Update (9/25): Some users may be experiencing problems when installing the Java ME SDK 8 EA plugins into NetBeans. Please see the updated Java ME SDK 8 EA Release Notes for a workaround.
As I blogged recently, the Java ME 8 specifications are moving full steam ahead. And today, Oracle is announcing the immediate availability of Java ME 8 Early Access.
Java ME 8 in a Nutshell:
Java ME 8 is a significant update of the Java ME platform and provides a modern, flexible, and feature-rich embedded software platform that is aligned with Java SE 8 and allows more efficient development, deployment, and management of embedded software solutions:
- CLDC (Connected Limited Device Configuration) 8: Support for Java SE 8 language features and popular Java SE APIs, an updated virtual machine, and footprint optimizations
- GCF (Generic Connection Framework) 8 (part of CLDC 8): IPv6, enhanced connectivity, new protocols, and support for TLS 1.2
- MEEP 8 (Java ME Embedded Profile) 8: Provides a “services-enabled” application framework, footprint reductions through platform “right-sizing”, dedicated new embedded APIs, and an enhanced security model
- Device I/O API version C: Updated to Java ME 8/SE 8 language support, and new functionality and peripheral support
Java ME 8 Early Access scales down to very small target devices – the single-chip solution used on the STM32F4DISCOVERY board has 192 KB of RAM and 1 MB Flash, and costs around US $5 in volume, yet can host a complete solution of Java ME 8 EA runtime, networking and device access functionality, and Java application.
With this update, Java ME 8 is positioned to be the platform of choice for intelligent devices and the Internet of Things.
To learn more about Java ME 8:
- View the 15 minute webcast “Introduction into Java Micro Edition (ME) 8”
- Browse the full slide deck on “Java ME 8 and The Rise of the Internet of Things”
Getting started with Java ME 8 Early Access:
Java ME 8 Early Access is available now for the following developer boards:
- Raspberry Pi Model B (ARM11/Linux)
- ST Microelectronics STM32F4DISCOVERY (ARM Cortex-M4)
Software development is supported by the Java ME SDK 8 Early Access, which includes a Java ME 8 runtime emulation on Windows as well (so you can get started even without a developer board).
- Learn more and download Java ME 8 Early Access binaries and Java ME SDK 8 Early Access tools
- Access Release Notes and step-by-step Getting Started Guides
Cheers,
— Terrence
Across the Universe 
9 comments
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10/12/2013 at 08:08
Mikeke Tallent
How fast is this board compared to a Ras Pi? ST Microelectronics STM32F4DISCOVERY (ARM Cortex-M4)
10/13/2013 at 09:28
terrencebarr
Hi Mike,
These are very different boards with different target use cases. The STM32F4DISCOVERY is a Cortex-M4 Microcontroller with about 180 MIPS, designed for low-cost/low-power systems. The Raspberry Pi has 900 MIPS, and since it has much more memory, a wider memory bus, and caching the real-world performance difference is probably much higher than indicated by the MIPS number alone, depending on the use case.
Hope that helps,
— Terrence
03/11/2014 at 03:48
Nick Apperley
When is the Java ME embedded SDK going to support Linux?
03/11/2014 at 09:26
terrencebarr
We’re planning for Linux support, but I can’t give you a date yet. Stay tuned.
03/12/2014 at 01:49
Nick Apperley
Thank you for the update. Good news to hear considering that some major embedded hardware companies have recently provided Linux support, for developing embedded programs that run on their micro-controllers.
03/12/2014 at 01:53
Nick Apperley
Are there any plans to support the Beaglebone Black with Java ME Embedded? Say in a future Java ME 8 preview release.
03/12/2014 at 09:51
terrencebarr
Hi Nick,
We are looking at additional embedded Linux systems, BeagleBone is high on the list. No specific dates yet, though.
04/26/2014 at 00:11
Davy De Waele (@ddewaele)
Is the STM32F4DISCOVERY still supported for JavaME8 ? I don’t see it on the Oracle JavaME page anymore.
04/27/2014 at 23:11
terrencebarr
Davy,
We are planning on supporting Java ME 8 on Cortex-M platforms in the future. Please contact me directly at terrence[dot]barr[.at.]oracle.com so I can understand your use case/requirements.