MathML in HTML5: Problem with IE9

Hi All.

As you all know, MathML is a part of HTML5, which is great.  While it
may not lead to universal browser support overnight, it is still
important.  All major browser manufacturers are pledging support for
HTML5, and thus the interoperability problems of recent years where
different browsers require pages prepared in different ways should be
elliminated.

While Internet Explorer 9 Platform Preview has implemented a good deal
of HTML5 functionality, native MathML support is provided by the
MathPlayer add-on from Design Science (the company I work for).
Unfortunately, Platform Preview 3 introduced a bug that prevents
MathPlayer from rendering MathML in HTML5.  Details of the bug are
posted on the Design Science web site[1], and the bug has been reported
to Microsoft.  

[1] http://www.dessci.com/en/products/mathplayer/tech/MathMLinHTML5.htm

Since the readers of this list have hands-on experience with math and
science communication on the web, and have a concrete appreciation of
how important MathML support in IE via MathPlayer is to your activities,
you may want to let Microsoft know that the bug is worth prioritizing.
No doubt resources will be scarce as the IE9 team approaches their
release, but the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and it would be a real
shame if IE9 ends up being a step backward for MathML support for what
may be a relatively simple bug to fix.

--Robert

Robert Miner
Design Science, Inc.

Received on Wednesday, 25 August 2010 17:58:24 UTC