Load Google Translate Since its launch in November 2007, Android has not only dramatically increased consumer choice but also improved the entire mobile experience for users. Today, more than 150 million Android devices have been activated worldwide—with over 550,000 devices now lit up every day—through a network of about 39 manufacturers and 231 carriers in 123 countries. Given Android’s phenomenal success, we are always looking for new ways to supercharge the Android ecosystem. That is why I am so excited today to announce that we have agreed to acquire Motorola.
Motorola has a history of over 80 years of innovation in communications technology and products, and in the development of intellectual property, which have helped drive the remarkable revolution in mobile computing we are all enjoying today. Its many industry milestones include the introduction of the world’s first portable cell phone nearly 30 years ago, and the StarTAC—the smallest and lightest phone on earth at time of launch. In 2007, Motorola was a founding member of the Open Handset Alliance that worked to make Android the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices. I have loved my Motorola phones from the StarTAC era up to the current DROIDs.
In 2008, Motorola bet big on Android as the sole operating system across all of its smartphone devices. It was a smart bet and we’re thrilled at the success they’ve achieved so far. We believe that their mobile business is on an upward trajectory and poised for explosive growth.
Motorola is also a market leader in the home devices and video solutions business. With the transition to Internet Protocol, we are excited to work together with Motorola and the industry to support our partners and cooperate with them to accelerate innovation in this space.
Motorola’s total commitment to Android in mobile devices is one of many reasons that there is a natural fit between our two companies. Together, we will create amazing user experiences that supercharge the entire Android ecosystem for the benefit of consumers, partners and developers everywhere.
Shouted 'wow' when I just saw the email notification for this in my inbox. It should be very interesting to see the what Android devices emerge out of the new division. Plus, I'm in the Chicago, so I'm hoping this will boost opportunities for engineers & developers in the area (Motorola's birthplace).
i know for sure we all shouted first a "WTF" and then a WOW!
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Are you sure it's so good - Google have had to fork out $7.5e9 - a huge premium on the stock market valuation - in order to buy a wodge of patents to defend Android from Apple and Microsoft. My guess is that Google will spin off the manufacturing bit as soon as they decently can.
Interesting point. On The Amp Hour, they were discussing whether or not Motorola Mobility does their own manufacturing or if it was outsourced. I'm just hoping the move will be a good thing for Motorola jobs in the area (Chicagoland). Too many times over the years, I've turned on the news to hear about big job cuts there.
Cheers,
Drew
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