Sun Unveils JavaFX for Rich Internet Applications

Sun Microsystems gave developers at its JavaOne conference their first glimpse of JavaFX -- a family of products it announced last year that promise to enable developers to create rich Internet applications that run on a variety of platforms.

"JavaFX is a powerful client technology for creating rich Internet applications with immersive media and content across the multiple screens of an individual's life," said Sun Microsystems Executive Vice President Rich Green. "Java technology is now ready for the new creative audiences that have emerged in response to consumer demand for rich content."

Introducing JavaScript

Built on Java Standard Edition -- the Java platform already running on many desktop computers -- JavaFX is designed to unite billions of Java SE and Java Micro Edition devices, Sun CEO Jonathan Schwartz said when the technology was first announced last year. "It will allow any consumer electronics manufacturer to accelerate the delivery of Java/Linux-based devices -- from phones to set tops and dashboards and everything else imaginable and without fear of format lock-in or disintermediation from a competitor," he said.

In particular, Sun's new suite introduces a new high-performance declarative scripting language known as JavaFX Script. Like the rest of the Java platform, the product will be made available under the standard GPL license.

Among other things, JavaFX Script will enable the binding of applications to various data sources, Sun said, enabling developers to create compelling mashup offerings. Moreover, JavaFX Script is designed to deliver a rich end-to-end experience for developers and users alike through its close integration with other standard Java application and infrastructure components.

The scripters, social-application creators, designers, content authors and consumers who elect to join the Java ecosystem of more than six million developers will "take Java technology in exciting new directions," Green said.

On All Screens

Green said Sun's Java runtime...

Yahoo Teams with McAfee for Safer, More Secure Searching

Web searching can expose users to a whole range of malicious sites, so Yahoo is now teaming up with security vendor McAfee to make its search experience more secure for users.

On Tuesday, the two companies announced a partnership that they said will "deliver a safer Web-search experience" through the beta launch of a new SearchScan feature. Built on McAfee's SiteAdvisor technology, SearchScan alerts Yahoo Search users when they're visiting risky sites.

More Than Neighborhood Crime

Those suspect sites could be hiding spyware, adware or other software that is less than friendly to your PC. SearchScan also knows about sites with bad e-mail practices, such as ones that send out spam.

Suspected risky sites show up with a red warning sign and text in the search-results page, thus cautioning users with a visual indicator. For instance, a risky site would receive the warning sign -- a red triangle -- under it, as well as red text that reads: "Warning: Dangerous Downloads, Unsolicited E-mails."

The SearchScan beta is available to users of Yahoo Search in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and Spain. The Yahoo-McAfee arrangement is a global agreement to work together on other fronts as well, such as bringing Yahoo Search to McAfee users.

Risky browsing resulting from search engines is a concern for 65 percent of Americans online, according to Yahoo -- even more than neighborhood crime, getting a wallet stolen, or an e-mail-based scam. As an online safety issue, it is second in importance only to children's safety on the Net.

According to McAfee Vice President Tim Dowling, "Research indicates four out of five Web site visits start with a search," and that SearchScan's new, advance warning can be one of the strongest weapons against online threats.

Cited as Worst by McAfee

McAfee said that...

Grand Theft Auto IV Sells Six Million Units in First Week

It's official. Take-Two Interactive Software said Wednesday that Grand Theft Auto IV surpassed all-time entertainment records for day-one and week-one sales by dollar value.

Released on April 29, GTA IV had global sales of six million units with an estimated retail value of more than $500 million in the first week. On opening day, GTA IV sales were approximately 3.6 million units with a retail value of $310 million globally.

"The dollar amount is not particularly relevant. The unit numbers are what matters and six million is a great number," said Michael Pachter, a research analyst at Wedbush Morgan Securities in Los Angeles. "Take-Two should be extremely proud. I expected greatness and they delivered. It doesn't change the value of the company at all."

Take-Two's Back-Patting Bonanza

"We knew Grand Theft Auto IV would break new ground in terms of the player's experience, with its compelling story line, extraordinary game play and action that ranges over a broad urban canvas. Now it has broken sales and rating records as well," Take-Two Chairman Strauss Zelnick said.

GTA IV's first-week performance represents the largest launch in the history of interactive entertainment, and Zelnick believes these retail sales levels surpass any movie or music launch to date, though some industry analysts have criticized such comparisons.

Performance figures aside, the goal is to make each new title in the GTA franchise better than those that preceded it, and GTA IV is a smashing success on that score, according to Ben Feder, Take-Two CEO.

"Grand Theft Auto IV makes full use of the power of next-generation technology and offers players an experience unique in the interactive entertainment medium," Feder said. "This game sets a new standard in the industry, with critics hailing it as both an artistic and technological masterpiece."

Does GTA IV Cross the Decency Line?

GTA IV is rated...