In a landmark move towards updating the foundation of the internet, yesterday the World Wide Web Consortium released the first draft of the HTML 5 specification — the first extensive upgrade to HTML since 1997.

According to the head of the W3C's HTML Working Group, the update is intended to reconcile the HTML specifications with the way HTML is actually being utilized, as well as adding new features that standardize heavily used practices on the web. Among the areas being addressed through new features are web video and web-based applications, which have grown dramatically since the release of HTML 4.

Tuesday's release — only the first of what will be many draft releases of the specification — is available on the W3C's website for the curious. The final specification is intended for release in 2010.

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