Skip to main content

Android Things Developer Preview 3 adds full support for existing Bluetooth APIs, USB host

Google is continuing its development of Android Things with the latest preview of the platform. Released today, Developer Preview 3 finally adds the biggest feature request from developers, as well as more connectivity options over USB.

The development team noted back in February that it was actively working on bringing Bluetooth to the IoT platform. Finally with DP3, there is support for those existing Android APIs for both Bluetooth Classic and Low Energy.

Code for phones and other devices can run unmodified on Android Things, with features like Bluetooth LE advertisements and scanning and Bluetooth LE GATT working seamlessly. Google’s goal with the platform is to allow developers to easily make IoT devices with their existing knowledge of Android and its related services.

USB host in DP3 now allows Android Things to interface easily with custom USB devices without the need for root privileges or support from the Linux kernel. Similar to other connectivity methods, existing code supporting USB host will work natively.

Lastly, this version adds support for NXP’s Argon i.MX6UL platform. With the addition of Intel Joule in DP2, Android Things supports five IoT platforms in total. DP3 system images are now available for download and install.

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 Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications