Android Things is the new IoT OS from Google, taking over from Project Brillo

Google is making some changes to its Internet of Things strategy. The company announced today it has launched a developer preview of Android Things, the new name for its IoT operating system.

You may remember that back in May 2015, Google announced Project Brillo as the name of its IoT operating system. In today’s announcement, Google said it is using the feedback it received from developers from Brillo to create Android Things. The company said any IoT smart device creator will be able to use familiar Android SDKs, APIs and services such as Google Play and Google Cloud Platform with Android Things.

The OS will also get updated in the coming months that will add features such as regular OS patches, security fixes, and the ability for developers to release their own updates. It already supports making devices using boards such as the Intel Edison, the NXP Pico, and the Raspberry Pi 3, shown above.

Google also announced updates to its Weave protocol for connecting smart devices to the cloud and services such as Google Assistant. It already supports devices like smart light bulbs, smart plugs and switches, and thermostats, and the company said that in the future it will add more device support, along with a mobile application API for both Android and iOS app.