Upon doing some research today, I found a new element that’s worked its way into the HTML5 spec: the <device> tag. What this will allow web developers to do is have a standard way of using a device on the user’s computer (like a webcam or microphone).
What could this mean? The obvious one is video-chat capabilities without Flash, but I’m seeing this as a huge bridge between the desktop world and the web world. Just imagine: Flickr could upload pictures directly from your camera without any extra software, or browser games could use your joysticks natively. If this specification goes through, we could be looking at a dramatically different web.
If you haven’t seen this (don’t worry, I hadn’t until yesterday), you need to. The best way I can describe it is “The Blair Witch Project” meets YouTube. The storyline is compelling, and it’s still active, as far as I can tell. It’s been going on for about six months; the last update (at time of blogging) was December 22 of last year. It’s not for the faint-hearted—there are parts that had me jumping out of my seat.
How to Experience Marble Hornets
Start at the Introduction (embedded below), and work your way through the entries in order. Also, starting with Entry 9, there are video responses that are attached to each entry. Watch them, too, they seem to be an integral part of the story (or at the very least, scare you more). The main character also updates a Twitter feed.
My name is Ross Light. I program, I take photographs, and I improvise. I enjoy being a nerd, but at the same time, I don't think I quite fit in with the nerd crowd. I also enjoy movies, whether it be watching them, thinking about them, or making them.
