RIM is has added some nice new tools to the BlackBerry Java SDK 5.0 including OpenGL ES support along with a new GUI builder for their Java Eclipse plug-in. The OpenGL addition will pave the path for 3D games in the near future which should turn out some impressive games.
The new GUI builder for Eclipse will help developer create new Java user interfaces for applications. It will also allow developers to preview their application on different BlackBerrys. The OpenGL support should be in an upcoming update to the Java SDK 5.0 but the GUI builder for Eclipse will be coming sometime in 2010 though it will be previewed at DevCon.
So anybody working on Doom 3D for BlackBerry?
OpenGL ES Support Enables 3D Games and Graphics for BlackBerry Smartphones
With OpenGL ES support, Java developers will have the ability to build 3D games and graphics for BlackBerry smartphones running BlackBerry OS 5.0 and higher. The OpenGL ES support is available through an update of the BlackBerry® Java® Software Development Kit (BlackBerry Java SDK). A beta version of the BlackBerry Java SDK 5.0 including OpenGL ES support is available at http://na.blackberry.com/eng/developers/devbetasoftware/javasdk5.jsp
GUI Builder for BlackBerry Java Plug-in for Eclipse to Simplify User Interface Design
An upcoming GUI builder integrated into the BlackBerry Java Plug-in for Eclipse will make it faster and easier for Java developers to build user interfaces for BlackBerry applications. Developers will be able to rapidly create and localize complex user interfaces with a WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) view and drag and drop capabilities. The Java GUI builder will also allow developers to easily preview their user interface design on different BlackBerry smartphones.
The GUI builder for the BlackBerry Java Plug-in for Eclipse will be previewed this week at the 2009 BlackBerry Developer Conference (www.blackberrydeveloperconference.com). It is expected to be available in mid 2010.
