Java ME 8, “an ideal platform for intelligent devices and an optimal foundation for developers to build new services for the IoT,” is now generally available.

According to Oracle, here are some of Java ME Embedded 8 key features:

• Implementation of the Java ME 8 specifications
• Versatile and flexible networking and connectivity, including wireless support (3GPP, CDMA, WiFi)
• Improved access to peripheral devices through Device Access API
• Improved tooling support (Developer Agent, On-device Debugging, Memory Monitor, Network Monitor, CPU Profiler, Logging)
• New APIs for RESTful programming
  • JSON API
  • Async HTTP API
  • OAuth 2.0 API
• Implementation of the following JSRs:
  • JSR 75 (File Connection API)
  • JSR 120 (Wireless Messaging API)
  • JSR 172 (Web Services API)
  • JSR 177 (Security and Trust Services API)
  • JSR 179 (Location API)
  • JSR 280 (XML API)
• Usability, performance, and footprint improvements over previous versions of Java ME Embedded 3.x

As you already know, Java 8 is the latest version of object-oriented programming language Java and currently the only version of Java that is supported by Oracle for free, “although earlier versions are supported both by Oracle and other companies on a commercial basis,” according to Wikipedia. “Java 8 is the latest release for Java that contains new features, enhancements and bug fixes to improve efficiency to develop and run Java programs. The new release of Java is first made available to developers to give adequate time for testing and certification before being made available on the java.com website for end users to download,” according to Java.

Initially released on March 18, 2014, Java 8 features:

• Lambda Expression and Virtual Extension Methods
• Highlighting feature of Java SE 8 is the implementation of Lambda expressions and supporting features to the Java programming language and platform.
• Date and Time API
• This new API will allow developers to handle date and time in a more natural, cleaner and easier to understand way.
• Nashhorn JavaScript Engine
• A new lightweight, high performance implementation of JavaScript engine is integrated to JDk and is available to Java applications via existing APIs.
• Improved Security
• Replacing the existing hand-maintained list of caller sensitive methods with a mechanism that accurately identifies such methods and allows their callers to be discovered reliably.

Source: Java

If you want to learn more about  Java ME 8,  you can do so by checking the Java 8 launch which features information about Java 8 resources, forum and sessions (Java SE 8, Java ME 8, Java SE embedded 8, Internet of Things and The Enterprise), as well as various Java ME 8 technical videos that are very helpful. You can also join the Java 8 conversation by using the java 8 hashtag or by going directly to Java 8 forum.