When Leopard was released sans Java 6, Java developers were perturbed because it speaks to the viability of applications on the Mac platform using the language. Landon Fuller, whom you may remember as our caped defender during the MoAB, is working on a Mac port of the BSD port of Java 6, whose source is released under the Java Research License.
I’m pleased to announce the first Developer Preview Release of the open-source port of Java 6 to Mac OS X. This release includes support for 32-bit and 64-bit Intel machines running Mac OS X Leopard (10.5).
As Fuller’s work continues and matures, his changes will be rolled back into the BSD port. That will then be rolled into the OpenJDK project. While I think a few people will continue to be frustrated by Apple waving off Sun from working on OS X’s Java, it’s good to see a familiar, friendly face working to fix the problem and helping to ensure long term Mac OS X support.
[via Slashdot]
Seems like Apple is ahead when it comes to the pretty interface but behind when it comes to the internet (flash, java). Good thing we can run Windows through boot camp and Parallels.