The emerging web standard, HTML5 is generating an intense debate as to the inclusion of copy-protection as proposed by its leading advocates: Google, Netflix and Microsoft Corp. Hypertext Markup Language, HTML5, which has revolutionized web content creation, making it possible to include streaming video and audio to web pages lacks mechanism for Digital Rights Management (DRM).

The web contents DRM is an encryption mechanism which permits only authorized access to video and audio. It invariably prevents unauthorized usage and distribution of web contents.

Adobe Flash Player, is an example of platforms that support DRM and copy protection, whereby commercial web video industries employ it through browser plug-in to protect their contents. But, how the open standard can effectively implement such mechanism without infringing on the pros of the popular technology remains a daunting task.

The staunch editor of the HTML standard, Ian Hickson, has completely opposed the move and stated categorically that the proposal is "unethical and should not be pursued", according to a W3C mailing list.

The obvious reason for the push for the proposal by leading web technologies is the rate at which commercial TV and video companies throng to the World Wide Web Consortium. And developers on the contrary have stressed the difficulties in coding video and audio tag as HTML does not support content protection.

The MegaUpload web portal law suit for infringement on copy-righted materials is a case in point for arguments in favor of the proposal.

But, would the HTML5 video copy protection, not in effect bring-up the enthroning of browser plug-in all over again?

HTML5: Proposed Copy Protection

The buzz is all over the web, and perhaps, Pinterest has got the drive to take-on Facebook advances after all. This post, however, is not another social network wars stuff, but rather a research into the innovations that has made the new entrant unique. As stressed earlier, it's not the name behind the brand, but availability of user-engaging functionality that spells success in the social sphere.

The project started around December 2009, with the actual closed-beta service commencing March 2010. And, which till date is still an invitation only service.

Pinterest is unique from the fact that it has reinvented the 'image worth's more than a thousand words ideology', as pioneered by David Galbraith's Project Wist in 2005. Albeit, the social web phenomena has not taken-off, which may be the reason for the project's failure.

Pinterest is simply put as a 'visual bulletin board', bringing the beauty and power of images to live to convey specific message on the social platform. It is more related to Twitter in functions, and employs similar terminologies: Pin (is an image uploaded on Pinterest), Repin (is the equivalent of retweet), while Board (is a collection of pins).

There are varied interests and topic boards which are open for users to follow, and that reflects the updates on the home screen. Each image board contain items of media, known as pin, which may be a picture, video or related media stuff.

Pinterest, similar to other social networks, allows a user to follow the activities of other users, receiving updates on the Homepage through 'Pin Feed'. And the high point of the service, is perhaps, the ability to convey a vivid picture of events as in wedding, than words can relay, more reason the feminine folks are trooping en masse.

Pinterest: Reinventing The Social Wheel

Microsoft has scheduled the 'consumer preview' date for the newest version of Windows operating system, Windows 8, on February 29. Windows 8 design is perhaps the most critical update the incumbent OS has put-up so far, and so much hypes have followed its announcement.

The leaked overview has shown a radical interface change in the new OS, the ever popular start button which first appeared in Windows 95 will be replaced by an intuitive 'hot spot' (the smart corner serves the function of start button hub, with a swipe it brings-up the menus).

The new OS builds on the elements of the former version Windows 7, bringing with it the Metro Themes and Tiles. The Tiles is a live screen displaying updates from social networks realtime, and messaging status from email and IM on the Home screen.

Microsoft has maintained a keen sight on the Tablet market dominated by Android and Apple Device, and obviously, the new OS designs may nonetheless mark Microsoft incursion into the mainstream of the mobile platforms. As the timing and place also coincide with the date for the Mobile World Congress.

Although, no release date has been announced for the final version of the new OS, trend watchers are of the candid-view that it may show-up before the holiday season.

Final Windows 8 Preview

Push notifications is a feature that is native to Android and iOS apps, allowing it to notify users about the availability of a new content. Mozilla, is reportedly working on introducing the technology to the web according to Jeff Balogh, a developer at Mozilla Foundation.

The push notifications application for the web will allow websites to notify subscribers of new updates similar to how mobile apps notify users, albeit, mimicking the capability of RSS feeds, but as a core web technology.

The prototype and designing of the new API is currently in the works, and the notification service invokes the Firefox browser to deliver push contents to users. And user's permission is sort before the browser commences the notification service. It delivers the message to Firefox on the desktop, on Android, on Boot to Gecko, or iOS on Firefox Home.

The major point of the service is that we live in a multiple device, and cross-platform world. So, it acknowledges all the major platforms: Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS as Firefox Home.

Definitely, the notification service takes-on the role of RSS feeds, but rather built into the core web programming interface. The paramount question, then is, are we heading to an upgrade to the RSS feeds or just another viable alternative to the service?

Push Notifications: Web Application