A new toolkit developed by Google called Android Things has just been released to all developers. It was originally released to preview for selected developers. The new toolkit aims to help developers build up software to make their hardware products run more smoothly with the Internet of Things. It was originally announced at the end of 2016.
Google's Android Things is a toolbox that makes connecting IoT devices as simple as writing an Android application. Most of the hard work involved in this set-up is already done for the user by simply just accessing Google Play Services and Google Cloud Platform. The usual Android developer tools and the SDK will be put to use when using this feature, as a whole. In the future, the services will also benefit from using Google's weave network.
Good Android Things (Image Credit: Dado Ruvic / Reuters
Google is also improving the weave network, as a whole. With the new device developer kit for certain kinds of hardware being put out - one for lights, switches and thermostats it allows the devices to hook into services like Google Assistant. Google will also help to provide support for building mobile apps while merging its design on Weave with Nest's version.
What Android Things does is that it helps to cut-back on production time with the development of tools that had been previously used, like the Android SDK. It is also a managed OS built specifically for IoT manufacturers. Products built with the platform in mind also have the advantage of having a stable system with regular built-in security patches. The updates are automatic by default - it is something that Google offers for free for three years. It also allows developers to provide updates for up to 100 devices without cost which allows them to build and test their device before signing a distribution agreement with Google.
This is designed for companies who wish to further enhance their custom technologies. However, it is not required to have the benefit of knowledge in this circumstance as Android Things has the ability to work with Intel's Edison, Raspberry Pi 3 and NXP's Pico, so it will be very easy to create a Google gadget in this circumstance.
Smart speakers from LG and displays by Lenovo and JBL will start to go on sale by the end of Summer as well as many Android Things products that will start to surface around that time.
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