In what could be a key move in its nascent wireless strategy, Google has quietly acquired startup Android Inc. The 22-month-old startup, based in Palo Alto, Calif., brings to Google a wealth of talent, including co-founder Andy Rubin, who previously started mobile-device maker Danger Inc.
Android (www.android.com) has operated under a cloak of secrecy, so everyone knows little about its work. Rubin & Co. have sparingly described the outfit as making software for mobile phones that provides little more detail. One source familiar with the company says Android at one point had been working on a software operating system for cell phones.
In 2003 just two months before incorporating Android, Rubin said there was tremendous potential in developing smarter mobile devices that are more aware of its owner’s location and preferences. "If people are smart that information starts getting aggregated into consumer products," said Rubin.
Rubin declined to comment on Android or its sale to Google. A spokesperson for Google only stated – "We acquired Android because of the talented engineers and great technology. We’re thrilled to have them here."
Google has been toiling to make its services more appealing to people who access the Net over cell phones and other mobile devices.
In April, the company unleashed local-flavored search for mobile users. It also announced Google Short Message Service (SMS) that sends text-based information to mobile users seeking everything from driving directions to weather forecasts.
In May, Google acquired Dodgeball, a mobile social-networking service. Using a wireless device, users can send a text message to their circle of friends stating that they will be at a certain coffee shop or hangout. In addition, users can notify if friends-of-friends are within certain neighborhood. Google has not disclosed how it will incorporate the Dodgeball offering into its services.
Google bought Android in July for an undisclosed sum. The upstart adds to Google’s collection of talent and technology that it hopes to apply to this critical segment. "Wireless is the next frontier in search," says Scott Ellison, Analyst at Research Outfit IDC. With Google’s acquisition of Android, it will be interesting to see what new wireless products emerge from the joining.