Motorola snub Google for Microsoft on Android in China
By Dean • Mar 13th, 2010 • Category: Industry News
- Photo: Android
As the title indicates, this story has so many dimensions to it, it would be irresponsible not to look at each implication of this piece of news in itself.
Catch up
Firstly, this move comes as a result of Google pulling out of China over quasi-political quasi-business reasons, and Motorola’s decision to search for alternate partners. But to snub Google for Microsoft almost feels disrespectful. On top of that, this search and maps deal would bring Microsoft Bing and maps to Android OS, a Google platform.
Motorola says: we have sway
The other dimension with regards to this switch is what this means for Motorola’s relationship with Google’s Android when compared to Motorola’s relationship with the Windows Phone 7 Series. Sure, The Motorola Milestone (Droid) is a beloved Android phone used by many and the first to show the gulf between the iPhone and Android OS was exaggerated. To lose a partner like that would be costly to Google.
Google says: fine, whatever
- Photo: Google
It is unlikely this would be enough to change Google’s stance on China. The company who brandish ‘Don’t be evil’ as a corporate moniker for reasons often questioned are unlikely to let this switch their policy with another country, even though the advances Microsoft Bing has been making have to be in the back of Google’s mind.
Microsoft says: we like this!
- Photo: Microsoft
Microsoft is the only winner here. Not only is Microsoft woefully handicapped by not being the default search engine on any of the popular contemporary mobile phone operating systems, this may be the avenue the company needs to woo Motorola into committing to Windows Phone 7 Series more than Motorola’s present commitment to Android OS. Insofar as they get the foothold, even if it is out in China, Microsoft has enough of a launchpad to extend their influence.
The phones powered by Microsoft Bing search and maps will begin seeing release this quarter, and the relationship has openly been discussed as ‘global’, meaning this could just be the very beginning.
Tags for this article: Android OS, Microsoft Bing, Windows Phone 7 Series
It shows you how open Google’s Android phone platform is. That OEMs or carriers can change the code, remove Google’s services, and replace them with Microsoft services.
You won’t see this happening the other way ’round. Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 Series is a closed platform, and Steve Ballmer has already stated that carriers will not be permitted to replace Bing with Google search. I think phone-buying customers should buy phones that belong to open platforms, rather than closed platforms, because choice is good.