Google Buys Motorola Mobility

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. 


Google has recently announced that the company has purchased mobile phone and tablet maker Motorola Mobility for about USD 12.5 billion. This deal means that Google will work closely with Motorola - a hardware manufacturer - on developing Android.

The next release for Android, code-named Ice Cream Sandwich, will be an operating system designed for tablets and mobile devices.

Google said the acquisition will "supercharge the Android ecosystem and enhance competition in mobile computing," according to a news release. Google said the deal will not affect how Android is developed, and the operating system will remain open, Google said. This was a sigh of relief that it still remains open source.

Motorola Mobility is composed of two groups: Mobile Devices, which makes phones, and Home, which makes set-top boxes and other IPTV equipment.