Experiments in HTML5: Digital Racing Tracks

Many enterprises were skeptical about the success of HTML5 in the initial years. But within a shorter span of time, the markup language is being used widely to presenting and structuring a variety of content for the web. A number of recent reports have highlighted how a constant increase is noted in the number of mobile apps being implemented by using the updated version of HTML. Many organizations are also carrying out experiments in HTML5 synchronize devices running of different mobile platforms.

Before a few months, a multi-device and multi-player Chrome experiment called Racer created a buzz by allowing the use to play the game simultaneously with five distinct players. The slot car game enabled users to create digital racing tracks by lining up five smartphones or tables. Thus, multiple users can compete with each other side-by-side on the digital racing track at a time. As the game runs completely on Chrome, it becomes easier for users to synchronize multiple mobile devices and build digital racing tracks.

Innovative Technologies Used in Building the Digital Racing Tracks

HTML5 Canvas Elements

The car slot game is developed using HTML5. So it can run on both Android and iOS devices that allow users to install the Chrome browser. After installing mobile Chrome on his device, a user can simply point the mobile web browser to “chrome.com/racer” to setup and play the game. Instead of conventional ASCII-animation, the game uses HTML canvas elements to deliver pixel-perfect and speed animation.

Paper.js

As an open source vector graphics scripting framework, Paper.js runs on top of the HTML5 canvas. It further makes it easier for developers to build vector graphics and bezier curves by using an effective programming interface. The JavaScript vector library provided by Paper.js is used by Racer to create custom tracks, and facilitate the fluid movement of cars. At the same time, Paper.js is also effective in preventing the path math across multiple mobile devices from getting lapped.

Web Audio API

The Web Audio API is used by many applications to process and synthesize audio. The powerful JavaScript API is used by Racer to make the soundtrack react according to the movement of each user. However, the API will work only on the devices that where it is supported. If the device supports the API, users can enjoy dynamic soundtrack while accelerating, colliding, coasting or careening. The dynamic mixing of Giorgio Moroder’s symphony further makes the gaming experience both exciting and realistic.

WebSockets

Many applications, nowadays, use WebSockets to maintain persistent communication between the client and server. The specification further defines an API that can be used to establish and maintain socket connection between a web browser and server. Racer used WebSockets to facilitate uninterrupted communication between different devices. The efficient and persistent communication also results in movement of drivers. Also, the specification further helps in synchronizing the race by facilitating a rapid and multi-way conversation through sharing of data from the server.

Google Cloud Platform

Racer also avails the combined benefits of Google’s App Engine, Cloud Storage, and Compute Engine. Many enterprises use Cloud platform to build, deploy and test a variety of applications on the reliable and highly-scalable infrastructure provided by Google. The scalable Cloud architecture from Google provides a solid base to the slot car game to run on. Along with reliable hosting, the quality infrastructure further enables Racer for speedy computation and quick load balancing.

Despite being a simpler experiment in HTML5, Racer will encourage more enterprises to build mobile applications that deliver multi-user or multi-player experience. The slot game can be further updated to create larger digital racing tracks that spread across more mobile screens. The early experience further highlights how HTML5 and related technologies can be used to build innovative mobile applications. You can get in touch with a custom HTML5 development company who can help you build html5 web apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide HTML5 web development services. If you would like to speak to one of our expert HTML5 developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Why Outsource Flash to HTML5 Conversion Services?

The security flaws in Adobe Flash Player have affected its popularity negatively. A constant increase is also noted in the number of enterprises switching to HTML5 from Flash. Within a very short span of time HTML5 is being used widely to build web-based games, online animation and multimedia. The technology is currently being supported by major HTML browsers including Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera and Safari. So the content developed using HTML5 can be accessed by users on both web browsers and mobile devices. The rapidly growing popularity of HTML5 has encouraged companies like Google and Adobe to launch tools that automatically converts Flash to HTML5. However, an organization can avail several advantages by outsourcing the Flash to HTML5 conversion services.

5 Reasons Why Outsource Flash to HTML5 Conversion Services

1) Hire the Best Conversion Specialist

Each enterprise can outsource its Flash to HTML5 conversion project to hire experienced, skilled and highly qualified conversion specialists without any hassle. It is always challenging to switch to a new technology. So there are always chances that the professionals have to address and resolve new issues to make the process smooth and fast. The skills, expertise and experience of the conversion specialist will ensure that the converted files are delivered without putting any extra effort or funds. Also, the team can handle complex projects and high volume of data within a stipulated timeframe.

2) Reduce the Turnaround Time

An organization has option to convert online videos, multimedia and advertisements to HTML5. But complex Flash games and visualization applications cannot be converted to HTML quickly. Similarly, some of the functionality in Flash can be converted only be deploying a team of seasoned professionals. So an organization can always outsource the project to reduce turnaround time for converted file delivery. The company converting HTML to Flash can further deploy additional resources to complete the complex and large projects on schedule.

3) Use the State of the Art Conversion Tools

There are several ways to convert Flash to HTML5. In addition to using the Flash to HTML 5 Online Converter, you can also use Adobe Wallaby or Google Swiffy. But each of these tools has its own limitations. For instance, Wallaby converts the animation and artwork created as Flash Professional (FLA) files. Similarly, Swiffy converts Flash (SWF) files to HTML5 to make the files reusable on devices without running Flash Player. So the choice of conversion tools and methods will vary according to the size and complexity level of the application. There are also chances that the conversion can be optimized by using multiple tools and techniques. When an organization outsources the Flash to HTML5 conversion project, it can avail customized conversion tools, along with the service of expert conversion specialists.

4) 100% Error-Free Documentation

While switching to HTML5, you must ensure that the converted files can be used by your team without any hassle. In addition to replacing your existing website content and advertisements, the HTL5 also be used for marketing and advertisement purposes. So your in-house team must understand detailed information about each converted file. Each converted file also needs to be documented accurately to be used conveniently. You can avail 100% error-free documentation by outsourcing the conversion without deploying any additional manpower or resources.

5) Reduce Conversion Time and Cost

When you decide to outsource Flash to HTML5 conversion project, there are option to choose from several conversion service providers. Along with hiring freelance conversion specialist, you also have option to hire companies offering conversion services. So you can always choose the best option according to the complexity level and requirements of your project. You also have option to outsource the project to an offshore conversion service provider to save money. The company will ensure that the conversion project is completed on time, without escalating the project cost.

Before outsourcing its Flash to HTML5 conversion services, an organization must make a comprehensive plan to identify the online videos, animation and advertisements to be converted. Also, it must emphasize on making the HTML5 content accessible on the latest mobile devices and web browsers. HTML5 mobile apps development teams can help you conversion within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide Flash to HTML5 Migration Services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our certified HTML5 developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.