Google launches Android Things for IoT products

Android Software Development Kit

Google announced two important updates to help developers build smarter and more connected devices: Android Things, and an update to the Weave platform. The Android Things will provide Android APIs and Google services as well as familiar tools: Android Studio, Android SDK, Google Play Services, and Google Cloud Platform. “The Internet of Things will bring computing to a whole new range of devices,” wrote Wayne Piekarski, developer advocate for IoT, in a blog post. “This is just the beginning of the IoT ecosystem we want to build with you.”

“Now any Android developer can quickly build a smart device using Android APIs and Google services, while staying highly secure with updates direct from Google.” added Wayne.

And in the coming months, the company plans to update the preview with regular OS patches, security features, and built-in Weave connectivity. Developers can use turnkey solutions such as Intel Edison, NXP Pico and Raspberry Pi 3 to start developing with Android things. The Weave platform is being updated to connect a new range of devices to the cloud and Google services.

“Weave provides all the cloud infrastructure so that developers can focus on building their products without investing in cloud services,” Piekarski wrote.

In addition, the Weave Device SDK allows developers to build solutions for light bulbs, smart plugs, switches and thermostats. Going forward, the company plans to add more support for additional devices, a mobile app API for Android and iOS, and merging Weave and Nest Weave for more security. Device makers like Philips Hue and Samsung SmartThings already use Weave, and several others like Belkin WeMo, LiFX, Honeywell, Wink, TP-Link, and First Alert are implementing it.

Kanchana Arandhara

I am a copy editor who envisions writing as a medium to reach the masses. After working on a variety of domains that also included hard news and start-ups, I now want to explore the ambit of the tech