0 comments
Java 
This day, the JavaOne conference started for real. Sun like usual opened with some major announcements saved for the occasion. The open source Java project is now fully live, all the code is now available. Real Time Java is available, bringing a full fledged real-time solution for Java, which is accurate enough to control supersonic aircraft. Real-time guarantees are actually important for loads of customers, like telco, stock trading, factory line controlling, safety systems, etc. While Java had some limited real time solutions already, this new development will really open Java to these markets.
Another announcement is a renewed focus on Java for the user. This means a new Java mobile effort, a more consumer friendly Java run-time download/installation experience, and overall performance enhancements for end-users.
On top of that, Sun announced JavaFX. JavaFX basically is a rebrand of F3, a scripting solution by Chris Oliver to enable rich graphical interfaces using a minimum of coding. JavaFX is intended as a universal interface technology for different platforms, and opening up Java interface development for non-Java savvy people. I like F3/JavaFX a lot, and Sun seems to go ahead and try to make this happen. It does comes like a sudden move to me though. Sun looks to seriously want to go head-to-head with Adobe Flash and the new Microsoft Silverlight. I am wondering Java/Sun really needs another battle to fight.
The rest of the day was very interesting as well. Lot's of stuff going on at the pavilion as well. I took a quick look at the Robosapien toy, it looks fun. I hope I can resist myself not buying one… 😉