I'm pleased to report that Danger, Inc. has licensed J2ME from Sun Microsystems. As you know, I am a user and a fan of the Hiptop device (aka T-Mobile Sidekick). Although the built-in functionality is limited, I'm pleased overall with the device itself and its capabilities. At present, I am underutilizing it simply because I work during the day and don't get good reception in my cube.
Adding J2ME into the mix will essentially open up the platform to the millions of Java developers around the globe (including myself) Danger has a developer's program, but I am not a member and so far haven't seen any incentive to join up, but this J2ME thing might make me think again. The means by which to update my own device on a whim with cool applications of my own imagining is just too great to resist.
Now, I'm not sure how many Hiptops are deployed and active right now, nor am I sure when the next over-the-air update for the Sidekick will occur (or even if Java will be included) but once the ability is added to download OTA applications to the Sidekick, I suspect a huge revenue stream will open up for T-Mobile and perhaps Danger as well. Rumors on hiptop.com hold that the next update will probably include a Download Manager like many other smart phones out there, where customers can download apps and ringtones for a small charge or even for free. Note: Those forums are full of naysayers (naysayers seem by nature to be more vocal than advocates) and anything said there should be taken with an entire shaker of salt. More apps will translate into more Hiptop sales- leaving me wishing that Danger would IPO - as their future products would only get better from this awesome start.
Sun will also be receiving licensing revenue... hopefully this will be good news for the company. Their user base in terms of mobile devices has been expanding at an explosive pace in recent years, making Java the technology of choice for mobile applications.
Having a such a huge development culture added to the Hiptop will more than make up for the last update's removal of the arcade games. I can't wait to be able to download a plethora of Tetris clones to satisfy my longstanding addiction to that flavor of game. I'm sure hundreds of other apps will be great as well, especially considering that the Hiptop has a full QWERTY keyboard which most mobile phones lack. Think: SSH clients, location-based services, server admin tools, heck even an over-the-air iTunes remote control. Killer app: remotely purchase songs from the iTunes Music Store, and have them waiting for you at home already downloaded.
Don't like the PIM apps from Danger? Download another. Can't sync with your favorite desktop apps? Write your own conduit or, again, download one.
Bottom line: good for Danger, good for Sun, good for the carriers, good for Java, and good for us!
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