It sounds like an echo of the kind of message Apple has been pushing out for the last couple of years, but Microsoft's decision to drop plug-ins including Adobe's Flash - from the default version of Internet Explorer 10 on Windows 8 is all to do with meeting the standards of the modern web.
Microsoft's decision, detailed by Internet Explorer corporate VP Dean Hachamovitch, comes as the giant looks to embrace HTML5 wholesale, providing users with all the features they'll need without slowing them down or draining battery life.
As such, while those after Flash support can sample the web as it was with the desktop version of IE10, the browser hosted on Windows 8's Metro UI styled start screen will be plug-in free.
No fix for Flash
"For the web to move forward and for consumers to get the most out of touch-first browsing, the Metro style browser in Windows 8 is as HTML5-only as possible, and plug-in free," said Hachamovitch.
"Running Metro style IE plug-in free improves battery life as well as security, reliability, and privacy for consumers. Plug-ins were important early on in the webs history. But the web has come a long way since then with HTML5."
It's a move that could have a massive impact on social developers, many of which have games based in Flash on Facebook.
Games built around other languages or engines, such as Unity 3D, will also be be affected by Microsoft's stance, and, given the millions expected to upgrade to Windows 8 around the globe, could well trigger a broader shift towards HTML5 than seen to date.
Humming with HTML5
That's a switch Microsoft is keen to push.
"The reality today is that sites are already rapidly engineering for a plug-in free experience," added Hachamovitch.
"Google, for example, recently launched their HTML5 YouTube site for phones.
"On Windows 8, consumer sites and 'line of business' applications that require legacy ActiveX controls will continue to run in the desktop browser, and people can tap 'use desktop view' in Metro style IE for these sites."
While Windows 8 will launch with HTML5 support equipped, Windows Phone users have to wait for the roll out of Mango expected any day now to enjoy the platform while on the go.
[source: Microsoft]
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Top Stories
Feature
May 17th, 2024
New release roundup: The best new mobile games from a battle royale to a console classic remake
Feature
May 16th, 2024
Behind the scenes: How adding sandwich offers to an idle merge game boosted three metrics at once
Events
Valencia Indie Summit 2024 | Europe | May 16th |
Digital Dragons | Europe | May 19th |
GamesBeat Summit 2024 | North America | May 20th |
Mobidictum Meetup Tallinn May 2024 | Europe | May 21st |
Nordic Game Spring 2024 | Nordic | May 21st |
Impact 2024 - Indie Games | May 23rd | |
MomoCon 2024 | North America | May 24th |
Morocco Gaming Expo | Africa | May 24th |
Popular Stories
Feature
May 14th, 2024
53 top mobile games in soft launch: Squad Busters, Battle Guys: Royale, Plants vs. Zombies 3, LEGO Hill Climb Adventures, and more
Feature
May 13th, 2024
Hot Five: Dubai's new Gaming Visa, April's mobile game charts, and Xbox studio closures
Feature
May 14th, 2024