Google I/O – Project Brillo Officially Launches Google Into The Internet Of Things

Google has made its long-anticipated move into the Internet of Things (IoT) with the launch of its own connected device platform.

Announced at Google I/O last night, Project Brillo gives developers and manufactures a selection of Android-powered tools to connect devices to the IoT, as well as letting users control their smart home devices using their smartphone or tablet.

The platform, which supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy is set to launch later this year, and promises that Android users will be able to use automatic set-up to start using Brillo immediately after installation.

Connected

Powering Project Brillo is a newly developed communications system called Weave. Developed by Google and smart thermostat maker Nest, Weave is a new set of developer APIs and certification programs which will act as a common language for devices to talk to each other, hopefully ensuring interoperability throughout the IoT.

Weave, which will launch in Q4 this year, is also open-platform, meaning it will work with other IoT operating systems, and is extremely power-frugal, offering up new possibilities for the smart home.

Taking to the stage at Google I/O, Google’s Sundar Pichai ran through a demo showing how Weave will allow connected devices to talk to each other after noting certain events. This could include turning off the oven if the home detects that the door to the kitchen is locked, or if the temperature of the room has grown too high in the case of a fire.

Interestingly, there was also a demo of how Brillo will support voice commands, meaning you might be able to order your smart appliances to turn on and start working just by speaking.

However there was no mention of the slightly scary Google toys that were revealed in a patent application this week, which were rumoured to link into the company’s smart homes initiatives.

Google has looked to begin investing in ‘smart homes’ in recent years, most famously with its acquisition of Nest early in 2014, alongside the announcement of APIs and a developer programme as part of its Google’s “Internet of Things” strategy.

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