Qualcomm said that it intends to collaborate with Google to add support for the new Android Things operating system (OS) in Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.
Android Things, an evolution of Brillo, launches in preview to provide developers a way to build IoT hardware using Android APIs and Google services. At the same time, Google has also enhanced Weave, the company's IoT communications platform.
By using their expertise in Android and Snapdragon processors to support development of a variety of connected devices aimed at both consumer and industrial applications, this initiative intends to help a vast number of developers participate in the IoT opportunity.
The design of IoT devices can be a complex task, usually requiring developers to bring together multiple connectivity technologies, sensors, data processing and storage, advanced multimedia and user interfaces, security, cloud integration, device management, as well as over-the-air upgrades and services. Development can be particularly challenging in fragmented OS ecosystems lacking a consistent environment, software tools and support required to create world-class applications.
Qualcomm said Android Things running on Snapdragon processors will offer developers familiar connectivity environments, including cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; support for a wide array of sensors; camera, graphics, multimedia and rich UI capabilities; hardware-based security; Google services and cloud integration; test and optimization tools, and more – allowing for rapid development of scalable, cost-effective and security-focused IoT solutions.
Android Things is in developer preview and is anticipated to be released more broadly next year on Snapdragon processors.
Jeffery Torrance, vice president, business development, Qualcomm Technologies
Since the launch of the first Android phone, Qualcomm Technologies and Google have closely collaborated to create exciting new opportunities for developers in mobile, wearables and the IoT. We are pleased to announce our intent to work with Google on this new initiative to expand the Android ecosystem.
