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Google creates new hardware division headed by Ex-Motorola president Rick Osterloh

By Michael Heller

Updated: Apr 28, 2016, 2:21 PM

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Google creates new hardware division headed by Ex-Motorola president Rick Osterloh

There have been rumors that Google might be planning more in-house hardware production -- possibly an expansion of the Pixel line of devices, or even Google taking over the Nexus line completely. Whatever the plans may be, Google seems to be taking them seriously by hiring former Motorola president Rick Osterloh to head up hardware for Google.

A Google representative has confirmed that Osterloh has joined Google as its newest Senior Vice President, running a division that includes all hardware product lines and reports directly to CEO Sundar Pichai. The new unified hardware division will include: Google Glass, ATAP (also a former Motorola division in charge of Project Ara and Tango), OnHub routers, Chromebooks, Pixel devices, Chromecast, and even the Nexus program itself. According to the report, Osterloh will be in charge of Nexus hardware development and the OEM partnerships and will work closely with Android SVP Hiroshi Lockheimer, who will now focus more on software and platform development.

Osterloh had been the president of Motorola from early 2014 until last month, when he left the now Lenovo-owned company. The hope at Google appears to be that a unified hardware division within the company will make it easier to deal with component partners. For consumers, this could well be the start of a more hardware-focused Google which would be very interesting indeed.

source: Re/code

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Michael Heller is known for his clear and informative articles on mobile technology. He explores important topics such as the rollouts of 5G networks and the advancements in mobile payments, offering readers insights into the evolving tech landscape.