Mozilla designer Alex Faaborg published some introductory posts on his blog about where Mozilla is headed with microformats.
Quick background:
A microformat allows expression of semantics in an HTML (or XHTML) web page. Programs can extract meaning from a web page that is marked up with one or more microformats.
It is now possible for software, for example browser plug-ins, to extract the information, and transfer it to other applications, such as an address book
Alex Faaborg explains that microformats will make the Web Browser into an "Information Broker" and suggests that this could happen in Firefox 3. He writes:
"Much in the same way that operating systems currently associate particular file types with specific applications, future Web browsers are likely going to associate semantically marked up data you encounter on the Web with specific applications, either on your system or online. This means the contact information you see on a Web site will be associated with your favorite contacts application, events will be associated with your favorite calendar application, locations will be associated with your favorite mapping application, phone numbers will be associated with your favorite VOIP application, etc."
So if i use an online calendar - Firefox 3 would transfer any (if microformatted) events data i come across while browsing, into my online calendar account. Or you could for example download a business card from a company web site and import it into your address book in one click.
So where is the issue ? The problem could be about privacy and security.
- This kind of "here's my hCard !" assertion seems nice in theory (and would probably be great for people trying to broadcast their personal information) but it could be an excellent way for anyone to steal your personal data and collect your information;
- Microformats should be able to have actions that interact freely with the computer: this is unsafe because it's a chance for hackers to exploit new bugs.
In spite of these facts microformats will be widely used. Don't forget that users tend to resist change, and if they can still use their applications while using the browser to increase their productivity, they will be happier.
