HTML5, CSS3, & DW CS5

HTML5 and CSS3 the way of the future.  The latest versions of Firefox, Safari, and Chrome already support these standards (as they are based on the open source Webkit platform that Apple developed a few years ago).  That said, as soon as Internet Explorer 9 is released (currently in preview at the time of this article), developers will be moving full steam ahead!  One of the major motivating factors for the shift to HTML5 is the increase in Mobile browsing platforms.  With the overwhelming popularity of the Apple iPhone and the increasing popularity of the Google Android phones, the need for a non-flash based solution continues to grow.

[It is a shame that Microsoft is holding back technology (63% of users are still using the technically inferior Internet Explorer browser), but until they catch up, it doesn't make much sense to start full-blown development in HTML5 and CSS3.  Instead, now is the time to learn the capabilities of these new technologies and prepare for the release of IE9.]

Here is a great Demo Library that Apple put together to show off the functionality of HTML5 & CSS3 (requires the Safari browser): Apple HTML5 Demos
Make sure to play the checkers game on the second page!

Now, after viewing all these demos and realizing that they were all made 100% with HTML5 & CSS3 (no FLASH Player at all), can someone please explain to me why we need a proprietary platform like Adobe Flash when we can use these open source platforms?

Adobe Dreamweaver CS5

Adobe recently released an HTML5 Extension for Dreamweaver CS5 that adds a good deal of functionality.  You can download the pack here:  Dreamweaver HTML5 Pack

In addition to the HTML5 add ons, Dreamweaver CS5 also introduces the next revision of the Spry Framework which they are making available in the new Widget Browser (released 06/14/2010).  Among the most important new Widgest is the new Spry Menubar 2.0 which enables the dropdown menus to function on a touch-screen device.  (The hover functionality on the Menubar of Spry 1.6 doesn't function on touchscreen / mobile devices).  This is a welcome addition to the Spry Family.  You can download the Widget Browser here:  Dreamweaver Spry Widget Browser

So far, Dreamweaver CS5 has added some great new tricks for HTML5 & CSS3.  I look forward to MSIE9 catching up so we can really start putting these great new technologies into production!