If you're among the increasing number of internet gaming developers who hope to target the growing WebTV market, there may be some bad news. C|Net has reported that Microsoft's WebTV unit has backed away from its plans to include Java programming in its product line, in a development that some say will eventually hurt WebTV's acceptance.
Some customers are already frustrated with WebTV's limited range of uses, and the lack of Java support may exacerbate the situation, analysts say. "You can't use Java, streaming video, or videoconferencing and you are eliminated from all Java chat rooms," says one user, who adds that users also cannot download software, play games, or utilize word processing software.
Developers are disappointed as well. "It is unfortunate they are not choosing to support Java, because there are things that ... are useful in providing better content and functionality," says George Olsen, design director and Web architect for 2-Lane Media. Further, Olsen said developers will have to continue to create different sites for different browsers.
For its part, WebTV executives say its product line is not intended for sophisticated surfing, and that Java was dropped simply because it requires too much memory and is too expensive. The purpose of WebTV is to be simple and inexpensive, says co-founder Steve Perlman, and the use of Java would add 10 percent to the price of WebTV. But some observers are skeptical about the motives for the about face.