Google [GOOG] has announced a new video format called WebM. WebM is based on the VP8 video codec that Google acquired when they purchased a company called On2 a while ago.
According to Google, the WebM video format is efficient enough to be played on a range of devices like netbooks and smartphones. WebM is completely open source and licensed royalty-free under a BSD-style license.
Support from Major Companies
A number of large companies have already shown their support for the WebM format, and these include Firefox, Opera, Adobe, AMD, ARM, NVIDIA, and many more. This widespread support is crucial for the adoption of any new technology, and it indicates that WebM has a strong chance of becoming a widely-used video format. For example, Mozilla’s Firefox and Opera browsers have integrated WebM support, allowing users to play WebM videos without needing additional plugins. Adobe’s support means that WebM can be used in Flash Player, which is still widely used on the web.
Technical Advantages of WebM
WebM offers several technical advantages over other video formats. One of the key benefits is its efficiency. The VP8 codec is designed to deliver high-quality video at lower bitrates, which means that videos can be streamed more smoothly and with less buffering, even on slower internet connections. This is particularly important for mobile devices, where bandwidth can be limited.
Another advantage of WebM is its open-source nature. Being open-source means that developers can freely use and modify the format without worrying about licensing fees. This can lead to more innovation and faster adoption, as developers are not hindered by financial barriers. The BSD-style license under which WebM is released is also very permissive, allowing for a wide range of uses.
WebM also supports a range of resolutions, from standard definition to high definition, making it versatile for different types of content. Whether you’re streaming a low-resolution video on a smartphone or a high-definition movie on a smart TV, WebM can handle it.
Real-World Applications
In real-world applications, WebM has already started to make an impact. YouTube, one of the largest video platforms in the world, has adopted WebM for its HTML5 video player. This means that millions of videos on YouTube are now available in the WebM format, providing a better viewing experience for users. Additionally, the use of WebM on YouTube helps to reduce the platform’s bandwidth costs, as the format’s efficiency means that less data needs to be transmitted.
Another example is the use of WebM in video conferencing applications. The format’s low latency and high efficiency make it ideal for real-time communication, where delays and buffering can be particularly disruptive. Companies like Google have integrated WebM into their video conferencing tools, providing a smoother and more reliable experience for users.
Future Prospects
Looking to the future, WebM has the potential to become a dominant video format on the web. Its combination of efficiency, open-source licensing, and widespread support from major companies gives it a strong foundation for growth. As more devices and platforms adopt WebM, it will become easier for content creators to use the format, further driving its adoption.
Moreover, the ongoing development of the VP9 codec, which is the successor to VP8, promises even greater efficiency and quality improvements. VP9 is already being used in some applications, and its integration with WebM will ensure that the format continues to evolve and improve.
You can find out more details about the WebM video format over at the developer page.
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