Opera Software working on native video functionality to replace Flash

Opera Software, who created and maintain the Opera web browser, has been working on native video functionality for its mobile browser that will replace Adobe's Flash plug-in.

Though this news isn't directly iPhone related, it could have interesting effect on mobile web browsing in general, and may be something that Apple would like to get its hands on.

"What we are doing is adding video capability directly into the Web browser so you can use text, and video, and javascript and directly execute video inside of the Web," said Tatsuki Tomita, senior vice president for consumer products at Opera Software.

As I've already raised concerns over, the Flash plug-in is very processor and memory intensive, arguably the main reason why it's barely available on mobile devices.

If the solution is successful, and becomes an open source standard, then it could well find its way on to the iPhone. Apple seem to want Flash-like support at some point, unless that's just rhetoric to appease those who are frustrated at its absence, so it would make sense if Apple can't develop their own alternative.

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