What is HTML5?

HTML5 is a mark-up language used for creating and presenting content on the web. It is already being used by lots of sites, but is not expected to receive official ‘recommended’ status from the Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C) until 2014 year.

Unlike other mark-up languages, HTML5 has dedicated <video>, <audio> and <canvas> tags, which let web designers embed videos, music and animations in web pages without needing additional software such as Adobe Flash. The technology is cross-platform, which means you can use it on any PC, tablet, smartphone or other device with an HTML5-enabled browser.

HTML5 can also be used to create apps that don’t require you to be connected to the net, such as Gmail Offline, which can can pinpoint where you are using geo-location.



All the big browsers support HTML5, and there are several online tests you can try to see how well the technology works.

One is Futuremark’s Peacekeeper test which runs a series of HTML5 graphics, videos, games and more in your browser, so you can see for yourself how quickly and smoothly content is displayed. The test can be performed in any browser, and across all platforms, including tablets and phones.