Skip to main content

Google reportedly ready to launch Android-based ‘Brillo’ OS for the Internet of Things

According to a report this morning from The Information, Google is working on new software built specifically for lower memory devices like smart home products. While current versions of Android are aimed at devices with at least 512 megabytes of memory, this new spinoff of the Android operating system, codenamed “Brillo,” is aimed at low-powered devices with as little as 32 or 64 megabytes of RAM…

Google last year officially launched Android Wear, Android TV, and Android Auto, clearly aiming to get its software to anything that runs on electricity. With this new software though, which the report says is likely to be released under the Android brand, Google is taking aim at the connected home. Devices with simpler hardware, like smart lightbulbs, thermostats, and refrigerators are obvious candidates.

Google is likely to release the software under the Android brand, as the group developing the software is linked to the company’s Android unit. The lower memory requirements for devices running the new software would mark a sharp drop from the latest versions of Android, which are primarily aimed at mobile phones with at least 512 megabytes of memory.

The report goes on to note that the software is separate from the upcoming Android “M” release and is likely—at first—to be more of a “technology blueprint” like the Android Open Source Project. Unsurprisingly, Google is expected to debut “Brillo” at its annual Google I/O developers’ conference next week. We’ll be on the floor to keep you updated on all the latest developments.

 

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Stephen Hall Stephen Hall

Stephen is Growth Director at 9to5. If you want to get in touch, follow me on Twitter. Or, email at stephen (at) 9to5mac (dot) com, or an encrypted email at hallstephenj (at) protonmail (dot) com.