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Understanding Android Things (Android of Things)
In the year 2015, Google unveiled Android Things, an embedded operating system platform. The phrase "Hardware based development" is used to describe Android Things. You may create IoT devices using the Android Things platform, which is an addition to the Android operating system. Since you are all familiar with Android Development, you can create Android Things using your current software skill set.
To create IoT software quickly and efficiently, developers can use well−known tools like Android Studio and the Android SDK. They can then grow the hardware from a single prototype into mass production. Anyone can create commercial items at scale, from small businesses to established corporations. One of Android Things' main benefits is its capacity to deliver regular updates and security fixes, which is essential for IoT devices because they sometimes have lengthy life cycles. Additionally, it has capabilities like hardware compatibility for sensors and other add−ons, built−in cloud integration, and Google Play Services support.
Let’s deep dive into this article to know more about Android of Things.
Android Things
In a nutshell, The Android Things includes a highly−optimised OS that can run on any lowpowered devices and work with any hardware platform, Google−certified hardware, as well as a mechanism to assure frequent software and security upgrades for the connected devices. Any device, including ones you might not have thought of, can have it enabled. The Android Things are compatible with all internet−connected devices and all other locations where the existing IoT applications are used, from common household appliances to extremely important machinery in manufacturing facilities.
Why Should You Use Android Things?
Android Things provides a lot of benefits for IoT developers. Some of the advantages are as follows:
Familiar Development Environment:
With the help of Android Studio and well−known programming languages like Java and Kotlin, developers were able to make use of their existing expertise in Android Things. The shift for developers into IoT development was facilitated by their experience.
Security Updates:
IoT devices based on the Android Things platform were kept safe from newly developing threats because of the platform's continuous security updates and fixes. For IoT devices, which frequently have long life cycles and may be subject to security issues, this functionality was especially important.
Integration with Google Services:
Google Cloud Platform and Google Play Services, among other Google services, are smoothly integrated with Android Things. This interface made it simple for developers to use Google services, cloud capability, and data storage in their IoT applications.
Broad Hardware Support:
Numerous hardware platforms, including well−liked development boards and system−onmodules, were supported by Android Things. Due to this flexibility, developers were able to select the hardware that best met the needs of their individual IoT projects.
Developer Community and Resources:
The developer community for Android Things was active and included forums, guides, and sample code. Collaboration, problem−solving, and the exchange of best practices among IoT developers were made easier thanks to this support network.
How to get Started with Android Things?
The general steps to getting started with Android Things are as follows:
Set up Hardware
Select a system−on−module (SoM) or development board that is supported by Android Things. The Raspberry Pi 3, NXP Pico i.MX7D, and Intel Edison were among the most well−liked choices. For hardware configuration and connection, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Install Development Tools
The official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android development, Android Studio, should be installed. Ensure that the most recent version is set up. Download the Android Things system image for your chosen hardware as well from the website for the platform.
Create a Project
Create a new project in Android Studio by opening it. Choose the "Android Things" template, then pick the right piece of hardware from the list.
Write Code
Similar to developing Android apps, developing Android Things entails writing code in Java or Kotlin. Use the Android APIs and libraries to communicate with the hardware, sensors, and accessories that are unique to your IoT device.
Test and Debug
Connect your development board to your computer, then launch and utilise the hardware using the application. Test and debug your code using Android Studio's debugging tools as necessary.
Integrate IoT Functionality
Several APIs and frameworks are available through Android Things to enable IoT capabilities. To connect to sensors, actuators, and other devices, you can use features like GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output), PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), I2C (Inter−Integrated Circuit), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver−Transmitter).
Deploy and Distribute
Once your Android Things application has been created and tested, you can distribute it to your IoT devices by packaging it as an APK (Android application package). Additionally, you might want to think about setting up OTA (over−the−air) updates and remote administration for your devices.
Conclusion
Android objects offer a vast array of capabilities to create a new universe of devices that can improve the quality of life in the neighbourhood. It enables smart devices to manage their own tasks rather than relying on servers to do the processing, acting more as a framework than a user interface per se. It is best for sophisticated smart devices like printers and locks rather than simple power outlets because it can handle more complex duties. Android Things is predicted to change the IoT market once it is released since a variety of business groups, from startups to huge corporations, are keen to utilise it for a variety of use cases.
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