Google releases Android Things 1.0 with long-term support for production devices

Android Things - an Android-based OS from Google, aimed at IoT devices - has been in the preview phase since 2016. Now the company has finally announced a stable, production-ready version (1.0) of the platform.

Google says it will offer free, three year support - stability fixes and security patches - for each long-term Android Things release, with additional options for extended support. Manufactures are, free to offer updates even beyond that window.

With Android Things 1.0, Google has also announced support for new System-on-Modules. These SoMs are based on the NXP i.MX8M, Qualcomm SDA212, Qualcomm SDA624, and MediaTek MT8516 hardware platforms.

"These modules are certified for production use with guaranteed long-term support for three years, making it easier to bring prototypes to market," the company says. "Development hardware and reference designs for these SoMs will be available in the coming months".

While the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and NXP i.MX7D devices will continue to be supported as developer hardware for prototyping and testing, NXP i.MX6UL support will end.

Google says IoT products powered by the Android Things platform - smart speakers, smart displays, and more - will launch between now and the end of summer.

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