Mobile HTML5

Chapter 5. SVG, Canvas, Audio, and Video

We’ve covered most of the new elements of HTML5, with the exception of elements uniquely associated with web APIs currently under development and the well-supported media-related elements of SVG, Canvas, Audio, and Video. The former are subject to change, so aren’t covered in this book. The latter are covered here.

We’ve covered the main features you’re likely to use in your day-to-day work as a frontend web developer, enabling you to use modern features when developing for mobile browsers. All modern mobile browsers (with the exception of Opera Mini) support <canvas>, <video>, and <audio>, as well as web APIs like geolocation, localStorage, offline web applications, etc.

A book could be written about each of the individual topics covered in this chapter, and, for the most part, already have been written. We’ll provide you with enough information, hopefully, to decide, “Hey, I do need to read the book on that” or to decide, “Hmmm, not interested quite yet.” While we won’t deep dive into any of these topics, you’ll have enough knowledge to get started. And, more importantly, you’ll understand the benefits and drawbacks of these technologies in the mobile arena.

HTML5 Media APIs

The original HTML specification was purely for textual content and did not even include the <img> element. We’ve come a long way since then. HTML5 provides for creating scalable, vector-based graphics with SVG and blank drawing space with <canvas> ...