Google has unveiled its attempt to help development of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, by launching Project Brillo. Based on core components of Android, the IoT operating system is designed to run on low-powered devices, and includes native support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, and other Android functions in order to make communications between devices as simple as possible.
To go with the operating system, Google has created Weave, a common communications system that will allow devices running Brillo, smartphones, and Internet servers talk to each other, though Weave can work independently of Brillo. A developer can define events for one device in Weave, which can then be understood by other smart devices. To help users control devices, it has been revealed that there will be voice-related APIs, allowing for commands to be spoken to a device, and any Android device will be able to discover nearby Brillo and Weave-supporting device on their home network.
Google is still keeping fairly quiet about Brillo and Weave’s capabilities, but it won’t be for much longer. The developer preview for Brillo is expected to launch in the third quarter of this year, with Weave set to join it in the fourth quarter.
