June 23, 11:52 AM

The Wall Street Journal previews a Google conference this week for app developers, and muses on how Google will open up "second screens" -- including potential smart thermostats -- to app developers.

Google's desire to monetize smart thermostats and other in-home devices through advertising and the provision of other content is not new, and was previously reported after being disclosed in an SEC filing.

However, making these devices developer-friendly is key in developing apps that will drive customer adoption and affinity for the devices, turning them into something the customer interacts with routinely, instead of once a day, which in turn will make ads more relevant and penetrating (and increase the revenue that may be charged for each ad).

WSJ: With Google, an Eye on New Screens