Google to shutter Android Things

If you aren't familiar with Android Things, we don't blame you. This stripped-down version of Android meant for smart home devices didn't really gain popularity. So, it's not surprising that Google will shutter this operating system. The Android Things Console, which lets developers push updates to their devices, will no longer accept new non-commercial projects starting January 5, 2021. And then a year later, "the console will be turned down completely and all project data will be permanently deleted." This time will give developers time to wind down any Android Things-related projects that they have.

Android Things started as the project Brillo in 2015, and it was supposed to provide the "underlying operating system for the internet of things." A year later, it was relaunched as Android Things, and it was meant to run on devices like security cameras, routers, and smart speakers. Since it relied on Android, the OS was supposed to be familiar to developers, making it easier to use. But it didn't really pick up. Google announced in February 2019 that it was "refocusing" Android Things to specialize in smart speakers and smart displays.

Source: The Verge