Sun Microsystems this week unveils the latest version of a software platform that supports enhanced messaging, graphics, video, audio and security features for a new wave of cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
Officials say version 2.0 of the Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP 2.0) extends the collection of Java technologies for these mobile devices.
Sun developed Java as a software programming environment that can run on different operating and computing hardware.
The Silicon Valley-based company, which will feature the MIDP 2.0 standard at Telecom Asia 2002, is a global supplier of industrial-strength computer hardware, software and services that have helped enhance the use of the Internet for consumers and enterprises.
Eric Chu, group manager for business and marketing of Sun's Java 2 Platform Micro Edition (J2ME), says the availability of the MIDP 2.0 final specification, reference implementation and toolkit this week will step up the evolution of wireless data services using current Internet-ready cellular networks.
Sun expects the first MIDP 2.0-based products to become available 'by the second quarter of next year', Mr Chu says.