Sun Microsystems issues Java and JavaFX updates

Sun has big plans for Java

Sun Microsystems has updated its Java and JavaFX platforms with a view to making them more interoperable and available to a wider market.

Java SE 6 Update 14 now has full 64-bit plug-in support for enterprise clients, support for Internet Explorer 8 and the upcoming Windows 7, and faster boot-up times.

It also has a new Java Hotspot Client VM with Garbage-First Collector, a more efficient memory management scheme designed to make access to system memory smoother, according to Sun.

The updated JavaFX 1.2 has a new cross-platform user interface library, faster start-up, streaming media support and other performance enhancements across desktop, browser and mobile, the firm said.

The new library has components for data visualisation and business intelligence applications included at release.

Sun also demonstrated JavaFX TV, which allows Java to be put on televisions and set-top boxes.

"We are looking beyond phones and seeing a host of new platforms for consumer electronics," said Sun chief executive Jonathan Schwartz.

"There's Kindle, automobiles, medical devices and televisions. Java on consumer electronics expands Java to every corner of the planet."