Robin Berjon, a freelance technologist known for his sharp insights on governance problems, revisits his 2014 predictions for the web's future. He and Brian discuss key milestones, from HTML5 completion to the evolution of Single Page Applications (SPAs). They humorously identify accurate forecasts and misjudgments, while reflecting on advancements in MathML and PDF rendering. The conversation also addresses challenges in standardizing technologies and the need for flexible standards that encourage innovation across diverse tech ecosystems.
The podcast emphasizes the unpredictability of technology evolution, highlighting how 2014 predictions, like the rise of SPAs, have been both accurate and limited.
A critical examination of digital rights management reveals persistent governance challenges in digital spaces, emphasizing the need for more effective advocacy strategies.
Deep dives
Reflection on Internet Evolution
The conversation highlights the importance of reflecting on the internet's evolution, particularly looking back at predictions made in 2014 about its future. Robin Bergen recalls writing a piece titled 'Web 2024,' motivated by significant milestones in web development like the release of HTML5 and the web's 25th anniversary. This introspection reveals how predictions about technology can be both prescient and misguided, as many seemingly absurd ideas, like the viability of Amazon and Google, have turned into monumental successes. The discussion emphasizes the unpredictability of technology and how valuable reflections can guide future developments.
Progress in Web Standards and Formats
In the exploration of technological predictions, significant attention is given to document formats, particularly the ongoing reliance on PDFs in scholarly publishing. Although there has been some improvement in HTML formats and MathML support, the conversation underscores that while advancements have been made, the transition from PDF remains limited. The discussion touches on how better integration of standards could facilitate a more accessible and efficient academic landscape. Researchers are increasingly finding ways to generate scientific content in more web-friendly formats, though full adoption is still a work in progress.
Rise of Single Page Applications (SPAs)
The podcast addresses the successful emergence of single page applications (SPAs) and the expected interoperability of backend systems. Predictions made about service workers and frameworks gaining prominence were largely accurate, yet limitations in data interoperability between websites persisted. Despite acknowledging the popularity of SPAs for content delivery, the conversation recognizes that their potential as a shell for dynamic content has yet to be fully humanized and widely implemented. This reflects an ongoing challenge to create seamless and rich content delivery systems that appreciate the power of web components.
Challenges and Realities of DRM
The discussion on digital rights management (DRM) reveals that the initial concerns about its proliferation have not diminished significantly in recent years. While attempts to regulate DRM in the realm of EPUB formats were blocked, the implementation of DRM in audio and video has succeeded, highlighting a disparity in public acceptance. The conversation illustrates the complexities of governance in digital spaces, noting that grassroots movements often misdirect their efforts against organizations rather than the corporations behind them. Ultimately, the podcast emphasizes the need for more productive avenues to address DRM issues and better understand power dynamics in technology.