A while back, Nokia announced a new beta Java Runtime for its Symbian-powered smartphones, available at the Nokia Beta Labs. This new Java Runtime is developed separately from the Symbian core and supposedly improves the performance of java applications. They’ve updated this, now, if you’re interested. There are only two problems with this, though.
For starters, according to the Beta Labs page, it’s only available for the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic and the Nokia N97. That’s right, if you have a non-touchscreen Symbian-powered smartphone, once again you’re left out in the cold for support here. Second, it’s Java. I don’t know about you, but I avoid Java applications like the plague.
In any case, if you’re a Java fiend, you can get the update here. Beware, this only installs to the internal storage on your phone, and requires that you have at least 10MB free just to install it. If your internal storage is low, you definitely don’t want to bother.
Opera Mini 5 Beta is a java app
“I avoid Java applications like the plague”
I don’t know why, but I was thinking that you were the kind of user who installs Opera Mini 5 ’cause it’s “fast and shiny”. Seems like I was plain wrong :).
I too avoid Java apps like the plague. Want to hear a little story ?
Last July I got a new mobile plan with unlimited data, but after a few days of use I noticed that network speed was LAME. So lame that I was forced to install Opera Mini 4 in order to surf the web conveniently. I was FED UP by the operator lame services and false publicity about the network speed, plus the fact that I was relying on a Java app: since I wasn’t on a contract (I always think twice before signing a “too many months” contract, and here in France there are now a few unlimited mobile data plans without contract) so I just “walked out the door” and got another plan with another operator this month, and DITCHED the “oh so annoying Java” Opera Mini…
Nokia can say all the good they want about Java, this is one thing they are NEVER going to sell to me. They better port that Nokia Messaging to a native S60 app pretty fast…or get lost with all their Java projects. Period.
Just a quick point. Had a chat with Micky when the Betalabs guys initially released this new version and Micky found that although they state you need a minimum of 10MB on your C: drive to before you install the actually reduction in C: drive space post install is nearer 6MB. I think the 10 MB is more linked to the MIDLET processing done by the Java app although they have made attempts to reduce its C: drive impact somewhat in this version by transfering midlets to the E: drive where possible.