So only iOS counts? Because that is the only platform <video> matters on right now.
I'm glad to see Apple calls the shots and Google is in the wrong for making a move in its own interest. And in the interest is places that don't want to pay a software patent cartel for permission to innovate.
No, but Apple is the biggest factor. I'm willing to bet more corporate decision makers have iPhone's than Androids (which also don't support WebM by the way) and when you're selling a video hosting and asset management service that matters.
These are the other extremely popular devices that support H.264 and most will not be supporting WebM anytime soon so why would I encode in WebM until they do.
Android devices.
Sony PSP.
Sony Playstation 3.
Xbox 360.
Blackberrys.
Some Symbian Phones.
Windows Phone 7.
I'll jump on the WebM bandwagon as soon as more then 50% of the popular consumer devices support it. Taking away support for an established and popular codec just makes you an asshole and will be nothing more then an inconvenience as long as Flash player supports it and is included with Chrome.
It'll be one of those things where time will tell.
I have sympathy for those involved in encoding but one has to remember that disruptive technologies are called disruptive for a reason. If WebM takes off its going to cause someone pain during the process... :)
Since you edited I'll edit too:
Which of those devices will still be around and usable in 5 years? Which ones won't be replaced by shiny new hardware? Your timeframe is a bit different than Google's.
I'm glad to see Apple calls the shots and Google is in the wrong for making a move in its own interest. And in the interest is places that don't want to pay a software patent cartel for permission to innovate.