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Oracle providing direct Java support for OS X, updates to be more timely
Macworld and Ars Technica reported late yesterday that Oracle has announced direct support of Java for OS X. This appears to be a reaction to the rather widespread outbreaks of malware that took advantage of exploits in Java before Apple was able to provide an update. This change has been anticipated for some time, as Apple did not include its own Java in Lion by default. Like the other platforms where Java works, Oracle will be providing updates for future versions of OS X. Oracle's Henrik Stahl announced that the company will be updating Java for the Mac directly and on a release schedule concurrent with other platforms such as Windows, Linux, and Oracle's Solaris OS. Stahl also announced that the Java Development Kit 7 and JavaFX Software Development Kit 2.1 for OS X are now available for download. Support for the Plugin and Web Start elements of Java won't be available until later in 2012 when JDK 7 Update 6 arrives. Oracle also noted that the new versions of Java will only support OS X Lion and higher. [via The Verge]
Apple contributing to OpenJDK project, ensures continued Java availability on OS X
As of just a few weeks ago, Java's legacy of write once, debug everywhere was looking in doubt. Apple's flavor of the Java 6 runtime was deprecated and all those .class and .jar files on Macs were looking like they'd swirl to a lingering death in the great coffee pot in the sky. That all changes today with an announcement from both Apple and Oracle that Cupertino developers will "contribute most of the key components" for OpenJDK Java SE 7 implementations on 32- and 64-bit flavors of OS X, with runtime virtual machines set to cover both Snow Leopard and the upcoming Lion release. Additionally, Apple will continue to make the SE 6 version of Java available, while Oracle will take over responsibility for ownership and distribution of version 7 and those to come. Makes sense -- Apple might be pulling away from the enterprise and server markets, but there are lots of Java devs using Mac OS X out there, and it's only natural for Oracle to pick up support for them.
Xbox was the Hulk, 360 is Bruce Lee
There's an interesting article up on FastCompany.com concerning the design of our beloved white box. By now, the iconic "inhale" design is well known by the game industry in general and 360 fans in particular. What you may not know is the inspiration of the famous design: Bruce Lee. During the design process, Microsoft had narrowed down its design candidates to three firms. Among these was JDK, the design firm created by Jake Burton Carpenter, founder of Burton Snowboards. Microsoft had agreed to see all three presentations and choose the winner from among them. JDK went first. By the time the presentation was over, the Xbox team already knew who had won.According to JDK's Michael Jager, the original Xbox was about power. Not just power, but brute force. To demonstrate this, Jager sliced an "X" into a piece of paper and thrust his head through it, shouting, "X today is all AARGGHHH!" He compared it to the Incredible Hulk. Taking the paper and reversing it, Jager demonstrated that the "X" could also be a doorway, something more inviting. Jager convinced Microsoft that the Xbox 360 would have to demonstrate power, but show a hint of grace and elegance as well. In other words, the "new" Xbox had to be Bruce Lee, not the Hulk. In fact, the "inhale" design was derived from Bruce Lee as well, mimicking an inhalation of breath before a powerful strike.The rest of the article details some of JDK's background and a few more bits about the Xbox 360 process. It's not exactly as exciting as say, Devil May Cry 4, but it's worth reading for those curious about the creation of the Xbox 360. Hit the "read" link to check it out.
