Changes to Google Chrome Could Create Problems for Sports Streamers

Yesterday the Google Chrome team launched Chrome 42. The latest version of the popular browser has made some noteworthy changes to the behind-the-scenes things we take for granted. Arguably the biggest change is what will work with Chrome 42 in the near future, as Google plans to phase out old Netscape Plugin Application Programs Interfaces (NPAPI) such as Java and Silverlight extension compatibility entirely by September of this year.

Back in 2013 Google whitelisted many existing NPAPI extensions, meaning they continued usage and compatibility, though they did drop the whitelist of approved NPAPI’s in January of this year. While not blocked yet, the older NPAPI’s were no longer on by default in Chrome. To quote Google:

“In fact, many modern web platform features—including video and audio support—first saw mainstream deployment through NPAPI-based plug-ins. But the web has evolved. Today’s browsers are speedier, safer, and more capable than their ancestors. Meanwhile, NPAPI’s 90s-era architecture has become a leading cause of hangs, crashes, security incidents, and code complexity. Because of this, Chrome will be phasing out NPAPI support over the coming year.”

Google is a company that takes change seriously, as they have a developer timeline and clearly want to stick to it . Unfortunately for the consumer, many major websites still require use of Java or Silverlight for graphics or videos. For example the NBA website specifically recommends Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox.

MLB is no different as it lists Java as a needed plugin, however at least baseball does cite Chrome in its recommended browsers.

Similarly, the NFL initially lists only Explorer and Foxfire for their Game Rewind subscription service, though some digging did reveal Chrome 12 is listed as a minimum requirement.

Even watching a movie or show on Amazon Prime’s streaming service pops up a recommendation to stop using Chrome and switch browsers.

Google is recommending users and developers switch over to a HTML5 or proprietary system such as their Native Client to load graphics packages. As previously noted, HTML5 is far superior to GIFs in quality and size, as well as loading time. Additionally, HTML 5 is friendly on mobile operating system browsers such as Android,  Safari on iOS, Silk on Fire OS and more. While it does seem like Google is bullying websites and consumers alike, it is being done in the name of progress. The ends don’t justify the means, but the rapidly changing pace of technology requires companies, developers and consumers to push forward. A specific quote from Brad Pitt while portraying Billy Beane in Moneyball comes to mind.

(Header image via Wikipedia)