Rick Osterloh joins Google hardware
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Rick Osterloh joins Google hardware

Rick Osterloh,ex-Lenovo has been hired by Google to run its hardware division.

Rick Osterloh, who was ousted from his position in March with Lenovo as head of the Motorola brand, has been hired by Google to run its hardware division.

Osterloh is Google’s latest senior vice president of hardware. He reports to CEO Sundar Pichai. It is understood that he will be overseeing the development of the company’s Nexus range as well as other consumer hardware, including tablets, Chromebooks, OnHub, and the controversial Google Glass. 

As if that isn’t enough Osterloh will also be in charge of Google’s Advance Technology and Projects (ATAP) division, filling the vacancy created when Regina Dugan jumped ship to Facebook’s hardware outfit. 

Dugan’s departure was widely interpreted as Google revamping the way it structures its hardware research and development as the company tries to exert some influence within the field of emerging technologies like virtual reality, wearable technology and the Internet of Things (IoT).Osterloh returns to Google like the prodigal son who has found his way. He was president of Motorola when Google was in charge but it all ended under Lenovo's steerage, two years later when Osterloh lost his job as Lenovo re-structured.

By the looks of his new responsibilities Osterloh will be tasked with bringing some vision and order to Google’s hardware product set and rationalising the many product departments into a cohesive entity. 




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