IBM is currently working ion a PowerPC 603e version that will support
PersonalJava to upgrade from the current PowerPC 403 version, that does not support Java.
The product provides complete support for the
PersonalJava API as well as an integrated Java browser with support for JavaScript technology.
The two firms have signed a memorandum of understanding to use the language in 'network-aware digital consumer electronics.' Initially, Matsushita will license
PersonalJava and the two firms will work together on a Java application programming interface (API) and its adaptation to a Java digital television (DTV) platform.
Aside from the desktop environment, the idea, says John McFarlane, president of Sun's Solaris software unit, is for Sun and AOL-Netscape to develop thin versions of the AOL service for small footprint consumer devices, such as pagers and phones using the
PersonalJava platform as a base.
The processor is called mj 501 and runs at 100MHz supporting
PersonalJava 1.1.
Additions include a new graphics portfolio, improved file system support,
PersonalJava for VxWorks, and the SENS 2 networking stack.