ANDROID THINGS SPECIALISTS
What is Android Things?
Android Things is an Android-based platform for developing IoT (Internet of Things) devices. In February 2019, Google announced that Android Things would be refocused as a platform for developing smart speakers and smart displays.
Here’s a quick overview of the skills you should look for in Android Things professionals:
- Android Things
- Android app development (e.g., Java, Kotlin)
- Embedded systems development (e.g., C, C++)
- Smart speakers and smart displays
Why do you want to hire Android Things specialists?
The trick to finding top Android Things specialists is to identify your needs. Is your goal to prototype an IoT device idea using Raspberry Pi and Android Things? Or are you an OEM looking to provide a mobile app interface for your new line of smart speakers? The cost of your project will depend largely on your scope of work and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.
HOW TO HIRE ANDROID THINGS SPECIALISTS
Android Things provides low-level I/O APIs and libraries for common components such as display controllers and motion sensors. Android Things developers can help you make your own smart displays and speakers.
So how do you hire Android Things specialists? What follows are some tips for finding top Android Things specialists on Upwork.
How to shortlist Android Things professionals
As you’re browsing available Android Things consultants, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the professionals you may want to interview. You can screen profiles on criteria such as:
- Technology fit. You want an Android Things specialist who understands the technologies needed to bring your project to life.
- Project experience. Screen candidate profiles for specific skills and experience (e.g., designing I/O peripherals for a smart TV).
- Feedback. Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what it’s like to work with a particular Android Things specialist.
How to write an effective Android Things job post
With a clear picture of your ideal Android Things specialist in mind, it’s time to write that job post. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a freelancer to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
An effective Android Things job post should include:
- Scope of work: From smart speakers to smart displays, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience with certain industries, technologies, or developer tools, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Ready to bring your smart display or smart speaker project to life? Log in and post your Android Things job on Upwork today.
>- Identify your project needs, whether it’s prototyping an IoT concept or developing peripheral I/O APIs for a smart TV.
- Define the scope of work and write a detailed job post. Be specific about deliverables (e.g., writing custom serial communication APIs to transfer data between smart devices on a local network).
- Review proposals and shortlist potential Android Things specialists for unique skills needed to bring your project to life (e.g., UI/UX expertise for designing a mobile web portal for your smart display).
- Interview Android Things talent to gauge whether they’re the right fit for your project. Here are some sample interview questions.