Apple’s iPad, HTML5, and the Unicorn Solution

Unless you’ve been living under the proverbial rock for the last several weeks, you know that Apple has released its much-anticipated iPad.  The hype surrounding the iPad launch has created a lot of discussion about HTML5, what it means for media publishers, and what it means for consumers of online video.  We’d be remiss if we didn’t comment.

While HTML5 will become of growing importance over the next few years, the fact is, HTML5 is a brand new standard.  (There’s a great article over at Gizmodo that gives a fantastic rundown of what its realistic impact on the Internet is and will be.  If you aren’t familiar with HTML5 there’s a great explanation at the beginning, otherwise you can skip right to the middle.)

That said, Unicorn Media absolutely supports iPad video capabilities.  Using our HTTP links through an XML feed or directly through our API, we can deliver H.264 video to any HTML5 player with no issue – it’s only a matter of a few minutes to create a player that provides this capability.

We’re committed, as we’ve always been, to supporting all IP enabled standards and protocols, and part of that commitment is providing our customers with the right solution – not necessarily the newest.  Our technology supports customers who want to implement iPad video capabilities today – through our API and XML feed services. By providing a link that opens the native iPhone or iPad video player, or by using a Quicktime plugin (which not only recognizes non-Flash enabled browsers but also automatically supports both iPhone and iPad viewing), Unicorn Media customers can simply and reliably utilize video on the iPad.

Our dedication fo finding and utilizing the best solutions for customers to publish their valuable online media assets is something we feel distinguishes us from our competitors. If you have questions about how Unicorn Media can help you utilize HTML5 and iPad video capabilities today, please contact us here or drop a note to your Media Services Consultant.