In 2015, Google announced Android Things, an operating system designed to power Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The platform was meant to provide a simple and secure way for developers to build connected devices, from smart home appliances to industrial sensors. However, in 2019, Google announced that it would be discontinuing Android Things and replacing it with a new platform called Android Things IoT. But why did Google decide to discontinue Android Things, and what does this mean for the future of IoT development?
The Origins of Android Things
Android Things was first announced in 2015 as a spin-off of the Android operating system. The platform was designed to provide a simple and secure way for developers to build connected devices, from smart home appliances to industrial sensors. Android Things was based on the Android operating system, but it was stripped down to provide a more lightweight and efficient platform for IoT devices.
One of the key features of Android Things was its ability to provide a secure and managed platform for IoT devices. The platform included a number of security features, such as secure boot and verified boot, to ensure that devices were running authorized software. Android Things also provided a managed platform for IoT devices, allowing developers to remotely update and manage devices.
Android Things vs. Other IoT Platforms
Android Things was not the only IoT platform available when it was announced. Other platforms, such as Amazon’s FreeRTOS and Microsoft’s Windows 10 IoT, were already available. However, Android Things had a number of advantages that made it an attractive option for developers.
One of the key advantages of Android Things was its familiarity. Android was already a widely used operating system, and many developers were familiar with its APIs and development tools. Android Things provided a similar development experience to Android, making it easy for developers to get started with IoT development.
Another advantage of Android Things was its flexibility. The platform was designed to be highly customizable, allowing developers to create a wide range of IoT devices. Android Things also provided a number of APIs and development tools, making it easy for developers to integrate their devices with other services and platforms.
The Decline of Android Things
Despite its advantages, Android Things failed to gain significant traction in the market. The platform was initially met with enthusiasm from developers, but it ultimately failed to deliver on its promises.
One of the key reasons for the decline of Android Things was its complexity. While the platform was designed to be simple and secure, it ultimately proved to be more complex than expected. Developers found it difficult to work with the platform, and many were frustrated by its limitations.
Another reason for the decline of Android Things was its lack of support from Google. While Google initially promoted the platform heavily, it ultimately failed to provide the level of support that developers needed. The platform was plagued by bugs and security vulnerabilities, and many developers felt that Google was not doing enough to address these issues.
The Rise of Android Things IoT
In 2019, Google announced that it would be discontinuing Android Things and replacing it with a new platform called Android Things IoT. Android Things IoT is a more streamlined and secure platform than Android Things, and it is designed to provide a more efficient and effective way for developers to build IoT devices.
One of the key features of Android Things IoT is its use of the Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) framework. The OCF framework provides a standardized way for devices to communicate with each other, and it allows developers to create devices that are interoperable with other devices and platforms.
Android Things IoT also provides a number of security features, such as secure boot and verified boot, to ensure that devices are running authorized software. The platform also provides a managed platform for IoT devices, allowing developers to remotely update and manage devices.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of Android Things is a significant development in the world of IoT. While the platform had its advantages, it ultimately failed to deliver on its promises. The rise of Android Things IoT provides a new opportunity for developers to build IoT devices, and it is likely to have a significant impact on the future of IoT development.
As the IoT market continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see new platforms and technologies emerge. However, one thing is certain: the future of IoT development will be shaped by the need for secure, efficient, and effective platforms. Android Things IoT is an important step in this direction, and it is likely to play a significant role in shaping the future of IoT development.
| Platform | Key Features | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android Things | Secure boot, verified boot, managed platform | Familiarity, flexibility, highly customizable | Complexity, lack of support from Google |
| Android Things IoT | OCF framework, secure boot, verified boot, managed platform | Streamlined and secure, efficient and effective | Still a relatively new platform |
In conclusion, the discontinuation of Android Things is a significant development in the world of IoT. While the platform had its advantages, it ultimately failed to deliver on its promises. The rise of Android Things IoT provides a new opportunity for developers to build IoT devices, and it is likely to have a significant impact on the future of IoT development.
What is Android Things and how did it originate?
Android Things is an operating system developed by Google, specifically designed for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It was first announced in 2016 as a successor to the Brillo operating system, with the goal of providing a more streamlined and secure platform for IoT development. Android Things was initially met with excitement from developers and manufacturers, who saw its potential for creating a wide range of connected devices.
Android Things was designed to be a lightweight and customizable operating system, allowing developers to build IoT devices with a variety of hardware configurations. It also provided a range of APIs and tools for integrating with other Google services, such as Google Assistant and Google Cloud. However, despite its promising start, Android Things ultimately failed to gain significant traction in the market, leading to its discontinuation by Google.
What were the main features of Android Things?
Android Things had several key features that were designed to make it an attractive platform for IoT development. One of its main features was its ability to run on a wide range of hardware configurations, from small microcontrollers to more powerful systems-on-chip (SoCs). This allowed developers to build IoT devices with varying levels of complexity and functionality. Android Things also provided a range of APIs and tools for integrating with other Google services, such as Google Assistant and Google Cloud.
Another key feature of Android Things was its focus on security and stability. The platform was designed to provide a secure and reliable foundation for IoT devices, with features such as secure boot and regular security updates. Android Things also had a streamlined development process, with a range of tools and APIs available to help developers build and test their applications. However, despite these features, Android Things ultimately failed to gain significant traction in the market.
What were the reasons behind Google’s decision to discontinue Android Things?
Google’s decision to discontinue Android Things was likely due to a combination of factors. One reason was the platform’s failure to gain significant traction in the market. Despite its promising start, Android Things failed to attract a large number of developers and manufacturers, which made it difficult for the platform to achieve economies of scale. Another reason was the increasing competition in the IoT market, with other platforms such as Amazon’s FreeRTOS and Microsoft’s Azure IoT gaining popularity.
Google may have also decided to discontinue Android Things due to its own shifting priorities. The company has been focusing increasingly on its cloud-based services, such as Google Cloud and Google Assistant, and may have decided to allocate its resources more towards these areas. Additionally, Google may have realized that Android Things was not the best fit for its IoT strategy, and decided to focus on other initiatives such as its Android-based smart home devices.
What does the discontinuation of Android Things mean for developers and manufacturers?
The discontinuation of Android Things means that developers and manufacturers will no longer be able to use the platform for new IoT projects. Google has announced that it will continue to support existing Android Things devices for a limited time, but it will not provide any further updates or security patches for the platform. This means that developers and manufacturers will need to migrate their existing projects to other platforms, such as Amazon’s FreeRTOS or Microsoft’s Azure IoT.
The discontinuation of Android Things may also have a broader impact on the IoT market. The platform’s failure to gain significant traction may have been due to a lack of demand for IoT devices, or a lack of clarity around the benefits of IoT technology. This may have implications for other IoT platforms and initiatives, and may lead to a re-evaluation of the IoT market as a whole.
What are the alternatives to Android Things for IoT development?
There are several alternatives to Android Things for IoT development. One popular option is Amazon’s FreeRTOS, which is a lightweight operating system designed for microcontrollers and other small devices. Another option is Microsoft’s Azure IoT, which is a cloud-based platform for building and managing IoT devices. Other options include the Linux-based Yocto Project and the real-time operating system (RTOS) VxWorks.
These alternatives offer a range of features and benefits, including support for different hardware configurations, integration with cloud-based services, and robust security and stability. Developers and manufacturers can choose the platform that best fits their needs and goals, and can use a range of tools and APIs to build and deploy their IoT devices.
What are the lessons learned from the rise and fall of Android Things?
The rise and fall of Android Things provides several lessons for the IoT industry. One lesson is the importance of understanding the needs and demands of the market. Android Things was launched with great fanfare, but it ultimately failed to gain significant traction due to a lack of demand for IoT devices. Another lesson is the need for clarity and focus in IoT initiatives. Android Things was a complex and ambitious platform, but it may have been too broad in its scope and goals.
The rise and fall of Android Things also highlights the importance of partnerships and collaborations in the IoT industry. Android Things was launched with the support of several major manufacturers, but it ultimately failed to attract a large number of developers and partners. This may have been due to a lack of clear benefits and incentives for partnering with the platform. Finally, the rise and fall of Android Things shows the need for flexibility and adaptability in IoT initiatives. Google’s decision to discontinue Android Things was likely due to a combination of factors, including changes in the market and shifts in the company’s priorities.