The Java Store team at Sun has been busy at work on a new release of the Java Store, which is finally available in Beta. The easiest way to get it is to go through the Java Warehouse to the developer preview link here:
http://store.java.com/developerrelease
(If you are on Windows 7 or Vista-64, you can still run the store with no problems… Just make sure you have a 32-bit JRE installed)
The latest version of the Java Store sports a new look and feel that is a dramatic improvement over the early versions. Some of the new user interface features include:
- Integrated UI with Featured Apps, Top Downloads, and App Browsing all in one place
- Free-form text search for finding new applications quickly
- Improved navigation – New apps listed first, and navigation at all levels
Perhaps the biggest change is the ability for developers to charge for applications. This is provided via integration with PayPal, and currently available for U.S. customers. Full details on the payment system can be found in this press release.
Of course, the best applications are available for free… Be sure to try launching WidgetFX from the Java Store and let me know how it works!
Congratulations to the JavaFX team on a very nice face lift for the Java Store!
I know that many of the Java Store development team members read this blog, including Joshua Marinacci, so feel free to use the comments section to give them constructive feedback.
(Did I mention Josh has an awesome new design blog?)