Search giant, Google just took a big leap in its efforts to grow its consumer electronics business by hiring former Motorola chief, Rick Osterloh as its new Hardware Division Chief.
He’ll work to unify Google’s new hardware division under one roof, as part of its well-planned strategy.
This means, Nest CEO Tony Fadell will no longer lead Google’s Glass initiatives, though he’ll stay as a team adviser.
A Peek into Former Motorola Chief, Rick Osterloh’s Career
After Motorola president Dennis Underwood left to become Dropbox’s COO, Rick Osterloh succeeded him.
And it was during Osterloh’s leadership that Motorola again became a household name in the mobile market.
But last month, he left Motorola after Lenovo completed the mobile company’s acquisition. And Lenovo got Aymar de Lencquesaing to take over Osterloh’s position.
At Google, Osterloh will work as a senior vice president and report to Google CEO Sundar Pichai.
However, he’s no stranger to Google as he led product development during Motorola’s tenure under Google and also helped to develop Moto X, Moto 360 and early Droid efforts.
What is so amusing about ATAP?
Osterloh’s appointment will mark a shift in Search giant’s approach to hardware.
Because the new hardware division is broad, covering Nexus phones, Glass Internet-connected eyewear device, OnHub, Chromecast, Chromebook and Pixel C.
Advanced Technology and Projects group (ATAP), is also now under former Motorola chief, which is a bit amusing.
Because ATAP was actually born in Motorola before Google bought it, which put it under Osterloh when he became Motorola’s president.
ATAP is known for its involvement in the development of Project Ara modular smartphone, which is still unreleased. Even after Google sold off Motorola Mobility to Lenovo, it held on to ATAP.
Now Osterloh is once again in charge of ATAP, which was in dire need of a new chief after Regina Dugan, its former head, left it for Facebook.
Now we’ll see if he can make Google’s hardware products, work for the real world.