UPDATED 12:26 EDT / JUNE 17 2011

Can Facebook Knock Down Apple with an HTML5 Platform?

Facebook SafariMany reports are cycling around the fact that Facebook is targeting Apple with a new HTML5 platform that takes a stab at Apple’s mobile browser Safari.  Taking control away from Apple by implementing features which will in turn give them more control.  Using Apple’s own browser against them doesn’t seem like a clear objective.

As we understand it, Project Spartan is the codename for a new platform Facebook is on verge of launching. It’s entirely HTML5-based and the aim is to reach some 100 million users in a key place: mobile. More specifically, the initial target is both surprising and awesome: mobile Safari,” reports TechCrunch.

Yes, Facebook is about to launch a mobile platform aimed squarely at working on the iPhone (and iPad). But it won’t be distributed through the App Store as a native application, it will be entirely HTML5-based and work in Safari. Why? Because it’s the one area of the device that Facebook will be able to control (or mostly control).

Facebook will never admit this, but those familiar with the project believe the intention is very clear: to use Apple’s own devices against them to break the stranglehold they have on mobile app distribution. With nearly 700 million users, Facebook is certainly in the position to challenge the almighty App Store distribution mechanism. But they need to be able to do so on Apple’s devices which make up a key chunk of the market.

These reports are unconfirmed, but Facebook looking for power over the mobile space is an interesting angle.  Flash is becoming a thing of the past, but I clearly cannot see the “ownership” of HTML5 being directed towards a specific company.

Since the new platform will not be an actual application, it’s also vague as to what features will be in store for users. Hijacking a user experience from within a browser doesn’t seem possible unless it involves a hack in some form.

 


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