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The Phone Maker That Helped Build Android

overview

Acquired is back and live on the scene! After months of speculation, Google announces today their acquisition (err, "Cooperation Agreement") of a large portion of HTC's hardware division. What does this mean for the future of mobile? Can Google transform itself into a vertically integrated device company and compete directly with Apple? Most importantly, when will we see more Beats Android handsets??? (We hope never)

More on the episode

Topics Covered

The origins of HTC as a Taiwanese OEM, dating back to the Compaq iPAQ and Palm Treo 650!
HTC's long history with Google, starting as the manufacturer of the first Android phone, the HTC Dream / T-Mobile G1
HTC's ownership of Beats, for a hot minute
Google's own winding history in hardware, with its Motorola acquisition in 2011 and divestiture in 2014
Google & HTC's joint work on the Pixel smartphones in 2016
And much analysis and speculation on what this means for Google, Apple, Samsung, vertical vs horizontal business models and more!

Carve Outs

Ben: Odesza's new album A Moment Apart
David: Bruce Springsteen on Fresh Air

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Note: Acquired hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.