Android Store: Andy Rubin speaks out on Google, Motorola acquisition; wants nothing to do with Moto

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Andy Rubin speaks out on Google, Motorola acquisition; wants nothing to do with Moto

Mobile World Congress is chock full of device announcements and product details, but as with any trade show, the most interesting news always comes from the CEOs and Vice President-types behind the biggest names in the industry. Google's Andy Rubin sat down with reporters at MWC this year, the topic of the day being Google's acquisition of Motorola. Rubin wasn't shy when it came to sharing his feelings on the acquisition, leaving the press with a handful of quotes on how Google will manage their newly acquired company.

Andy Rubin was, and still is, a supporter of Google's acquisition of Motorola. But now that the deal is nearing completion, he doesn't want anything to do with the big M. Speaking with reporters at Mobile World Congress yesterday, Rubin said he "sponsored" the deal in its earlier stages, but has completely backed away at this point. In turn, Google will essentially take the same route.

With long time Googler Dennis Woodside taking control of the reigns over at Motorola, Rubin said he was "painfully aware" of doubts that Google and Motorola will still operate as two separate entities, but that Google has "literally built a firewall" between the companies. Rubin continued on to say that he has absolutely no idea what Motorola is doing hardware or software wise, saying "I don't even know anything about their products… They're separate from me, and I'm going to continue to do my thing."

Of course, Google's decision to operate the two companies apart from each other has a lot to do with fostering a competitive environment with other Android manufacturers. Fierce competition is what's led Android to where it is now and what's put Motorola into the position it's in today. Rubin wrapped up his time with reporters by saying that, "Even if I was completely insane, it wouldn't make any sense for me to think that we could get Motorola to be 90-plus percent marketshare. It just isn't gonna happen." Well said, Andy. Well said.