Google buys Motorola's mobile phone division for $12 billion

The acquisition of Motorola Mobility is Googles biggest purchase to date and a deliberate move to bolster the adoption of its Android software, which is used in millions of mobile phones.Larry Page, Google chief executive, said: Motorola Mobilitys total commitment to Android has created a natural fit for our two companies.Together, we will create amazing user experiences that supercharge the entire Android ecosystem for the benefit of consumers, partners and developers. I look forward to welcoming Motorolans to our family of Googlers.The deal is Googles biggest challenge yet to Apple, which has dominated the smartphone and tablet markets with the iPhone and iPad.It also pits Google against Nokia, which signed a deal with Microsoft six months ago in a bid to rebuild its ailing fortunes.Google will run Motorola Mobility as a separate business but it is not clear how the deal will affect Googles relationship with other Android partners, specifically HTC, LG and Samsung.