An impending update to Java might sound like just an incremental release, based on its cumbersome naming: Java Platform Standard Edition 6 Update 10 (Java SE 6 u10). But the upgrade actually features technology considered critical to reviving the concept of client-side Java applets. Applet startup times are improved and applets can be turned into desktop widgets via different improvements in Java SE 6u10. Java SE runs on desktops and servers. The upgrade had been slated to appear Thursday but a Sun representative on Wednesday afternoon said the release will be delayed until an as-yet undetermined time. A last-minute issue emerged during final testing.
Among the highlights of the update is Java Quick Starter, providing an enhanced runtime experience by significantly improving Java application and applet startup times, Sun said. "We"ve structured the way the Java runtime starts up so the elements associated with starting an applet or starting an application produce results that are visible on the screen quicker," said David Bryant, senior director for Java marketing at Sun.