Qualcomm Incorporated announced that its subsidiary, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., intends to collaborate with Google to add support for the new Android Things operating system (OS) in Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. Android Things is a new vertical of Android designed for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. By using their expertise in Android and Snapdragon processors to support development of a variety of connected devices aimed at both consumer and industrial applications, this initiative intends to help a vast number of developers participate in the IoT opportunity.
The design of IoT devices can be a complex task, usually requiring developers to bring together multiple connectivity technologies, sensors, data processing and storage, advanced multimedia and user interfaces, security, cloud integration, device management, as well as over-the-air upgrades and services. Development can be particularly challenging in fragmented OS ecosystems lacking a consistent environment, software tools and the support required to create world-class applications.
Qualcomm Technologies and Google are uniquely positioned to address these challenges. We anticipate Android Things running on Snapdragon processors will offer developers familiar connectivity environments, including cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; support for a wide array of sensors; camera, graphics, multimedia and rich UI capabilities, hardware-based security, Google services and cloud integration, test and optimization tools and more – allowing for rapid development of scalable, cost-effective and security-focused IoT solutions.
"Since the launch of the first Android phone, Qualcomm Technologies and Google have closely collaborated to create exciting new opportunities for developers in mobile, wearables and the IoT," said Jeffery Torrance, vice president, business development, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "We are pleased to announce our intent to work with Google on this new initiative to expand the Android ecosystem. We anticipate many new and exciting IoT products will result as developers are able to bring the power of the Snapdragon processor together with Android Things."
Android Things is in developer preview and is anticipated to be released more broadly next year on Snapdragon processors.
