Sun's new software store is an idea whose time has come, and one that sends Java hurtling head-to-head with Windows It’s not enough to offer developers platforms upon which to build applications.

With each new Java platform release, the stewards of the language always include a few new preview features that can be toyed with only if a developer knows how to unlock the capabilities at runtime.

I’m sick of Java, as you probably are too. That said, there have been a number of changes to Java lately that may have flown under the radar. So, here is what you need to know about where things stand ...