Google has announced that it is buying Motorola Mobility, in a $12.5bn deal expected to close either by the end of the year or the start of 2012.
The latest Motorola Xoom Tablet
Described by Google CEO Larry Page as a move to “supercharge the Android ecosystem” the deal will see Motorola operated as a separate business with the company remaining an Android licensee.
According to Google, Motorola’s devotion to Android figured big in the company’s decision to purchase. Back in 2008, Motorola decided to leave its own OS and others like Windows Mobile, and devote resources entirely to building an Android-based range.
It seems unlikely that Motorola will now look to Windows Phone, even if Microsoft was to offer them a Nokia-style deal.
Page also says that Motorola’s home-entertainment business will feel some refreshed attention, likely to see the first Motorola Google TV boxes arrive among other things. The acquisition will also net Google a significant patent portfolio, one which Motorola suggested recently would put it in a strong position versus other Android OEMs.
More news and updates on the deal will feature in the August edition of Infinity Gaming Magazine.
