Google to acquire smartphone maker Motorola Mobility. Announced today, the acquisition is worth $12.5 billion USD in cash and this means that Google will have its own smartphone hardware maker.
Motorola is already over 80 years in communication business and it was Motorola who introduced the first cellular phone and one of the biggest Android handset producer in the US. Among there notable Android phones are the Droid X , Droid 3, Atrix and the Android tablet Motorola Xoom.
In the past Google relied on other smartphone manufacturer like HTC and Samsung in making the Google Nexus Phone and with the acquisition of Motorola mobility we will see more Google phone (Nexus) under the Motorola umbrella. Google will not only provide Android OS but also a new hardware which some analyst predict that will become a big competitor for Apple iPhone.
Larry Page Google CEO had this to say about the deal:
Motorola Mobility’s total commitment to Android has created a natural fit for our two companies. Together, we will create amazing user experiences that supercharge the entire Android ecosystem for the benefit of consumers, partners and developers. I look forward to welcoming Motorolans to our family of Googlers.
And Motorolas CEO Sanjay Jha:
“This transaction offers significant value for Motorola Mobility’s stockholders and provides compelling new opportunities for our employees, customers, and partners around the world. We have shared a productive partnership with Google to advance the Android platform, and now through this combination we will be able to do even more to innovate and deliver outstanding mobility solutions across our mobile devices and home businesses.”
Android Partners Comments on the Acquisition:
Peter Chou, CEO, HTC:
We welcome the news of today’s acquisition, which demonstrates that Google is deeply committed to defending Android, its partners, and the entire ecosystem.
Bert Nordberg, President & CEO, Sony Ericsson:
I welcome Google’s commitment to defending Android and its partners.
Jong-Seok Park, President & CEO, LG:
We welcome Google’s commitment to defending Android and its partners.
With over 150 million Android devices to date and 550,000 activated daily – Android is the current leading mobile operating system in the world. The Open Handset Alliance created a harmonious republic of Droid devices that competition among them is the last thing in their mind. With Motorola’s experience in mobile technology will bring a new level in both companies and with software and hardware partnership in development among Google Android developers and Motorola, we’ll see more Google Phones powered by Motorola Technologies.
Apple as the biggest producer of self-owned hardware and OS – there is no doubt that competition between Apple iOS, Microsoft Windows 7 mobile, RIM Blackberry, and Google Android is getting tough. The ongoing patent dispute among this companies are getting hotter and hotter and Google and other members of the OHA are trying to make ways on how to strengthen there shield against patent lawsuits. Google buying Motorola is one of best way in securing a spot in the mobile OS warfare.
Nexus Logo under a Motorola device, what do you think about that?
