Java ME 8 Released!

Welcome to Java ME 8!

Last month, Java 8was launched. Last week, the Java Micro Edition (ME) 8 specificationswere approved. 

Today, we are announcing the general availability (GA) of the Java ME 8 release.

This release is the culmination of a two-year effort driving a major update of the Java ME technology as a modern embedded software platform, purpose-built as a foundation for new services in the Internet Of Things. We are closely collaborating with industry partners and are seeing strong interest in Java ME 8 across a number of markets such as wireless modules, automotive, smart sensors, healthcare, industrial automation, smart energy, logistics, and others.

Top 10 Features of Java ME 8

Java ME 8 has been designed to enable advanced embedded software intelligence and increased product value for a wide range of use cases and solutions while maintaining very low system requirements. Top 10 features include:

1. Aligned with Java 8 for efficient development
2. Designed for Embedded
3. Highly portable and scalable
4. Consistent across devices
5. Advanced application platform
6. Modularized software services
7. Client domain partitioning
8. Direct access to hardware devices
9. Compatible with standard APIs
10. Enhanced embedded tooling

For more information, please see the screencast “Java ME 8: Top 10 Features”.

What We Are Releasing Today

Todays release comprises of several of components:

Java ME 8 TCK (Technology Compatibility Kit) and RI (reference implementation):

• Java ME Connected Limited Device Configuration (CLDC) 8 (JSR 360) 
• Java ME Embedded Profile (MEEP) 8 (JSR 361)

Oracle Java ME Embedded 8 product implementations and tooling:

• Oracle Java ME Embedded 8 product implementations for several embedded platforms (see below)
• Oracle Java ME SDK (Software Development Kit) 8 for embedded software development 

Oracle Java Platform Integrator (OJPI) releases for Java ME Embedded 8:

• Enables Oracle partners to deliver value-add products and services based on Java ME Embedded 8 (OJPI information)

Support for the following platforms:

• Raspberry Pi Model B (based on ARM11/Linux)
• Qualcomm IoE Development Platform (based on ARM9/Brew MP)
• Windows x86 device emulation environment (for rapid prototyping/development)

We are also planning on bringing Oracle Java ME 8 to additional platforms such as micro-controller-based devices - please stay tuned.

Where to Find More Information

For more information, please see the following links:

• Oracle Java ME Embedded 8 data sheet
• Oracle Java ME SDK 8 data sheet
• “Java ME 8 Deep Dive” technical presentation
• Java 8 Launch screencasts on Java ME 8 on a variety of different technical topics
• Java Magazine March issue with several articles on Java ME 8
• Video interviews with Oracle executives and Oracle partners on Java Embedded and IoT topics
• General information on Oracle’s Internet of Things Platform, including videos, white papers, and brochures

Getting Started with Java ME 8

To get started developing with Java ME 8, download the Oracle Java ME SDK 8 which comes with a built-in Java ME 8 device emulation environment for rapid development plus great documentation to get you started.

Once you’re ready to move on to real hardware such as Raspberry Pi or the Qualcomm IoE platform, download the ready-to-run Oracle Java ME Embedded 8 platform binaries. 

Go here for the full set of Oracle Java ME 8 documentation, including:

• Release Notes 
• Getting Started Guides for all platforms
• ME SDK Developer Guide
• Java ME Embedded Developer Guide
• API documentation

Finally, head over to the Java ME Embedded Forum to ask questions and get involved. And follow @javaembedded or @terrencebarrto stay in touch.

What Next?

Java ME 8 brings exciting new possibilities to the embedded software space. Get started today and stay tuned for more to come!

Cheers,

— Terrence