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Motorola will be 'run at arm's length' claims Google mobile chief Andy Rubin

Patents behind the purchase

Motorola will be 'run at arm's length' claims Google mobile chief Andy Rubin
Was it a desperate attempt to save a manufacturer fast sinking into the quicksand, or an attempt by Google to have a greater hand in the delivery of its own platform?

Either way, the unveiling of Google's $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola Mobility threatened the existence of Android as an open source platform for some, with the belief the firm would favour its new partner over other OEMs.

In reply, Google's senior VP of mobile Andy Rubin has attempted to quell such thoughts, claiming a Google-owned Motorola will be run "at arm's length".

Patent play

Speaking at the AsiaD conference, Rubin claimed taking hold of the firm's large portfolio of patents – which it had threatened to use against other Android OEMs – was the main motivation behind the acquisition.

"I'm focused on delighting a lot of consumers, but there are other folks focused on putting me out of business," he said.

"I don't think you should consider Google's acquisition of Motorola as Google entering the hardware business. This is going to be an arm's length thing… Motorola isn't going to get any special treatment."

Such a stance goes against the release of internal presentation slides, which suggested Motorola was to gain "early access to the [Android] software".

[source: AllThingsD]

When Matt was 7 years old he didn't write to Santa like the other little boys and girls. He wrote to Mario. When the rotund plumber replied, Matt's dedication to a life of gaming was established. Like an otaku David Carradine, he wandered the planet until becoming a writer at Pocket Gamer.