Principal focus areas for version 2.0 include Java APIs for JavaFX, a high-performance graphics engine, media playback support, the ability to embed HTML content within a JavaFX application, UI controls and improved deployment. Version 2.0 has been in an early access phase of development.

"JavaFX is a way for Java programmers to get at features exposed by modern graphics cards," said Adam Messinger, Oracle vice president of development for Fusion Middleware, this week at the in Las Vegas. Oracle bought Sun in 2010.

But JavaFX has had a lower public profile than other rich client technologies, such as HTML5 and the proprietary Microsoft Silverlight and Adobe Flash platforms. For several attendees polled Friday at the symposium, JavaFX was not a priority. "Haven't used it," said Mike Ward, an architect at Ironworks Consulting. " I'm aware of it," said Izaak Alpert, senior developer at IT services provider IMP solutions, adding that JavaFX has been "totally unnecessary for any of the work that I do."

With the Java APIs for JavaFX, Oracle stated on the that developers will be able to access JavaFX capabilities without having to learn a scripting language. The APIs replace the JavaFX Script language that had been part of the JavaFX platform. But developers who still want to use JavaFX Script capabilities can leverage the project, which provides a Domain Specific Language for writing user interfaces.