Google has unveiled Brillo, a stripped-down version of Android designed for the internet of things (IoT). The operating system is intended to connect and control devices beyond computers and smartphones, such as home appliances, vending machines, and oil rigs. Google’s Brillo is designed to run on and connect multiple device types, making it easier for developers to build a single IoT application that works across a variety of devices.
Brillo will be released to developers in the third quarter of 2015, with a full launch expected by year-end. Google is also releasing Weave, a communication layer for IoT that allows devices to talk to each other, the cloud, and your phone. Weave will be cross-platform, working with both Brillo and other operating systems.
Google’s move into the IoT market is seen as a direct challenge to Apple’s HomeKit, which also aims to unify IoT devices. However, Google’s broader approach could make Brillo a more attractive option for developers. Google’s senior vice president, Sundar Pichai, emphasised the company’s commitment to IoT, stating that it is a crucial part of the firm’s future.
Go to source article: http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/may/28/google-brillo-operating-system-internet-of-things