When it was first introduced, Sun Microsystems' Java software for cellular phones was supposed to let developers write a single program that could run on any handset. A half decade later, Sun's Java for cell phones, called the mobile information device profile, or MIDP, is used in half the world's 1.4 billion phones for downloading other bits of software. But writing a program that can run on any handset still isn't possible.

The Mozilla Foundation has posted the second alpha edition of its next standalone browser, for now code named "Deer Park". This version now includes an integrated update system that would make it possible to patch the browser with small-sized upgrade files, rather than forcing users to download and reinstall a full version, as is now the case. Screenshot.

Stefan Stuntz has released a MUI 4 Alpha version for MorphOS. Important changes include: all MUI programs react in realtime on preference changes; new and much improved background & frame requesters; new color requester with many options; new image browser and much more. Download here.

A major focus of AspectJ 5 is on providing support for the new Java language features introduced in Java 5, including annotations and generics. AspectJ 5 also contains new features not tied to Java 5, such as an annotation-based development style, improved load-time weaving, and a new aspect instantiation model.

Apple Computer on Wednesday reported the financial results of its third fiscal quarter, characterizing the numbers as "the highest revenue and earnings in the company's history." The halo effect seems to be confirmed, as Macintosh unit sales grew by 35%.

This is a status update for the Debian GNU/Hurd port. While the port was limping along for a couple of years, it has picked up speed again. The current state is still far from being on par with Debian's established Linux ports, but it is mostly up to date and reasonably usable.

"I read with some interest about the GNOME startup bounty. As Stephen O'Grady pointed out, this problem is indeed perfect for DTrace. To get a feel for the problem, I wrote a very simple D script." Read more...

In this excerpted chapter from his upcoming book, Programming Indigo, David Pallmann describes the Indigo programming model for building service-oriented applications.

Sun Microsystems' chief information officer (CIO) has backed the vendor’s embrace of corporate blogging, despite difficulties such as ensuring senior executives don’t post comments that affect the stock price and the occasional posting that makes the company’s lawyers "pull their hair out".

Japan's electronics makers have been working on methanol-based fuel cells for years, noting that the latest small electronic gizmos' thirst for power is outstripping the Lithium Ion battery's abilities, and also appreciating the benefit of near instant "recharge" by inserting new fuel. Prototype cells and chargers have been on display at recent trade shows, and manufacturers estimate that commercial versions will be available within a couple of years.

QNX is powering Neptec's Laser Camera System (LCS) on the space shuttle. This camera system will be used to inspect the Space Shuttle for damage before returning to earth. There's a news release at the QNX web site.

There was a lot of buzz when Sharp released its first Zaurus Linux-based PDA a few years ago. Today the new Zaurus models only sell through selected channels in the US, but apparently you can get the most successful Linux-Zaurus model, the SL-5500, for real cheap (Geeks.com sell it for just $140). So how does the SL-5500 compares to other similarly priced PDAs today? Find out at TuxTops.

Oracle Corp has released the second version of its Database 10g product, but in a move that highlight's Linux's ascendancy on the server, this version will be initially available only on Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Overall, Xandros Desktop OS Version 3 Business Edition has proven itself to be a fine operating system. As a long time Windows user, who is forced to use XP on a daily basis, I really appreciated Xandros' approach to Linux-Windows integration and just how easy they made the transition from one operating system to the other.