1)They are also changing to a later version of Java. They are also moving C+ from windriver. I expect Java is mostly along for the ride.
2)First has not released the eclipse plugins & might not until kick off. Your best best is to find a Java Beta test team in you area & make arrangements to visit them for a show & tell. The next best is to search CD for Beta java teams & find their web site. The first forum where they are suppose to post doesn't seem that active. Everything I have heard say they are not scrapping the current API library. It is getting updated & probably will not be backward compatible. (Old code should run with the new library, but you will not be able to put new code on the Crio. Hopefully one of the beta programers will give a better answer.
3)I would start with
this. Or maybe
this
Good luck and don't call me Shirley