In the year 2010 there was a lot of advancement in web technology, as there is every year since 1995. Things may not have appeared to change much to some on the surface. Most of the recent advancements have been “behind the scenes”, tweaking and optimizing current browsers. Many of us have also experienced the flurry of mobile web devices and the usability pros/cons that go along with them. The need to “Be Connected” these days has really changed the way programmers are thinking.

Though some companies, such as Mozilla FireFox are striving to perfect their computer based web browser, other are pioneering the market in mobile usability. Some are even creating their own OS Google to create their version of the user experience. And to be honest, it will be quite something once it spreads and grows. The big difference is “The Cloud”. By storing everything in one central repository, productivity and creativity can flourish.

Where Will 2011 Take Us?

The Cloud will take the accessibility we have grown a custom to on our mobile devices, and bring it to our homes. In fact, the two sides will somewhat come together in a grand re-invention of how we communicate and entertain. We have seen it in movies for years, the phone rings and there’s grandma’s face on the screen. The video phone has been a dream for years. Many have tried and most, if not all have failed. The luxury of seeing the person you are talking to on the other end has been reserved for Government / Corporate use. The technology just was not affordable to the general public.

With Internet speeds increasing exponentially and faster than broadband wireless almost commonplace, things are really taking off! When Skype hit the scene, it changed the game. For less than $100US, anyone can now video chat at home. Some mobile devices offer this functionality as well. Although video chat is not everywhere yet, it soon will be as common as a light bulb.

Many of us depend on our mobile devices for so much more than just phone calls. If we could, we just have one device that would do everything. Provide us with phone, email, TV, Movies, Information and so much more! Well folks, it’s already happening!

We are on the brink of being completely unplugged. In 2011, you will see much more of this becoming common place. And, as I mentioned above… this is changing the way programmers are thinking.

In the past, a website was your 1st priority and a mobile site was a cool thing to have. In the near future, an APP will be your 1st priority and a website will be secondary. The new devices are going to bring everything together using an APP like interface i.e. Droid/iPhone. This will slowly become the “norm”.

Along with everything becoming more mobile and at the same time centralized and more accessible, things will become more personalized as well. Geolocation is a great example of how HTML5 will come in handy for all kinds of reasons. Like this music video for example, pay attention to the images and video they are showing. Talk about personalizing an experience!! There are a few examples of what HTML5 can do in this video, see if you can spot them all!

In comes HTML5

HTML5 has and will implement ways to personalize more of our content. We have all seen the flat screens showing ads, and the giant digital billboards. Now, imagine if every ad on every screen was geared directly towards you and your tastes. Even using your name and other personal info in the ads! This is already happening in some areas with the use of the latest smart phones. Want to know more about what’s to come? Keep an eye out for a future blog post where we will dive head first into HTML5 and how we can use it and apply it to our industry and other areas of our life.