Microsoft has this week rolled out a new upgrade to their Dropbox-style SkyDrive service, which has taken the cloud storage solution away from Microsoft Silverlight and replaced it with HTML5.
SkyDrive allows you to put all your documents in one place for easy access, but rather than being a background storage solution, Microsoft has developed SkyDrive as a more front-end application with the addition of the new HTML5 code.
Enhanced Video and Photo Viewing
Within the new SkyDrive service, videos will now use the H.264 format, and the default video player is HTML5 rather than Silverlight-based. This change not only improves compatibility across different devices and browsers but also enhances the overall user experience by providing faster load times and better video quality. Additionally, photographs will also be viewed using HTML5, enabling infinite scrolling of thumbnails and a new slide viewer. This means users can effortlessly browse through large photo collections without experiencing delays or interruptions.
Resizing your browser now also smoothly resizes all your thumbnails with ease, thanks to the new HTML5 and CSS3 transitions. This dynamic resizing ensures that the layout remains consistent and visually appealing, regardless of the screen size or device being used.
Improved Performance and Accessibility
The transition from Silverlight to HTML5 brings several performance improvements to SkyDrive. HTML5 is known for its lightweight nature and faster execution, which translates to quicker load times and a more responsive interface. Users will notice that navigating through their files and folders is now more fluid and seamless.
Moreover, HTML5 offers better accessibility features compared to Silverlight. It supports a wider range of assistive technologies, making SkyDrive more inclusive for users with disabilities. For instance, screen readers can more effectively interpret and interact with HTML5 content, providing a better experience for visually impaired users.
Another significant advantage of using HTML5 is its cross-platform compatibility. Unlike Silverlight, which required a specific plugin, HTML5 works natively in most modern web browsers. This means that users can access SkyDrive from a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops, without needing to install additional software.
Future Prospects and User Feedback
The shift to HTML5 also opens up new possibilities for future enhancements and features in SkyDrive. HTML5’s robust framework allows for easier integration of new technologies and updates, ensuring that SkyDrive can continue to evolve and meet the changing needs of its users.
User feedback has been overwhelmingly positive since the upgrade. Many users have praised the improved performance, smoother transitions, and enhanced accessibility. The ability to view videos and photos seamlessly has been particularly well-received, as it significantly enhances the overall user experience.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s decision to upgrade SkyDrive from Silverlight to HTML5 marks a significant step forward in the evolution of cloud storage solutions. The enhanced video and photo viewing capabilities, improved performance, and better accessibility make SkyDrive a more powerful and user-friendly tool. As technology continues to advance, we can expect SkyDrive to keep pace, offering even more innovative features and improvements in the future.
Source: Tech Crunch
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