Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) is creating a new hardware division led by the expertise from Rick Osterloh, former president of Motorola. A spokesperson from the tech giant has confirmed to Re/code that the project includes Nexus, Chromecast video streams, Consumer Hardware, Google Glass, and others.
Osterloh could have joined Google as the newest Senior Vice President. Over the last years, the company has battled to unify hardware projects, said Re/code. In April it was announced that Regina Dugan, who was in charge of the Advanced Technology and Project group, left the company and headed to Facebook.
Sources have reported to Re/code that the new hardware division would include a set of products called “the living room”. Moreover, it incorporates the Nexus phones. Osterloh would work alongside Android senior vice president Hiroshi Lockheimer, who is dedicated to to software development.
The chromecast, which is Google’s most sold hardware device, would also enter into the new division, as well as consumer hardware such as the Chromebook laptops and the Pixel C device. In addition, the Wi-Fi router OnHub, the Advanced Technology and Projects group and the Glass, are now under Lockheimer’s responsibilities.
The new hardware director had previously worked with Google, when the company owned Motorola, as the president of the hardware maker. He remained in the same position when Motorola was acquired by Lenovo. However, he left the Chinese company last month, due to a reorganization of projects.
Google has already sold more than 20 million Chromecast devices in two years, being the leader vendor in media-streaming dongles. At the same time, it accounts more than 50 percent of classroom devices sold in the United States, with the Chromebook laptops.
Google is stronger than ever in software development
He recognized advances in software, including Google Search, Google Now, Artificial Intelligence systems, Youtube, Google Play and the cloud. However, he did not mention any hardware product developed by the company.
“Technology is a democratizing force, empowering people through information. Google is an information company. It was when it was founded, and it is today. And it’s what people do with that information that amazes and inspires me every day.”
Creating a solid hardware division could simplify the work for Google’s chip and hardware partners, suggests Re/code. At the same time, devices such as the Nexus flagship could be updated with more frequency, to respond to high levels of market demand. On Friday morning shares of the company rose 0.50 percent in Nasdaq.
Source: Re/code