Google releases Android Things 1.0 platform for IoT devices


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Google today has announced the release of Android Things 1.0 after launching it to the developers at the end of 2016. It is also announcing the  System-on-Modules (SoMs) based on the NXP i.MX8M, Qualcomm SDA212, Qualcomm SDA624, and MediaTek MT8516 hardware platforms.

Google says that these modules are certified for production use with the guaranteed support of up to three years. Development hardware and reference designs for these SoMs will be available in the coming months. Google also announced that it will offer free stability fixes and security patches for three years, with additional options for extended support. Even after the support period ends, developers can still continue to push app updates to devices.

The Android Things console for the software update is limited to 100 active devices for non-commercial use. For developers who wish to launch a commercial product running Android Things must sign a distribution agreement with Google to remove the device limit. With 1.0 release, Android Things is getting a new interface to configure hardware peripherals, enabling build-time control of the Peripheral I/O connections available and device properties such as GPIO resistors and I2C bus speed.

Google has been working closely with companies to bring products built on Android Things to market; these include smart speakers from LG and iHome and Smart Displays from Lenovo, LG, and JBL, which showcase powerful capabilities like Google Assistant and Google Cast. Google says that these products will hit the markets very soon. Like it did with Assistant, Google is also offering support for startups that are working on products based on Android Things.

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