Google Acquires Android Inc. for $50 Million in 2005

Google Acquires Android Inc. for $50 Million

Today, Google announced that it has acquired Android Inc. for a reported $50 million. Android Inc., a startup based in Palo Alto, California, was founded by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White and specializes in developing mobile technologies.

This is the second major acquisition for Google this year, following their high-profile purchase of keyhole, which makes geospatial imagery software.

While information about the acquisition is sparse at this time, speculators believe the move will help Google ensure a significant share of the mobile market. With the world’s largest search engine and communications tools already branded on mobile phones, Google can extend its global reach even further.

It's also rumored that Google is planning to leverage the Android technology to develop cell phone applications beyond what is currently available in the market. Android's main focus is on wireless data applications, so Google could potentially expand its services significantly with this transaction.