How To: Stream Beats Music in Safari Using HTML5 Instead of Flash Player

Thanks to its longevity and familiarity among web designers, Flash is still alive and thriving, but HTML5 is catching up since it can render faster in web browsers, can be customized by developers on a per platform basis, doesn't need a plugin to run, and is less vulnerable than Adobe Flash Player to attacks (for the moment).

Some websites, like YouTube, actually default to HTML5 when possible, but other services, like the web player for Beats Music, solely uses Flash which can be sluggish. If you're using Safari and try and stream Beats Music, you'll see the "Flash is required to play music" warning.

Sure, you can download and install Flash Player on your computer, but if you don't need or want it in your browser, Chris Aljoudi has a new Safari extension for you to try out. With his extension, called BeatsMe, you can listen to music through the Beats Music web player using HTML5. Best of all, if you're on a laptop, this will save you battery!

Step 1: Make Sure Extensions Are Enabled

First, open up Safari and make sure you have extensions enabled. If you already use some Safari extensions, you're probably good to go. If not, head to "Preferences" in the menu bar, select the "Extensions" tab, and turn it on.

Step 2: Download BeatsMe

After extensions are enabled in Safari, go to the BeatsMe page and download the extension.

Step 3: Install BeatsMe in Safari

The file should download to your Downloads folder, and you can double-click to open it from there. Safari will then ask you to confirm the download, since it is from a third-party. Hit "Install" to finish up.

Step 4: Enjoy HTML5 Beats Music

Now just refresh the Beats Music web player in Safari and you're good to go. At the top right you'll notice a new HTML5 icon, which links out to the BeatsMe website. Play a song and enjoy!

So what do you think about this nifty extension? Let us know in the comments below. Also, make sure to follow Gadget Hacks on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter to see more Mac tips like this one.