PlayStation 2 Gets Java Friendly

Sony has announced that it is working to integrate Java capabilities into the PlayStation 2, which will enable existing Java-based Web applications to work with the entertainment system in the near future. Sony is aiming to release the technology by the end of 2001, hopefully indicating plans to also have broadband network capability for the PS2 on par for that date.

Sony will be collaborating with Sun Microsystems to implement the necessary support to run Java applications. Sun recently released a beta of version 1.4 Standard Edition software for the Java 2 platform.

The announcement of adaptation of Java on the PS2 is a great step towards becoming a standard in the home entertainment market. "The combination of Java technologies and PlayStation 2 forms a powerful platform which will allow consumers to easily and safely access a wide array of network applications and services
in their homes," stated Patricia C. Sueltz, executive vice president, Software Systems Group of Sun Microsystems.

For more information on Java, visit java.sun.com or download the latest J2SE software.