JDK 7u4 and JavaFX 2.1 released, now also including Mac OS X

Java releases at Oracle are becoming a clockwork operation. As planned, JDK 7u4 is now available, along with JavaFX 2.1, and new versions of Java SE for Embedded. Specifically:

Java SE 7 Update 4:

• • For the first time, official support for Mac OS X
• Includes the highly anticipated G1 (“Garbage First”) garbage collector, improving memory management for very large applications
• Next step in converging Oracle JRockit and HotSpot VMs, offering the best features of both technologies
• Numerous performance improvements to the JVM
• OpenJDK continues to host the development of Java SE 7 on Mac OS X and the JDK 8 reference implementation

Java FX 2.1:

• Available for Windows and Mac OS X (with Linux support currently as preview release)
• Includes playback of MPEG-4 multimedia containing H.264/AVC video and AAC audio
• New WebView support for JavaScript to Java method calls, which enables JavaScript content to leverage Java for demanding operations
• Support for enhanced font rendering on LCD displays, including sub-pixel rendering
• Additional UI enhancements such as combo box, stacked chart, and application-wide menu bar
• Bundled with the Java 7u4 release
• Oracle has started the OpenJFX project in OpenJDK as part of the plan to open source JavaFX

Java SE for Embedded 6 and 7:

• Java SE for Embedded is the product line that brings Java SE to a number of embedded platforms and includes many features and performance enhancements targeted to embedded requirements, such as low footprint, power usage, and performance
• Java SE 7u4 Embedded and Java SE 6u32 Embedded 6 releases are now available, following Java SE releases in lockstep
• For more details, see here

For information, see the press release. For more details and a Q&A, check Henrik Stahl’s blog.

To download, go here.

Cheers,

— Terrence

JavaOne 2011: First Wrap-Up

Finally, I get a chance to catch my breath. JavaOne has been extremely busy and while there are still a few hours of good talks to go here is a quick summary so far:

General observations:

The vibe is very positive. Attendance is significantly up over previous years and the show is well organized. Feedback from attendees has been very excouraging – lots of good buzz on #javaone and other social channels. Many sessions are sold out or standing-room only.

Announcements:

This year’s JavaOne left no doubt Java is moving again, and picking up steam. Throughout the conference and in the various keynotes there was a host of announcements, strategic initiatives, roadmaps, product releases and updates.

I’ll try to summarize, focusing on the Java Platform, Java SE, and Java ME technologies:

Java SE and the Java Platform:

• Oracle announces plans for advancing the Java SE Platform, including a vision beyond JDK 8
• A JDK 7 for Mac OS X Developer Preview is now available, with full developer and consumer releases planned for 2012
• NetBeans 7.1 Beta is now available, featuring full Java SE 7 support
• Oracle details plans for JDK 8, proposed features, and a revised roadmap with extended scope, now scheduled for availability in summer 2013
• Oracle is continuing its work to merge the HotSpot and JRockit JVMs, with the first converged features available in JDK 7
• IBM announces availability of Java SE 7 across its products lines, the faster ever adoption of a new Java SE release by IBM
• Oracle recently announced availability of Java SE 7 for Embedded on ARM and x86 platforms

OpenJDK:

• OpenJDK hosts the development of JDK 7 for Mac OS X, JDK 8, and becomes the reference implementation for Java SE 8 and beyond
• Twitter joins OpenJDK

JavaFX and Rich Client UI Technology:

• The JavaFX 2.0 GA for Windows is now available
• A JavaFX 2.0 for Mac OS X Developer Preview is now available, with GA releases planned starting 2012
• NetBeans 7.1 Beta is now available, with JavaFX 2.0 support
• Oracle details JavaFX roadmap to 2013, including cross-platform support for Mac OS X and Linux
• Oracle announces plans to open source the JavaFX platform in the OpenJDK project
• A private Beta for JavaFX Scene Builder is now available, with public Beta planned in early 2012
• Oracle announces Project ‘Avatar’: A complete solution for Dynamic Rich Clients, including HTML5 support and back-end integration

Java ME:

• Oracle increases investment in Java ME
• Oracle Java Wireless Client (OJWC) 3.1 is now available
• Oracle announces plans to evolve the Java ME Platform and align Java ME with Java SE 7 through:
• • Submission of new JSRs over the coming months
  • Updates of the CLDC Platform VM and library specifications to enable better alignment with Java SE 7 features
  • Creation of a “CDC Profile” in Java SE 8, which allows deployment of Java SE 8 implementations in resource-constrained environments
• JavaFX to become the graphics framework of choice for mid-range and high-end embedded platforms
• Oracle announces intent for full coverage of embedded vertical markets
• Oracle plans increased and deeper integration of Java ME with content services (“Mobile Services Integration”)

For more information and details, please see the related press releases:

• Oracle Continues to Move Java Forward and Details Java SE 8 Roadmap
• Oracle Highlights Java EE Momentum at JavaOne Conference
• Oracle Releases JavaFX 2.0
• Oracle Increases Investment in Java ME
• Oracle Announces Winners of the 2011 Duke’s Choice Awards
• Oracle Previews NetBeans IDE 7.1: Delivers Support for JavaFX 2.0

Summary

After speaking to many developers over the past days it’s clear JavaOne has brought renewed excitement and energy to the Java community. I personally am particularly excited about Java FX 2.0, the Mac OS X support for JDK 7 and JavaFX, and bringing Java ME back to the mainstream platform again.

Two more related links:

• JavaOne celebrates the success of enterprise Java (InfoWorld)
• Oracle shows JavaFX on iOS and Android (MacWorld)

Cheers,

— Terrence

Quick Updates: Project Lambda Syntax, Java on OS X News, OTN Article on Java 6+7 Client Improvements

Some quick updates and links that have accumulated over the past days:

• The Expert Group on Project Lamba (“Closures for Java”) decides on the syntax. Check out Brian Goetz’ posting to the EG mailing list.
• Apple posts a new developer preview of “Java for Mac OS X 10.7 Update 1” and “Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 6”. See the post to the OpenJDK mailing list by Mike Swingler from Apple.
• Scott Kovatch announces starting at Oracle and his return as Technical Lead on the Mac OS X port of OpenJDK. Read his blog post “An old new beginning”.
• Josh Marinacci writes about client-side improvements in Java 6 and 7, including Swing, graphics, AWT, look and feel, installation and start-up, and more. Read the full OTN article

Cheers,

— Terrence