We recently heard that Google will be buying Android smartphone and hardware manufacturer Motorola for a price of $12.5 billion. Many people have speculated that the purchase is primarily for Motorola’s patents, so that Google can protect its Android OS from the likes of Microsoft and Apple.
Now Google’s former CEO, and current Executive Chairman, Eric Schmidt has spoken out about the purchase of Motorola, and according to him, the deal is about more than just Motorola’s patent portfolio.
Schmidt has said that Google believes that Motorola has some amazing products and also has a range of new products in the works. This was one of the reasons that they purchased Motorola, in addition to the large patent portfolio.
Motorola’s Product Innovation
Motorola has been a significant player in the mobile phone industry for decades. They were pioneers in the development of the first mobile phones and have continued to innovate with products like the Motorola Razr and the Droid series. Schmidt’s comments suggest that Google sees potential in Motorola’s ongoing product development. This could mean that Google is looking to leverage Motorola’s expertise to create cutting-edge hardware that complements its Android software.
For instance, Motorola’s experience in hardware design and manufacturing could help Google produce more integrated and optimized devices. This could lead to better performance, longer battery life, and more innovative features that could set future Android devices apart from the competition. Additionally, Motorola’s existing relationships with carriers and retailers could provide Google with valuable distribution channels for its new products.
Impact on Android Ecosystem
It will be interesting to see exactly what Google does with Motorola. The patents may help them defend Android, but what about new hardware? Will they be able to produce new Android devices and other hardware through Motorola without upsetting their relationships with other Android hardware manufacturers like Samsung, HTC, and many more?
Google has always maintained that Android is an open platform, and it has a wide range of partners who manufacture Android devices. However, owning Motorola could create potential conflicts of interest. Other manufacturers might feel that Google is giving preferential treatment to Motorola, which could lead to tensions within the Android ecosystem.
To mitigate these concerns, Google might need to ensure that Motorola operates independently and continues to compete on a level playing field with other Android manufacturers. This could involve setting up clear guidelines and maintaining transparency in how they manage their relationship with Motorola and other partners.
Moreover, Google’s acquisition of Motorola could also lead to more collaboration and innovation within the Android ecosystem. By working closely with Motorola, Google could develop new technologies and features that benefit all Android manufacturers. For example, advancements in areas like augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and 5G connectivity could be shared across the ecosystem, driving overall growth and competitiveness.
In conclusion, while the acquisition of Motorola by Google is undoubtedly a strategic move to bolster its patent portfolio and protect Android, it is also about much more. Google’s interest in Motorola’s product innovation and potential to create new hardware highlights the broader vision behind the deal. The impact on the Android ecosystem will depend on how Google manages its relationships with other manufacturers and leverages Motorola’s strengths to drive innovation and growth.
Source BGR
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