Google Buys Wireless Technology Start-Up

Continuing its expansion into the mobile space, Google confirmed that it has purchased the 22-month-old wireless technology firm Android.

"We acquired Android because of the talented engineers and great technology," a Google spokesman said, adding: "We're thrilled to have them here." The spokesman declined to comment on the details of the acquisition.

Android, currently in "stealth mode," produces operating systems for mobile phones and devices, according to a published report in BusinessWeek. Andy Rubin, co-founder of Android, also started Danger Inc., a wireless device manufacturer that developed the "hiptop" technology platform that powers the popular T-Mobile Sidekick wireless device.

The search giant has been working to beef up mobile services since April, when it launched an SMS search function that allows users to send queries in text messages to the number "466453" (Google, on an alphanumeric keypad), and receive an SMS with results, along with contextual ads. And earlier this month, Google launched a mobile Web page for mobile phone and device users, aimed at XHTML- and WML-enabled phones.

Other recent Google acquisitions include Dodgeball.com, a mobile application which allows users to text-message other users who are spending their nights on the town in nearby hot spots.

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