A new beta release of Sun's Java Store, a consumer-facing storefront for Java and JavaFX applications, is available with some new features, including account creation in the client, the ability for developers outside of the US to preview applications using the Java Store view, improved integration with PayPal and more.

In an e-mail to developers participating in the Java Store Beta Program and reported on by eWeek's Darryl K. Taft, Sun listed three new features in the Java Store:

• New user interface: the latest release of the Java Store Beta delivers an enhanced look-and-feel and easier navigation.
• Create a Java Store account: account creation enables customization of the Java Store experience, among other benefits.
• Payment: Buying applications in the Java Store can be made by using PayPal and its Simplified Payment option makes buying a quick and easy experience.

There are also numerous smaller features, performance enhancements and bug fixes, Sun reports. Discussing the topic in his blog, Sun Senior Technologist for Mobile and Embedded Technology Terrence Barr writes that the Java Store Beta Program has reopened for U.S. residents.

With this new beta release, Sun announced that the Java Warehouse is now available to six new countries. The Java Warehouse is the repository for applications submitted by developers for distribution in the Java Store. The latest additions are Israel, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Taiwan and South Korea. The Java Warehouse has been accessible in Australia, Brazil, China, India, Russia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Developers in all of these 13 countries currently can submit free-only applications. The United States is the only country at this time that has the option of submitting free or paid applications. The Java Warehouse initially is targeting Java and JavaFX applications meant to run on the desktop with initial distribution through the Java Store, notes Sun on its Website. Sun plans on further stocking the Java Warehouse with applications meant for mobile, TV and cross-screen applications. Future storefronts customized from the Java Store are planned to become available through partnerships, allowing for increased distribution of applications.

Social networking, games, productivity tools, and business applications comprise some of what is downloadable from the store, reported InfoWorld's Paul Krill. Features of the store include a "Preview" capability for testing applications before deciding whether to buy.

There is no time set yet on general availability of Java Store.

More Information

Introductory Video (runs about 5 mins.)

Java Store

Java Warehouse

Supported Locations

Java Store update: More countries, better integration, more features - Barr's blog entry [...read more...]

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