With the release of Java SE 8 Update 25, the Java SE 8 runtime is now available on java.com as the default JRE for end-users. The process of migrating users from Java 7 to Java 8 through the auto update feature is expected to take place during the first quarter of 2015.

As outlined in the Oracle Java SE Support Roadmap, after April 2015, Oracle will no longer post updates of Java SE 7 to its public download sites. While existing Java SE 7 downloads will remain accessible on Oracle Technology Network, developers and end-users are now encouraged to begin the transition to Java SE 8.

Customers who need continued access to critical bug fixes and security fixes as well as general maintenance for Java SE 7 or older versions can get long term support through Oracle Java SE Support.

Thanks to Henrik Stahl, VP of Product Management in the Java Platform Group at Oracle, for this information in his blog "Moving on to Java 8."