Vikram Goyal's Blog

July 2005 Archives

Current activity in the J2ME world

Last month or so has seen a lot of activity in JCP with regards to J2ME related JSRs.

New JSRs:
-- Service Connection API for J2ME:
"A new high-level API for connection services via frameworks supporting identity based services, discovery, and authentication. The API supports Service Oriented Architectures (SOA) and other similar network service application models."

-- XML API for Java ME:
"This JSR provides a common general purpose XML API for the next generation of mobile devices."

Public Review
-- Mobile Sensor API
"The API provides general Sensor API that extends the usability and choice of sensors for J2ME applications. It defines generic sensor functionality optimized for the resource-constrained devices like mobile devices."

Closed Public Review
-- Advanced Graphics and User Interface Optional Package for the J2ME Platform
"The Advanced Graphics and User Interface (AGUI) Optional Package will migrate the core APIs for advanced graphics and user interface facilities from the J2SE platform to the J2ME platform"

-- Digital Set Top Box Profile - "On Ramp to OCAP"
"The requested specification will define a J2ME profile based on the Connected Limited Device Configuration (CLDC) that is appropriate for use by small-footprint cable television set top boxes"

Proposed Final Draft
-- Personal Profile 1.1
"This JSR will update the existing Personal Profile (JSR-62) specification to reflect the J2SETM 1.4 APIs"

-- Personal Basis Profile 1.1
"This JSR will update the existing Personal Basis Profile (JSR-129) specification to reflect the J2SE 1.4 APIs"

-- Connected Device Configuration (CDC) 1.1
"This JSR defines a revision to the J2ME CDC specification. This JSR provides updates (based on J2SE, v1.4) to the existing core, non-graphical Java APIs for small electronic devices"

-- Foundation Profile 1.1
"This JSR defines a revision to the J2ME Foundation Profile. This JSR provides updates (based on J2SE, v1.4) to the existing core, non-graphical Java APIs for small electronic devices."

-- Information Module Profile - Next Generation (IMP-NG)
"This specification will define a profile that will extend and enhance the "J2ME Information Module Profile" (JSR-195)."

Final Release
-- Payment API
"Enabling application developers to initiate mobile payment transactions in J2ME applications"

-- Content Handler API
"Enabling J2ME applications to handle multi-media and web content can give developers and users a seamless and integrated user environment on mobile phones and wireless devices."

Maintenance Draft Review
-- Mobile 3D Graphics API for J2ME
This maintenance review includes the changes described here.

Phew! With this much activity, one would think that J2ME would be the next best thing. :). I am quite interested in the Payment, Content Handler and XML APIs. Of course, the proof of the pudding will be when the mobile phone manufacturers start bundling these APIs in their mobile phone pies.

Let me know if I have missed something noteworthy.

MIDP + DoJa = Mojo for Sun?

Javaworld reports that Sun and Japan's NTT DoCoMo have combined forces to update DoCoMo's inbuilt Java platform. This platform, called DoJa, was built by NTT in 2001 and is the primary platform for developing applications on mobile phones in Japan.

Why, you may ask. Why not upgrade DoJa to MIDP 2.0 instead, rather than creating a separate breed of the J2ME platform? There is enough fragmentation in the J2ME world as it is, without deliberately creating more.

I think the answer lies in the market sustainability of the DoJa brand. Obviously, DoJa is a stronger market force than MIDP in Japan and NTT would like to keep backing the winning horse.

According to the Javaworld report, Takeshi Natsuno, senior vice president of multimedia services at NTT DoCoMo says: "Both DoJa and MIDP have good points. The next Java should take advantage of both, But rather than combining DoJa and MIDP, we should be thinking from scratch. ... We're not intending to merge [them], but to take a reference from both sides and think about what should be the Java platform for future phones."

I am not familiar with the Japanese market and would like comments from people who are.

Raising interest in J2ME

Consider these facts:

-- There are 708 million J2ME based phones as compared to 700 million PC based Java deployments.

-- The market for commercial mobile applications is set to reach $1.6 billion by 2008.

-- There will be an estimated 1.0 billion mobile phones in the world by end 2006.

I presented these facts in my Introduction to Mobile Java presentation last night to the Australian Computer Society Special Interest Group. The numbers are awe inspiring. The audience was bewildered when I told them that there is not a single company in Brisbane (Australia) that specializes in developing applications for this market.

The latest Javalobby newsletter bemoans the same fact.

"At JavaOne it was crystal clear that mobile vendors are eager to get more Java developers involved, but the mobile space still seems to be struggling for attention."

So why is it struggling for attention?

First, lack of information. Java developers don't realize that J2ME has grown at a rapid pace and that they can do more with it than they thought possible.

Second, lack of a 'killer' J2ME application. Ok, there are some good ideas in the market, but there is no application that catches the attention of the public.

Third, the respect factor. Developers don't want to be seen working for a technology which is considered too simplistic and which is primarily written to develop games. From developing a J2EE app to J2ME MIDlets is considered a step down. Developers don't realize that they can leverage their knowledge of J2EE to develop server centric J2ME apps.

Fourth, fear of competing technologies. What happens if J2ME doesn't actually catch on? What happens if device manufacturers stop bundling J2ME and other technologies become more prevalent?

It will only take one well thought, commercially successful, mainstream application that will help lift the J2ME market. I am sure that the day is not too far.

Watch this space.

Introduction to Mobile Java

I am giving a presentation on Mobile Java this Wednesday (13th July) to the Australian Computer Society's Software Developers Special Interest Group in Brisbane, Australia.

If you in the area and would like to attend please register at the ACS website (under Events). Registration is free for members and $15 for non-members.

Hope to see you there and I will put up the presentation slides up here after the event.

Vikram

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