Sun Microsystems this week introduced its new JavaFX Mobile platform.

"JavaFX Mobile, which makes its formal debut next week during GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, won't replace Java ME, the Micro Edition for smartphones, mobile phones and other handheld devices," writes InternetNews' Andy Patrizio. "Instead, it expands on it, calling Java ME APIs and preserving existing Java ME apps while also providing a library for new JavaFX applications."

What's key in all of this, according to InformationWeek's Marin Perez, is that Sun is trying to start an App Store-like environment for Java phones. "JavaFX Mobile is a platform for mobile developers to create apps that have high-fidelity audio and video, animation, vector graphics, rich text, and access to Web services," Perez writes. "The platform runs on top of the Java Platform Micro Edition, which is available on more than 2.6 billion mobile phones, including entry-level phones and high-end smartphones..."

More here from The Register ... more here from VNUnet ... more here from InfoWorld ... more here from FierceDeveloper ... more here from CNET News ... more here from WirelessWeek ... more here from eWeek ... and the press release is here.