Google unveils Android M and Project Brillo as part of Internet of Things push at I/O

Google reveals plans for connected devices and improvements to Android OS as part of 'mobile revolution' - which doesn't include Google Glass

Google has announced an operating system for the Internet of Things (IoT), signifying the web search giant's intent to move forward in the connected devices space.

The Android developer also unveiled the latest version of its operating system - Android M. However, there was no mention of its previous venture into wearables and connected devices, Google Glass, sales of which were halted in January.

Declaring a "mobile revolution", the announcements were made at the Google I/O developers' conference in San Francisco, where Google revealed its vision for the IoT with the unveiling of a dedicated operating system that will be released later this year.

"We're surrounded by devices, but they often exist independently of each other. Our day-to-day lives will be much simpler when these technologies can talk to each other," Sundar Pichai, Google's SVP of products wrote in a blog post, before going on to argue that IoT connectivity is currently patchy.

"Many roadblocks remain - the user experience is inconsistent and confusing, manufacturers often redo their work for every device, devices don't interoperate, and developers often have no way to create great experiences across devices," he said.

To address these issues Google unveiled Project Brillo, with the strapline "for your next connected device", which Pichai described as "a new platform derived from Android that lets developers and manufacturers build connected devices".

"As part of Brillo, we're introducing a communications protocol (Weave) developed in partnership with Nest, a set of developer APIs, a core set of schemas and a certification programme to ensure device and app interoperability," he continued, adding that Brillo was previewed at Google I/O "because we're committed to fostering a vibrant ecosystem in which we all work together to move the industry forward".

Google also used the conference to unveil the next version of its smartphone and tablet operating system, dubbed Android M, claiming "M is for more performance and an improved user experience".

"Android M is the most powerful Android release yet, with hundreds of improvements made to the platform," said Pichai.

"We've improved battery life and streamlined permissions for apps to make it easier for you to decide what information the apps on your phone can use. We previewed Android Pay, which lets you pay for things with your phone, without even opening an app. And we're making it much easier to find information in apps, as well as making some important updates to Google Now," he explained.

Android M will improve battery life with a feature called Doze, which uses motion detection to determine if the device hasn't been used for a while. In this state, the Android device will "back off" background activity, reducing the power used.

Through combining technologies like mobile and the IoT, Google says it wants to "solve complex problems", this mission echoing Apple's "wanting to change the world for the better".

"From our earliest days in search, our aim has always been to build products for everyone, applying unique technical insight to tackle big problems," said Pichai.

"That's just as relevant in today's mobile-centric world - from finding the information scattered across apps, to helping someone organise and share the photos of their kids; from taking people on a virtual trip to the Pyramids to helping the next billion people come online," he continued.

"And by providing a platform on top of which any developer can innovate, we can reach people around the world and put the power of the internet in their hands - no matter what device they use, where they live or who they are."

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