The Java browser plugin, which allows certain applications to run in your browser, is being retired later this year. It was a common security vulnerability.

Oracle will retire the Java browser plug-in, frequently the target of Web-based exploits, about a year from now. Remnants, however, will likely linger long after that. “Oracle plans to deprecate ...

Current plans call for the plug-in technology to be turned on via a switch in the Java control panel. Sun also delved into other features planned for Java SE 6 Update N.