Microsoft Offers H.264 Plug-in For Google Chrome 332
Apparently Firefox was just the beginning: Pigskin-Referee writes "Microsoft has released a Windows Media Player HTML5 Extension for Chrome so as to enable H.264-encoded video on HTML5 by using built-in capabilities available on Windows 7. As you may recall, less than two months ago, Microsoft released the HTML5 Extension for Windows Media Player Firefox Plug-in with the same goal in mind. Even though Firefox and Chrome are big competitors to Microsoft's own Internet Explorer, the software giant has decided Windows 7 users should be able to play back H.264 video even if they aren't using IE9. Here's the current state of HTML5 video: Microsoft and Apple are betting on H.264, while Firefox, Chrome, and Opera are rooting for WebM. Google was actually in favor of both H.264 and WebM up until earlier this month, when the search giant decided to drop H.264 support completely, even though the former is widely used and the latter is not. The company also announced that it would release WebM plugins for Internet Explorer 9 and Safari. Although IE9 supports H.264, excluding all other codecs, Microsoft is making an exception for WebM, as long as the user installs the corresponding codec, and is helping Google ensure the plug-in works properly."
No thanks (Score:2, Interesting)
I like freedom from patent-encumbered garbage.
And it's sad that patent-loving idiot companies are all over WebM trying to "prove" it is patent-encumbered as well. Go fuck off. Seriously, this is what we need to tell patent trolls. OH PATENT WE'LL SUE! "Fuck off." BUT-- "FUCK... OFF."
Re:Microsoft supporting choice? (Score:3, Interesting)
Either that or they're hoping all their shit is going to crash Chrome and give it the same shocking reputation for security, speed and standards compliance that IE has always had.
Re:Microsoft supporting choice? (Score:1, Interesting)
There was an article on Slashdot just yesterday that debunked the "no VP8 patents" claim. It's simply not true, VP8 is just as patent encumbered as H.264 for noticeably worse video quality.
All removing H.264 support does is cement Flash as the web video display method of choice. Not that it shouldn't, mind you, Flash is still clearly better than HTML5 for video for a ton of reasons - mainly that it actually fucking works for the most part.
When Chrome crashes trying to display YouTube in HTML5 mode, you know HTML5 video has a ways to go...
Re:Gotta love it. (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Missing the point (Score:5, Interesting)
You bought a license when you bought the OS that bought the license.
The following operating systems do not include an AVC license: Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Business, and Windows 7 Starter.