Internet search giant Google Inc. is continuing its stealth move into wireless with the acquisition of software developer Android Inc., the company confirmed this week.
The acquisition raised industry eyebrows due to Android’s wealth of talent and veil of secrecy. The startup was launched two years ago by Andy Rubin, who is credited with bringing the popular Hiptop device to market as Danger Inc.’s founder and chief executive officer.
As head of Android, Rubin has said only that the company is developing software for mobile phones. The developer’s Web site offers no information other than maps of its three offices in Boston, Seattle and Palo Alto, Calif.
“We acquired Android because of the talented engineers and great technology,” Google said in a prepared statement. “We’re thrilled to have them here.”
The company declined to give details on the acquisition price or any plans for Android’s software.
Google launched a short message service localized search service last year and has since expanded into other mobile services. In May, the company bought Dodgeball, a location-specific dating and social-networking service for wireless users.
Analysts expect Google to continue to step up its presence both on the Internet and in wireless. The company said Thursday that it will sell as much as $4 billion in stock and hinted the cash could be used for more acquisitions.
Google shares were down $6.17 to $278.93 in mid-day trading on the Nasdaq Thursday.
