TweetFollow Us on Twitter

May 98 - NewsBits

Volume Number: 14 (1998)
Issue Number: 5
Column Tag: Newsbits

May 98 - Newsbits

by Jessica Courtney

Apple and Microsoft to Unify Java Technologies for the Macintosh

Will Work Together to Ease Developer Access to Native Mac OS Services; Improvements in Java Performance, Robustness Expected in Future Java Virtual Machine

Apple Computer, Inc. and Microsoft Corp. announced plans to converge their Java technologies for the Macintosh to create a single Java virtual machine (VM) for the Mac OS. The unified VM will be based on Apple's Mac OS Runtime for Java (MRJ) and will incorporate a variety of Microsoft technologies for Java. Currently, both companies offer Java VMs for the Mac OS. The companies' cooperation on Java technology promises to advance the performance, robustness and functionality of Java support for the Macintosh and promote greater consistency for Java implementations across Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating system-based computers.

As part of the plans, Microsoft expects to license to Apple a variety of technologies including aspects of Microsoft's J/Direct API technology for incorporation into MRJ. This will allow software developers to create applications that meld the productivity of the Java language with the native capabilities of the Mac OS. Apple expects to incorporate this functionality into a future version of MRJ later this year. Once MRJ fully supports these technologies, Microsoft Internet Explorer for the Macintosh will rely exclusively on MRJ as its Java virtual machine.

The following are primary areas of cooperation between the two companies:

  • JDirect harmonization. Apple will extend the capabilities of its JDirect technology by incorporating applicable features of Microsoft J/Direct to enhance native language access and provide consistency for development tools. JDirect gives Java developers direct, high-performance access to native Macintosh system services such QuickDraw, AppleEvents, contextual menus, drag and drop, and TrueType fonts.
  • Security Zones. The companies will integrate the Microsoft security administration technology for Java with other Internet security options to provide a simple and consistent model for managing security preferences.
  • Debugging. The companies will integrate the Microsoft VM debugging API into MRJ, exposing a rich and consistent set of debugging capabilities to Java development tools like Metrowerks' CodeWarrior. This API will also support debugging across languages, allowing developers to build applications using multiple programming languages
  • Compatibility test suites. The companies will exchange their internal compatibility test suites to facilitate consistency and compatibility with real-world Java applications.

Apple Brings QuickTime to Java

It's been rumored for a while, and now Apple has announced the availability of QuickTime for Java. QT for Java is a developer framework for easily adding multimedia playback, authoring and publishing capabilities to Java software. QuickTime for Java will significantly increase Java's acceptance in new media markets and enable delivery of compelling interactive content to Java customers.

QuickTime for Java allows developers to write Java programs that incorporate QuickTime content and functionality. Java developers will now have unlimited access to QuickTime's rich support for digital media, including graphics, sound, video, text, music, VR and 3D. Additionally, they will be able to deliver high-quality video and audio using QuickTime 3's compression technologies, which ensure outstanding fidelity even at low bit-rates.

A developer release of QuickTime for Java is now available. For information on how to get the software, visit the QuickTime website at http://www.apple.com/quicktime.


FileMaker, Inc. Announces FileMaker Pro 4.0 Developer Edition

Powerful developer's tool for rapid solution development and deployment FileMaker Inc., formerly Claris Corp., announced FileMaker Pro 4.0 Developer Edition, an essential database development tool kit for corporate and professional developers that runs on Windows 95, Windows NT and the Mac OS.

FileMaker Pro 4.0 Developer Edition will provide developers with a wide array of 32-bit based applications and tools for compiling, debugging, developing, deploying and managing FileMaker Pro database solutions, the company said.

For the first time ever, the new version, scheduled to ship later this year, will feature an API (Application Program Interface) that will allow developers to write External Functions for FileMaker Pro databases, a capability that will greatly expand the core functionality found with the standalone version of FileMaker Pro 4.0, the company's award-winning desktop database software application. In addition, FileMaker Pro Developer Edition will also enable access to FileMaker Pro databases over Java compliant operating systems, such as Unix and Solaris Systems, with the addition of Java classes.

http://www.claris.com
http://www.filemaker.com

 

Community Search:
MacTech Search:

Software Updates via MacUpdate

Latest Forum Discussions

See All

Combo Quest (Games)
Combo Quest 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Combo Quest is an epic, time tap role-playing adventure. In this unique masterpiece, you are a knight on a heroic quest to retrieve... | Read more »
Hero Emblems (Games)
Hero Emblems 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $2.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: ** 25% OFF for a limited time to celebrate the release ** ** Note for iPhone 6 user: If it doesn't run fullscreen on your device... | Read more »
Puzzle Blitz (Games)
Puzzle Blitz 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Puzzle Blitz is a frantic puzzle solving race against the clock! Solve as many puzzles as you can, before time runs out! You have... | Read more »
Sky Patrol (Games)
Sky Patrol 1.0.1 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0.1 (iTunes) Description: 'Strategic Twist On The Classic Shooter Genre' - Indie Game Mag... | Read more »
The Princess Bride - The Official Game...
The Princess Bride - The Official Game 1.1 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $3.99, Version: 1.1 (iTunes) Description: An epic game based on the beloved classic movie? Inconceivable! Play the world of The Princess Bride... | Read more »
Frozen Synapse (Games)
Frozen Synapse 1.0 Device: iOS iPhone Category: Games Price: $2.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Frozen Synapse is a multi-award-winning tactical game. (Full cross-play with desktop and tablet versions) 9/10 Edge 9/10 Eurogamer... | Read more »
Space Marshals (Games)
Space Marshals 1.0.1 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $4.99, Version: 1.0.1 (iTunes) Description: ### IMPORTANT ### Please note that iPhone 4 is not supported. Space Marshals is a Sci-fi Wild West adventure taking place... | Read more »
Battle Slimes (Games)
Battle Slimes 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: BATTLE SLIMES is a fun local multiplayer game. Control speedy & bouncy slime blobs as you compete with friends and family.... | Read more »
Spectrum - 3D Avenue (Games)
Spectrum - 3D Avenue 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $2.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: "Spectrum is a pretty cool take on twitchy/reaction-based gameplay with enough complexity and style to stand out from the... | Read more »
Drop Wizard (Games)
Drop Wizard 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Bring back the joy of arcade games! Drop Wizard is an action arcade game where you play as Teo, a wizard on a quest to save his... | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

Our MacBook Price Trackers will show you the...
Our Apple award-winning MacBook Price Trackers are continually updated with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability for 16″ and 14″ MacBook Pros along with 13″ and 15″ MacBook... Read more
Amazon is offering a 10% discount on Apple’s...
Don’t pay full price! Amazon has 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pros (Silver and Black colors) on sale today for 10% off Apple’s MSRP. Shipping is free. These are the lowest prices currently available for 16... Read more
13-inch M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $150 off...
Amazon has new 13″ M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $150 off MSRP right now, starting at $849. Sale prices apply to most colors and configurations. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a... Read more
15-inch M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $150 off...
Amazon has new 15″ M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $150 off Apple’s MSRP, starting at $1049. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party: – 15″ M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $1049, $... Read more
Amazon is offering a $50 discount on Apple’s...
Amazon has Apple’s 11th-generation A16 iPads in stock on sale for $50 (or a little more) off MSRP this week. Shipping is free: – 11″ 11th-generation 128GB WiFi iPads: $299 $50 off MSRP – 11″ 11th-... Read more
Clearance 13-inch M1 MacBook Airs available f...
Walmart has clearance, but new, Apple 13″ M1 MacBook Airs (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) available online for $649, $360 off original MSRP, in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold colors. These are new MacBooks for... Read more
iPad minis on sale for $100 off Apple’s MSRP...
Amazon is offering $100 discounts (up to 20% off) on Apple’s newest 2024 WiFi iPad minis, each with free shipping. These are the lowest prices available for new minis among the Apple retailers we... Read more
AirPods Max headphones on sale for $479, $70...
Amazon has AirPods Max with USB-C on sale for $479.99 in all colors. Shipping is free. Their price is $70 off Apple’s MSRP, and it’s the lowest price available today for AirPods Max. Keep an eye on... Read more
14-inch M4 Pro/M4 Max MacBook Pros on sale th...
Don’t pay full price! Get a new 14″ MacBook Pro with an M4 Pro or M4 Max CPU for up to $320 off Apple’s MSRP this weekend at these retailers…they are the lowest prices available for these MacBook... Read more
Get a 15-inch M4 MacBook Air for $150 off App...
A couple of Apple retailers are offering $150 discounts on new 15″ M4 MacBook Airs this weekend. Prices at these retailers start at $1049: (1): Amazon has new 15″ M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $150 off... Read more

Jobs Board

All contents are Copyright 1984-2011 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.