Not for sale: Google keeps Motorola's Advanced Technology and Projects group
Lenovo confirms Google will be keeping some elements of Motorola's technology, including the Project Ara modular smartphone.
During a conference call, Lenovo has confirmed that Google will be retaining Motorola's Advanced Technology and Projects division, including the Project Ara modular smartphone.
The Verge is reporting that the Projects group — helmed by former DARPA director Regina Dugan — will be moved to the Google campus in Mountain View and integrated into the Android team.
The most high-profile initiative from the Projects group has been Project Ara — a conceptual modular smartphone that allows people to customise their hardware with keyboards, cameras, extra batteries, even different screens.
The Projects team has come up with some intriguing concepts over the years including an electronic tattoo that would embed a microphone in your neck.
Google will also retain the patents from the Advanced Technology and Projects, although Lenovo will be able to license them.