The 5 Most Important Features of HTML5

HTML5, the new version of HTML offers a number of unique features which will change the way websites and users interact. We will take a look at 5 important features which revolutionize the way users view websites. HTML5 will significantly change the way websites are designed. It is already a favored platform for new age technology. Search engines will get access to tap into a richer source of information.
The Apple iPhones, iPads and Google Android phones already use elements of HTML 5. This makes it an important markup language for future website design projects across various display devices.
HTML5 features in the limelight

The HTML project working group has released several feature specs till now. Some of key ones are

1. Video elements: Designers can now build web pages without having to resort to third-party proprietary plug-in software like Flash. YouTube is experimenting with using HTML 5 to display video. Built in video controls makes the feature more attractive and easy to use.
   
2. Application cache: On the lines of Outlook but minus the email client requirement, you can now store web apps much like emails locally. Google has already made use of this feature replacing its Google Gears mail client with HTML 5. Google Wave also usesHTML 5
   
3. Canvas for Images: The canvas element that comes with HTML 5 lets you manipulate graphics and photos enabling easy rendering of images. Designers no longer need to use intermediate technologies like jQuery. This will help save development time and effort.
   
4. Geolocation: The HTML5 Geolocation feature enables location identification using various geo location technologies GPS (Global Positioning system), IP address, RFID (Radio frequency ID), Wi-Fi , Bluetooth MAC address and GSM/CDMA cell IDs. The system is bound by privacy regulations and needs to be authorized by individuals before it can be utilized.
   
5. Web workers: This feature enables a web application to execute complex tasks independently without interfering with the performance of a webpage in real-time.
   

What the future holds
Most of the top browsers are including the new HTML5 specs in their development plans. Firefox, Opera, Safari and Internet Explorer (IE8) have shown receptivity to most of the changes though the process is expected to take time.