Silverlight Google Chrome Update: What Does it Mean for You?

The recent announcement by Google regarding the removal of support for Chrome plugins that use the NPAPI (Netscape Plugin Application Programming Interface) has left many users wondering about the future of Silverlight, a popular plugin used for multimedia and interactive content. In this article, we'll delve into what this update means for you and your browser choices.

Firstly, it's essential to note that Chrome will continue to support Silverlight through 2014, but plans to drop NPAPI support, including Silverlight, by the end of 2014. This change aims to address stability and security concerns associated with the old NPAPI architecture. According to Google, 15% of Chrome users have Silverlight installed, highlighting the widespread use of this plugin.

For those who rely on Silverlight, Microsoft has indicated that Internet Explorer will continue to support it through 2021. Similarly, if you control the browsers used for deploying Silverlight applications, you may not be affected by this update. This is often the case for internal-facing applications where browser choice is limited.

However, users of Firefox should also take note of changes announced by Mozilla regarding default behavior for certain plugins. Although Firefox will continue to support NPAPI, its default behavior might impact plugin loading.

Geocortex customers who use the Geocortex Viewer for Silverlight are advised to review their browser choices and plan accordingly. If you're not using the Geocortex Viewer for Silverlight, this update does not affect you.

In conclusion, while the removal of support for NPAPI-based plugins may cause some disruption, users can still access Silverlight content through Internet Explorer or other browsers that continue to support it. As we approach 2021, it's essential to assess your browser choices and plan for any changes that may occur in the future.

Silverlight google chrome update