I'm cautiously optimistic about the future of JavaFX, but also rampantly pessimistic. The JavaFX Script language feels both inspired and eclectic. JavaFX Script purportedly serves webmonkeys rather than real techie programmers, but you'll need a good knowledge of the Java underpinnings to do serious work with it. JavaFX is meant to simplify the task of RIA creation, but experienced Java developers won't find much that they can't already achieve with "classic Java". There's a huge amount of energy bubbling out of Sun and from those people close to Sun's new developments, but relatively little interest from the rest of the industry. JavaFX may have a bright future, but only through Sun's dogged determination not to give it up.
Rarely does a bold new platform stumble onto centre stage with so many contradictions. But there's no doubt that Sun desperately wants JavaFX to succeed. (Whether the platform needs to succeed as much as Sun believes in order to "save" Java is open to debate - there, another contradiction).
Read my review at The Register for the pros and cons of Release 1.0. Sun has already released their first update containing various media enhancements, suggesting there's plenty of enthusiasm propelling their new baby along.
