Google Ventures into IoT with Android Things; Merges It With Services Including Google Assistant

Tech giant Google has joined the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution with the unveiling of Android Things, its proprietary IoT platform. This dynamic platform empowers you to develop devices that have internet connectivity capabilities, through the use of Android’s application programming interfaces (APIs).

In an impressive consolidation of services, Google has integrated Brillo, its existing operating system for Android-based IoT devices, with its other development tools. These include the Android Software Development Kit (SDK), Google Cloud, Android Studio, and even Google Play services, catapulting the potential for increased functionality and diversity within the IoT sphere.

That’s not all. Google also plans to support Weave, its communication service designed for IoT devices. Weave enables devices to interact seamlessly with key Google services, including the popular Google Assistant. Renowned companies such as Samsung are already utilizing Weave in their products. Correspondingly, leading names like LiFX, WeMo, Honeywell, have lent their backing to Android Things, promising a promising future for this Google venture.

Google’s bold move in the IoT sector comes on the heels of its successful dominance in the mobile operating system market. With Android commanding an astounding 88 percent share of the global market, bolstered by significant sales growth of Android-based devices, particularly in emerging economies, Google’s foray into IoT is an exciting prospect.

It will be interesting to see if Android Things can replicate the sweeping success of Android in the smartphone domain. Given the varied alternatives at the disposal of developers, conquering the IoT market seems no easy feat. However, the integration of Android Things with other Google services, especially Google Assistant, makes it a fascinating proposition for developers. With its robust foothold in the artificial intelligence realm, Google promises to revolutionize the way we interact with IoT devices.

Existing Brillo users have been assured a smooth transition to Android Things, as Google commits to guiding them through the process. This transition to Android Things hints at a future with more quality, interoperable, and efficient IoT applications.

However, amidst these developments, the issue of IoT security continues to generate heated discussions. Recent malware attacks, like those orchestrated through the infamous Mirai, which targeted internet services via distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) strategies, underscore the evolving threat landscape in the connected era.