support real time audio and video from the browser
Published: 12 May, 2011
READ MORE: Ericsson | Applications (Browser)
As mobile usage moves towards streamed content and the cloud, the lead in browser development is being taken by the mobile experts. Ericsson has revealed trials to push the limits of the emerging HTML5 standard, while LG is blazing a trail in smartphone augmented reality (AR).
LG Electronics is working with AR developer Wikitude to offer the world's first 3D AR browser on its upcoming LG Optimus 3D smartphone. The handset is vital to LG's attempt to move out of its low cost cellphone rut and launch a high impact smartphone to take on Apple and Samsung.
Meanwhile, Ericsson used its Business Innovation Forum event in Silicon Valley to showcase new HTML5 developments, which would support real time audio and video in the browser, whether on a handset or PC. The vendor said a key R&D focus in the web community would be to enhance browser based applications to offer the same robustness as native software - still a fairly distant dream in the all-cloud community.
Ericsson demonstrated a prototype browser that supports real time video chat and videoconferencing without an app. As ConnectedPlanet reports, Ericsson's head of services and software research, Martin Körling, said Ericsson is working with browser specialists Mozilla, Opera and the Webkit Open Source Project to get the technology included in future standards.
For current audio and video streaming, browser-only capabilities can only stretch to very basic services, while more sophisticated chat and conferencing require native apps or even integration with the device. But HTML5 is not doomed to the best effort world - it just needs more firms like Ericsson to invest in bringing new native capabilities to the standard, said
Körling. The vendor is interested in such developments because they could boost usage of mobile data networks, boosting investment in equipment, and of cloud services, which Ericsson is seeking to provide directly to enterprises and, more importantly, on a white label basis to carriers.
Ericsson's key customer base, the cellcos, are taking an increasing interest in HTML5 as a standard that could ride above the vendors' OS wars and support a cross-platform development platform, in which they could have real influence because of the capabilities of their networks. Several years ago, Ericsson announced its own ambitious iniative to provide the glue binding together the various developer platforms and OSs, acting as a 'broker' between them, and creating network APIs to help all mobile runtimes and OSs to access carrier and handset services. Its rivals, notably Alcatel-Lucent, have similar programs.
More ERICSSON News
More APP STORE News
More FEMTOCELL News
COMMENTS
Carrier Broadband Performance: Africa & Middle East
Carriers are using mobile broadband as their weapon of choice in the fight against the commoditization of voice and falling ARPU. This...
Voice over LTE: Market Analysis and Forecasts
VoLTE offer unique advantages in lowering a carrier's voice infrastructure economics and promises to improve voice quality, device...
Satellite Phones: Will Dual Mode Help the Phoenix Rise from the Ashes?
Satellite phones have followed an arduous path since their much-hyped launch more than a decade ago. The hype was followed by an e...
