“Consumer demand for content on any and every device is putting content convergence on a fast track,” said Bob Brewin, chief technical officer for software at Sun, in a written statement released by the company Tuesday. “The expanding universe of Java-based devices creates a unique opportunity to make the three-screen vision of unified content across computer, TV and mobile device a reality.”
According to Rich Green, Sun’s executive vice president of software, JavaFX represents an effort to revive the use of Java on devices like set-top boxes and in web browsers, areas the language was originally designed to serve when it was developed in the ‘90s.
“This is Java for consumers, for individuals, not just enterprises, not just corporate,” Green said. “The scripting language we are releasing will dramatically enhance the number of people who can create content for this platform.”
According to Sun, JavaFX applications will run on any JavaSE technology-based platform, including all of the forthcoming JavaFX software systems for mobile devices, televisions and embedded applications found in everything from automobiles to home gaming systems.
“JavaFX Script is unique in providing close integration with Java components that run on the server or the client, resulting in a richer end-to-end experience,” the company said. “JavaFX Script brings together a simple and intuitive language design, requiring less coding and providing fast development cycles with a ubiquitous runtime platform."
Sun plans to make JavaFX open source, and this week released an alpha version of the script via Java.net, and invited developers to download the code and provide their feedback.
Brewin indicated that the primary focus of JavaFX was to ease the creative process for developers.
“With JavaFX Script and Sun’s follow-on content authoring tools, Sun will simplify the creation of rich content for the creative community and give consumers the ability to access content anytime anywhere on any Java-powered device,” Brewin said.
