Sun and Qualcomm port Java SE to Snapdragon

Collaboration promises to deliver rich internet experience on mobile devices

Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform is gaining traction

Sun Microsystems and Qualcomm have delivered on their project to port a version of the Java SE platform on to Snapdragon systems.

The firms claimed that the release will optimise and improve Java performance and power management for mobile internet devices running the Snapdragon chipset.

Qualcomm refers to such devices as 'smartbooks', but this name is a trademark of German laptop vendor Smartbook AG and so cannot be used in this context in Europe. The devices are intended to be a web-connected hybrid between a smartphone and a netbook.

Deploying Java on Snapdragon devices will allow developers to provide a richer internet and media experience, according to the firms.

"Delivering an optimised Java SE release for this exciting new Qualcomm hardware platform enables customers, developers and partners to leverage the power of Java and JavaFX on mobile internet devices, enjoying consistent access to the Java software content and applications they use at work and at home," said Eric Klein, vice president of Java software marketing at Sun.

"This release also demonstrates Sun's commitment to custom engineering services that provide partners like Qualcomm with quality solutions and rapid time-to-market."

The companies spent a year on the project to implement Sun's Java Virtual Machine, and claim that systems will run 30 times faster than current ARM-based implementations, while using less battery power and not compromising on the user experience.

"Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform is enabling a new class of devices that fundamentally redefine mobility and, by offering the Java SE platform on our Snapdragon products, our partners are in a better position to deliver a compelling and consistent Java user experience on these devices," said Rob Chandhok, vice president of software strategy for Qualcomm CDMA Technologies.

"As Java technology is used throughout social networking, media and merchandising sites, we believe that a full Java SE port is an important factor in delivering on our vision for mobile internet devices."

Earlier this week, PC manufacturer Asus announced that it is developing an Android-based netbook running on the Snapdragon chipset.