Google attempts to 'supercharge Android' by buying Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion

It's easy to forget that Google had nothing to do with mobile phones five years ago. It's almost as easy to forget that five years ago Motorola was one of the coolest handset manufacturers on the block. How times change.

Google has just announced that it's agreed to buy Motorola Mobility (the sister company of Motorola Solutions following the breakup of Motorola, Inc) for $12.5 billion. The boards of both companies have unanimously agreed the move.

“Motorola Mobility’s total commitment to Android has created a natural fit for our two companies,” Google's Larry Page said in the press release. “Together, we will create amazing user experiences that supercharge the entire Android ecosystem for the benefit of consumers, partners and developers. I look forward to welcoming Motorolans to our family of Googlers.”

Google claims the move will not only supercharge Android but “enhance competition in mobile computing.” Motorola Mobility will continue to licence Android and Google will run it as a separate business.

Presumably seeking to reassure the many other Android licensees, Google's senior VP of Mobile Andy Rubin said, “We will continue to work with all of our valued Android partners to develop and distribute innovative Android-powered devices.”

Last week Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha hinted that the company is considering claiming royalties from other Android manufacturers infringing on its patents. It's currently being sued by Apple over its Xoom tablet.