At the Google I/O 2015, event, Google took to the stage to announce Project Brillo – a new software platform for Internet of things (IoT). This new OS will power lower-level connected devices with little minimum memory such as lighting bulbs, car parks, airport kiosks and more.
Much of the core of Brillo is derived from Android but rather a stripped-down version which supports a wide range of devices and has a user friendly interface making it easier to be used on hardware. It supports connectivity options such as Bluetooth Low Energy and Wi-Fi to connect to Android devices.
Alongside Project Brillo, Google also announced Weave, a communication protocol which it developed in collaboration with Nest. Brillo uses Weave to communicate with connected devices – phones, the Cloud and the Brillo connected device. Android M OS running devices are automatically enabled to recognise Brillo OS powered devices. However, Weave will be able to work independently on any platform.
Android devices would be at the centre of things as they would be used in controlling their various IoT devices. The developer preview for Brillo would be available by Q3 2015 and Weave would be available by Q4 2015. We look forward to the real life application of both.
