Google Launches Developer Preview of Its Android Things IoT OS

Google today announced the availability of a developer preview for its Android Things IoT operating system.

Developers will be able to run the OS on boards like the Intel Edison, Raspberry Pi 3, and even NXP’s Pico. This will enable them to quickly build a smart device using Android APIs and Google services, while staying highly secure with updates direct from Google.

We incorporated the feedback from Project Brillo to include familiar tools such as Android Studio, the Android Software Development Kit (SDK), Google Play Services, and Google Cloud Platform. And in the coming months, we will provide Developer Preview updates to bring you the infrastructure for securely pushing regular OS patches, security fixes, and your own updates, as well as built-in Weave connectivity and more.

According to Wayne Piekarski’s blog post, Google will merge Weave and Nest Weave “to enable all classes of devices to connect with each other in a secure and reliable way. So whether you started with Google Weave or Nest Weave, there is a path forward in the ecosystem.”

Weave provides all the cloud infrastructure, so that developers can focus on creating their products without investing in cloud services. Weave also includes a Device SDK for supported microcontrollers and a management console.

The Weave Device SDK currently supports schemas for light bulbs, smart plugs and switches, and thermostats. In the coming months we will be adding support for additional device types, custom schemas/traits, and a mobile application API for Android and iOS.

You can read more about Google’s latest announcement here, as well as on the Android Things page.