I really don't do much work in Java (specifically J2ME) but like to keep up with new things happening. Keeping up to date on the competition helps me answer some customer questions like “What about Java or J2ME instead of Microsoft“ or “Java is open source“ etc etc. BTW (here is my company plug)...if your company is looking at deploying some mobile solutions check out Neoteric Software specializing in custom mobile software and mobile solutions. Enough plugging my company...here's what's happened in the mobile space where J2ME is concerned.
At the JavaOne show there have been a few announcements. First Nokia is set on Java and J2ME on mobile devices. They estimate by December they will have 300mill Java enabled devices world wide. They are looking at standardizing the platform on all mobile devices because currently there are Java implementations on devices causing developers to re-write code for different devices. To address this Nokia and Vodafone team together to create Mobile Service Architecture which will focus on issues as remote manageability, upgrading software and a consistent framework across all devices. The group consists of BEA Systems, Cingular Wireless, Motorola, Nokia Corp., NTT DoCoMo, Orange France SA, Research in Motion, Ltd., Samsung Electronics, Siemens, Sony Ericsson Mobile, Sun Microsystems, T-Mobile, and Vodafone Group Services
(Side Note: On the Microsoft side we have .NET Compact Framework, Systems Management Server and Exchange SP2 with MSFP for WM5.0 which address many of these items.) All we need is a standardized way to “Push“ data to devices without the use of SMS or custom hacks for every project. The Eclipse IDE will be a big part of the next mobile Java toolset. IBM is even getting in on it by bringing Websphere to phones for field services employees and will most likely add to their Websphere Everyplace suite of products. Some of the more interesting APIs available are the Location APIs and the 3D APIs. I won't get into much of this but check this article for J2ME Mobile 3D Graphics API (M3G). Sun has also released a new version of Java System RFID software which will run on either J2SE or J2ME. For more information checkout this article. Microsoft is also ramping up efforts on the RFID side and integrating with their server products.
I think this solidifies my views of mobility being the next big wave in both the enterprise and consumer markets. RFID is also bound to take off and seems that all major players are starting to take notice of this. There are still a lot of obstacles and very over hyped, but I see many uses not only in the enterprise side but also in the consumer side, but this can only happen once prices come down for tags. With the new highspeed cellular networks coming (and yes they are already in major Canadian cities) I believe there will be plenty of opportunities available to capitalize on....just look at how big ringtones have become!