Google acquisition of Motorola question?

[Spence_Tricky]

Samsung had the edge in operating system when the Galaxy S2 (or whatever version it was) was supposed to come with Android OS Ice Cream Sandwich off the bat, while other phones had to wait a couple months for it. As a fan of Motorola devices (I have a heavy dislike for the curved design of Samsung phones, not to mention what I feel to be inferior internal specs - seems like they try to make up for it with the operating system), I was wondering if Motorola devices in the future would get the latest Android OS updates just as fast as Samsung does now. After all, it wouldn't make sense if Google gave a competitor an advantage would it?

[Hook]

It's not Google. Google just updates the OS and away you go. It then makes those updates immediately available to the current unlocked Nexus models no matter who manufactured the hardware. How long a carrier or manufacturer takes to release that update is purely up to them and what testing or modifications they are making to it. If Samsung releases updates for non-unlocked phones faster or not, that is Samsung, not Google.

[Ed Hardy]

The other Android OS licensees are watching Google like a hawk to see if it is going to give Motorola preferential treatment. So far there does not appear to be any sign of it.

Actually, if there's any preferential treatment going on it appears to be toward Samsung. The last two Nexus models -- the first with new versions of Android -- were both paid by Samsung. An unconfirmed report says Samsung is going to make the next one as well.
-

[Spence_Tricky]

The other Android OS licensees are watching Google like a hawk to see if it is going to give Motorola preferential treatment. So far there does not appear to be any sign of it.

Actually, if there's any preferential treatment going on it appears to be toward Samsung. The last two Nexus models -- the first with new versions of Android -- were both paid by Samsung. An unconfirmed report says Samsung is going to make the next one as well.
-

So in other words, if Google gives itself preferential treatment it's illegal? And that Samsung will continue to push the latest OS updates for the foreseeable future?

[Drillbit]

It not illegal. It just makes the other Android vendors unhappy.

But really, Google is not interested in manufacturing. It just wants the Motorola IP. The IP is much more than the Android OS itself, as it contains strategic patents from anything like push email, to cloud services.

Ironically, it is the Android user base, the customer base, that is interested more with Google taking tighter reins on Motorola. Actually people do expect Motorola to be more "Googley" and it would be a disappointment if Motorola continues with its losing ways.

IMHO, Motorola is unlikely ever to get flagship status from now on, just to show "neutrality" to the other Android vendors. By the way, the so called "Nexus tablet" is reputed to be by Asus.

To satisfy the customer base, Google still needs to make concessions somewhat, and I think Motoblur is going to be gone. At least, Motorola devices need to be raw Android as much as possible, and updates need to come promptly as promised, which will force the other Android vendors to match such efforts. The Motorola lineup will cleaned up, rationalized, and likely to focused on a few smartphone hero models. The featurephone line that is always the money loser will fade away.

[Varjak]

Spence, veteran BH'ers may be surprised at my question; but why do you say the Samsung internals are inferior? Some here think I don't like Samsung (which isn't true); but one of their strengths in my book IS the internals. Some of the other areas, not so much.

[internetpilot]

It just wants the Motorola IP.

IP? As in InternetPilot?

I'm flattered, but all Google ever had to do is ask!

[Drillbit]

IP as Intellectual Property.

[internetpilot]

I don't know...that's verging on copyright violation since I've been using the name pretty much since the internet began being called the internet. I'm suing Motorola. Time to get a piece of the pie, baby!

[questionfear]

I don't know...that's verging on copyright violation since I've been using the name pretty much since the internet began being called the internet. I'm suing Motorola. Time to get a piece of the pie, baby!

Just remember us little people at BH when you settle your dispute.