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The deal, in which Microsoft will provide search and map capabilities on Motorola’s new smart phones comes just in time for Microsoft, actually both. Microsoft seized the opportunity when there were rumors about Google pulling out of China, because of censorship issues; Motorola relied heavily on Google’s Android platform to push into the competitive cellphone market in China
Google has been involved in a spat against the Chinese government over internet censorship. This all began when Google’s systems was attacked. Google threatened to end its operations in China. It did not accuse Beijing directly, but said it was no longer willing to censor its Chinese search engine – google.cn
The alliance between Motorola and the opportunistic Microsoft will ultimately give Motorola customers a choice when using search and map function’s on their Android-based devices. Android is a mobile operating platform developed by Google and other alliance partners.
Microsoft on the other hand, will deploy their Bing search engine services on Motorola’s devices. The search and map services through Microsoft will initially be available in China, starting in the first quarter this year.
