Not only is it not true that Netflix would cave if they didn't have native browser support, but we know it's not true, because Netflix for years relied on plugins to deliver over browsers. Meanwhile, every year that passes, browsers have less leverage as more Netflix subscribers get their content either on set-top boxes or mobile devices (where Netflix has total end-to-end control), and fewer are stuck with browsers.
Have to say that this mirrors my experience. Netflix as an app is ubiquitous -- it's on virtually every electronic device I have, from smart TV to Chromecast to phone to tablet to Wii U and PS4. I believe I have Flash specifically updated and enabled for Netflix (or one of the video services, HBO maybe?). If Netflix required a specialized Mac OS X, I probably would install it. I imagine browsers have less leverage when it comes to the average non-technically inclined user.
So the response becomes "so what?". Oh no, proprietary videos will move to proprietary apps, and free videos would remain in the browser. People aren't going to stop using browsers for everything else just because they watch youtube vids on the youtube app. Browsers just aren't going to suffer if proprietary videos move elsewhere - it doesn't matter whether Netflix caves or not. It's not like the rest of the world-wide-web that doesn't rely on DRM'd electronic files is going to follow suit and leave the browser.
>> because Netflix for years relied on plugins to deliver over browsers.
They still do, you have to have the Widevine PLUGIN and the Open H264 PLUGIN to play content on netflix
It is a pure myth that eme does not have plugins
>browsers have less leverage as more Netflix subscribers get their content either on set-top boxes or mobile devices (where Netflix has total end-to-end control), and fewer are stuck with browsers.
I am fine with that, I would rather have that than an HTML5 standard that requires binary plugins to work. I would rather have that then the risk EME brings to extent beyond video content to start having entire pages plugin bases, fonts DRM encumbered, and 100's of other consequences to this move that are coming
>>HTML5 does not require binary plugins in order to work.
Yet... EME opens the door, and only the Naive believe EME will start and stop at Video Content.
There are already requests for ebooks,and fonts. Images and and even web content itself is not far behind
>I agree that it's a myth that EME doesn't have plugins. What EME does is reduce the scope of those plugins.
Yes and no, if you buy in to the "perfect sandbox" myth then sure, but to believe CDM's are secure is laughable. There are too many hooks into the hardware, there as to be in order to bypass the user, for it to actually be secure.
No the security is more protecting the CDM from the user, not protecting the user from the CDM
