Microsoft was interested
in acquiring Motorola's patent portfolio, which would have allowed it to take down Android. Motorola, meanwhile, reportedly found a Google deal more desirable because Microsoft had no interest in
running a hardware business and was essentially interested in Motorola's vast collection of patents, according to GigaOm.
"My view is that while Google might have won the battle, in the long run, if it has put the Android ecosystem at risk," writes Om Malik. "Mobile industry insiders view this as a ray of hope for Windows Phone 7 to sign-up the disillusioned handset makers who at this point must be reworking their mobile OS strategies."