San Francisco (CA) - Sun Microsystems has introduced Java FX, a new suite of products that it hopes can mount more competition against Flash and Microsoft Silverlight.

At this week's JavaOne show in San Francisco, Sun debuted the next generation Java package, which it says is easier for programmers to use. Java is used in applications such as Electronic Arts' Pogo.com game site, cell phone programs, and enhanced Blu-ray Disc features.

Functionally, Java FX will not really differ from previous Java-based applications. However, Sun belives that the more user-friendly coding language will entice more programmers. "Java FX Script is going to bring Java to creative professionals - to orders of magnitude more contributors. It's no longer the domain of object-oriented programmers," said Sun executive VP Rich Green in a press conference.