Google’s ambitious designs on the mobile market are no secret. Its open source Android operating system has been cropping up in an increasing number of smartphones, which figures to drive usage of Google’s ad-based mobile services.
But one of Google’s key partners, Motorola, has come forward with details of a deal with Microsoft to feature the Bing search engine and other services on its Android-powered phones. And the first market the deal will take effect? China. Enterprise Mobile Today has the story.
Motorola and Microsoft said on Thursday that the mobile handset maker will bundle the software giant’s Bing search engine with its Android-based phones on a global basis.
In a joint statement, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Motorola (NYSE: MOT) said that Android phones with Bing onboard will begin shipping in China first — and soon.
“This new offering, launching in China on smartphones in Q1, will provide consumers a choice when using search and map functions on their Android-based devices,” the companies said.
Android is Google’s (NASDAQ: GOOG) smartphone operating system, which powers several smartphones offered by Motorola. Left unsaid in Microsoft and Motorola’s announcement was the suggestion of a connection to Google’s recent contretemps with the Chinese government regarding censorship in the People’s Republic.
