The significant increase in productivity for Java-applications development

The Engine Yard Company has introduced a new version of its platform called JRuby 1.5. The new version empowers extension of Java-based applications using the popular Ruby language. In particular, the JRuby technology allows quick development of new interfaces for Java-applications to work in SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture) and WOA (Web Service Architecture). JRuby is an implementation of the Ruby development platform for Java. The language JRuby allows you to write only 20% of code compared to traditional Java applications development. It has a good integration with the most popular components of Java platform (integration with the core Java libraries, etc.). Moreover the JRuby 1.5 platform provides more efficient use of memory and processor.

During the five last months (the period of JRuby 1.5 development) about 30 volunteers made more than 1000 edits to improve the code. In fact, the main advantage of JRuby is the significant increase in productivity in the development of Java-based applications. In particular, java developers can now deploy Ruby code on the same server, using the same library as for the previous Java-based applications, but Ruby is fully integrated with the already working code and Java-applications using RIA development.

Android 2.2: five times faster than 2.1!

Guys from androidpolice.com have been using Nexus One with installed Android 2.2 for about a week. And every day they were more and more admired. And, of course, they wanted to compare the performance characteristics of two android versions (2.2 and 2.1). So, they did it with the Linkpac benchmark, testing speed of the Dalvik virtual machine (which in fact can be considered as the heart of Android OS).

First there was recorded test result for the “old man”, 2.1. It was about 7 Mflops. But when it came to the testing of 2.2 researchers probably didn’t believe their eyes. It was 37.6 Mflops! We sure that those results surprised many Android application developers.

As it turned out, this increased productivity was possible thanks to the Just-In-Time Compilation. But … who cares? It works! And it works FAST!

Android has defeated Apple in the fight for the U.S. market

According to NPD Group iPhone OS was bypassed by Android OS in the United States in the first quarter of 2010. So, Google has 28% of the market, it puts them on the second place behind Research in Motion (36%), Apple is on third place with 21%.

According to the same research agency, this success of Android is connected with its close cooperation with mobile operators. For example, Verizon offers phones based on Android, as well as Blackberry offers its program “buy one get one free.” But in any case the only operator offering Apple phones, AT&T, is still the leader, owning 32% of the market. It followed by Verizon, actively gaining momentum and managing 30% of the U.S. market.

It is quite possible that Apple will regain its position after the release of the next-generation iPhone, which is expected this summer. But remember the fundamental difference between Android and iPhone, the latter don’t share its OS with third companies, establishing its rules for iPhone apps developers and alone collecting the cream from sales. By contrast Google is on a completely different way, giving its OS to everyone and allowing others make flourishing business from Android apps developments. Besides the exclusive contract between Apple and AT&T was signed for 5 years, which means that all this time Google will make a profit not only on the devices manufacturers, but also on active ads of mobile operators.

The other side of the coin is that Apple has never aspired to be the first. We don’t think that Steve Jobs cannot sleep because his company is somewhere on the third place.

Devices at surveillance market

The surveillance devices’ market is full now with various devices for secret services. One of such devices is spy earpiece that has proved to be the most effective at this market. It is widely used by lawyers, consultants, public speakers, TV presenters, guides and students.

Spy earpiece can be called a friend of those who have to make speeches and who don’t want to spoil the impression due to forgetting some facts or figures. It’s practically impossible to notice a bluetooth wireless set. For the success of the operation you need a mobile phone, a friend or a colleague with a book or report. That’s it! Nothing more!

The spy earpiece is a good example of technological answer to people’s needs.

Smartphones market finally recovers from crisis

The Digitimes analytical resource has informed that smartphones market exceeded level of pre-crisis period (2007) for the first time in the first quarter of 2010. During the 1Q 55.2 millions of smartphones were sold, and market growth amounted to 67% (compared to the first quarter of 2009).

Nokia becomes a leader on the market; it shipped 21.4 millions of smartphones and considerably strengthened its position in all the regions, particularly in South America. It is also noteworthy that share of Nokia touch screen models for the first time exceeded 50%. So, mobile software developers should consider this fact as a good sign for their innovative applications.

The second player on the smartphones market is RIM: it sold 10.59 millions of devices in the first quarter. It also managed to improve its position in Latin America: the growth was an impressive (297 percent!!!).
Apple is on the third place with 16% of the market. Last year it had only 11%. We sure that specialists who work at apps development for iPhones are happy for their beloved company .