Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Chrome First To Get Much Anticipated Gamepad API


Google continues to quickly develop browser to work well with HTML5 applications. There is now a Gamepad API, which was initially suggested by Mozilla as “Joystick API“. Back in August, Google developer Scott Graham started a discussion thread on W3C’s site promoting the API. In September, Nokia’s Art Barstow officially informed the W3C that Mozilla and Google had draft specs for a Joystick API.

The idea of the Gamepad API is to make the browser much more appealing to video gamers, especially since Google’s NaCl can run traditional video games in a browser – and those joysticks should be working in those scenarios already. This should become even more interesting when NaCl 3D will eb available. However, the bigger view is input support beyond the mouse and touch. For example, TV and video remote controls could suddenly work insider the browser as well.

The Gamepad API can be enabled via flag at about:flags.

Chrome 17 nightly builds have received a few other interesting additions over the past week. Profile icons can now be moved directly to the Windows desktop. Chrome Frame now works on IE7 as well and WebGL has been enabled for the WebkitGTK port.

Gruener in Products on November 28

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