The Future of the Web Is 3D, Not Video

YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley has posted an interesting description of his company’s long-term plans and prospects. YouTube’s (and Google’s) goal is to allow anyone to easily upload video to the ‘Net and make that content available on any device. He also makes a bold prediction that online video will be the “most ubiquitous and accessible form of communication” in 10 years.

I would like to offer a counterpoint to Hurley’s vision. While I don’t dispute the impact of online video and its growing importance to the way people produce and consume media, I believe that online video is limited in several important ways, and will have difficultly competing with emerging graphics technologies that allow better interactivity, customization, and visual appeal.

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