Android Things became official at the end of 2016 as a simple operating system, intended for connected devices. After several years in development, it was not until 2018 when Google finally launched its final version in Spain. This system never reached devices within the Google catalog.
It was last year when it was announced a major change in Android Things, which was then going to focus on smart speakers and displays, according to Google. This system is now running into a new hurdle, as non-commercial use will start to decline early next year.
Android Things changes: it will focus on speakers and smart displaysGoogle has shut down Android Things and will now focus on devices with the Google Assistant, such as speakers and smart displays.
Android Things prepares for its end
As of January 5, 2021, the Android Things development console will no longer accept the creation of new projects using NXP i.MX7D or Raspberry Pi 3B, the last of its two developer kits that is still in use. Google has confirmed that developers with existing projects will be able to continue using their console to create images and send OTA updates for a while longer, until January 5, 2022.
After that date, this console will stop working completely for non-commercial use and all project data will be permanently deleted, according to the company. Developers will be able to download these images from the factory, following the instructions on the console. The time to download these images is until January 5, 2022.
Google announced in its day this operating system as a platform on which to build and maintain Internet of Things devices, although the end of this project calls into question these statements. Also, do not forget that Android Things is currently used in 3rd party smart displays and speakers, so this ending is a disappointment for many. It also contributes to the image of Google by ending all kinds of projects unexpectedly.
The end of Android Things doesn’t seem like it’s the end of Google in the Internet of Things. The company asks developers who seek to commercialize their projects in this field to consult its website for IoT, to obtain more information on how to carry out such projects.
The Android Things entry comes to an end: Google announces its closing date appears first in The Free Android.
