Google I/O is around the corner and The Information is reporting that Google is developing an OS for low-power devices connected on the Internet of Things. Codenamed “Brillo,” we may be seeing a reveal of this platform, which would be launched under the Android brand at Google I/O next weekend. The connected OS would be based on the existing Android OS and would signal Google’s entry into the connected devices marketplace in a significant way.
According to the report, this OS would be primarily aimed at low-power devices that function on as little as 64 or 32MB of RAM. This certainly includes a wide range of connected gizmos including light bulbs, door locks, and pretty much any small smart home function that we can expect to see take off in the next few years.
The Internet of Things is often being billed as the next big thing as companies far and wide try to claim their slice of a market they foresee will explode in the near future. One only has to look at trade shows like CES to see the attention IoT is being paid in the consumer electronics industry. Google’s OS will very likely be their shot at integrating and connecting these devices. This is truly the key that no one has yet forged. Kickstarter is running amuck with connected devices, each one running off its own app, its own hub, or any number of individual platforms.
We’re excited to see what Google has in store for Google I/O next week. The annual developer conference is a hub of exciting Google news, so keep an eye out for Google Glass 2, updates on Android, and of course a conversation about the Internet of Things.
No word on just how fleshed out this OS might be at present, but no matter how barebones what we get may be, this marks an important step forward for IoT.
