Flash, many believe, is on the way out. After both Google and Mozilla pulled support for the system from recent reports, it was a fairly big hit and one that left some looking to HTML5 to step into the gap and provide many of the same functions Flash did. But there were still some issues with HTML5 that left some concerned, and Interlude stepped in with a new update to its Treehouse authoring tool that may just be the key toward HTML5 going live in a big way.

Treehouse's new update represents a fairly major advance to the field, making for an easier way to integrate rich media like video and audio into interactive videos that can be played via apps or via browsers. Treehouse reportedly took the step that some have already taken, and more than a few are likely looking to take, by changing its video player system from a Flash-based one to one that runs on HTML5. That makes embedding videos into those apps and websites noted previously a much easier proposition, and one that's more likely to be used.

But that wasn't the only change Interlude made, reports note, as Treehouse now sports a new graphical user interface (GUI) overlay editor, complete with a set of editing tools that allow elements of the GUI to be multi-selected, or locked as needed. The GUI can also be customized, allowing users to edit several elements like line height and text alignment. New interactions can also be set up with a set of mobile features like microphone control, touch-based events including swiping and pinching, and more.

Interlude has actually already been at work with some fairly major video products, including projects for both Coldplay and Coca-Cola, and is already working on one of MTV's newest television series, “Scream.” Meanwhile, Interlude's president and chief operations officer Jim Spare offered up some comment around the changes, saying “Technology has always been the backbone of Interlude’s creative offering and we believe our advancements in HTML5 will allow non-linear video to establish itself as the next major form of online media.”

HTML5 is making some major advances these days; not that it hasn't already made its share of strides, but it was always somewhat sharing the stage with Flash. HTML5 was usually regarded as the newcomer, with some concern that it may not work quite so well or be worth the hassle to replace Flash. But with Flash possibly on the way out, that puts a little extra impetus into turning to HTML5. Plus, HTML5's developments have been steadily coming out for some time now; those skeptical of that point need only look to the DevCon 5 event currently taking place at the Kimmel Center in New York. With a host of exhibitors on hand and a wide variety of speakers offering perspective on the industry, DevCon5 is showing off just how far HTML5 has come, and how much further it's likely to go.

Flash might be on its last legs, but is HTML5 ready to step into the gap? Some would say yes, and the DevCon5 event certainly suggests that's the case. But there will have to be quite a few changes made as people make the jump from one platform to another, changes that, hopefully, we're all ready for.