Google Chrome Now Sets HTML5 As Default For Most Websites, Gradually Trashing Flash

The agonizing but certain death of Adobe Flash goes on as Google has made updates to Chrome so it will make sure that it will prioritize HTML5 instead of Flash on most websites. The new update is now available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

Chrome 55, its not so official term, is the latest update from the popular browser. It was in beta test for quite a long time but Google felt confidence to push it for public use. The main idea is to block Flash on most websites so it can load HTML5 instead, if applicable. People are embracing this idea since Flash tends to crash their browsers and it is gradually becoming obsolete. Here's the actual announcement from Google:

"The Chrome team is delighted to announce the promotion of Chrome 55 to the stable channel for Windows, Mac and Linux. This will roll out over the coming days/weeks,..."Chrome 55.0.2883.75 contains a number of fixes and improvements ...a list of changes is available in the log."

It is important to note that it was always possible to block Flash from Google Chrome and it has been a feature for years now. It can be accessed in the browser's settings and users can also block the auto-play of flash plugins playing videos automatically.

When blocked, users can always click the blocked video's placeholder to allow it temporarily. On version 55.0.2883.75, however, setting up to block Flash is already set by default so there is no need to visit the settings page often. The latest Google Chrome will only load flash if the website visited does not support HTML 5.

This move should force webmasters to totally ditch Flash in favor of HTML5. It's time to check that browser and update it to Chrome 55. Users may do so by simply checking on the help section of the browser itself or check out the online help here.