Q:

Software Auto Updater in Java

I'm developing a software which I will patch early & often, so I'm looking into an autoupdater made in Java.
If I google "auto updater java" it gives me the auto updater for Java, not software in general.
EDIT: Java Web Start and JNLP are not viable options since they're buggy and not reliable at all (or such is the general opinion).

A:

Use Java Web Start. It will automatically update your application, when you have an updated version. If properly configured. JNLP works well.
Check out the JnlpDownloadServlet Guide. 
Also Check out Andrew Thompson's site.
With jnlp, you can 

Add a custom icon.
Install a shortcut on desktop.
Add application in the start menu.
Add a custom splash screen.

