Google Pays Apple $100,000,000/Year for Search

Recent reports suggest that Apple and Microsoft could team up to offer Bing on the iPhone, robbing Google of the cozy default position it currently holds.

Today we learn that Google is actually paying a lot of money for the privilege of appearing as the default search engine in Safari. The Business Insider cites people familiar with the matter who say Apple's contract with Google earns the Cupertino-based electronics company $100 million a year.

If the Bing rumors are true, it's very likely that Microsoft is offering Apple more money, hence the latter's decision to give Google the boot. However, it's also possible that with Google now firmly established in the smartphone market and presenting a real threat to the iPhone, Apple just wants to switch search providers for the sake of keeping away from the competition.

Motorola to do Splits in 2011

Motorola has finally provided more details regarding the company's plans to split into two independently trading companies.

In 2008 Motorola said it would spin off its mobile division into a separate company. At the time, Motorola's phone division wasn't doing too well. Following the rise and fall of the RAZR, the company had had very little success in the cell phone market. The revelation that Motorola was dividing itself in two was largely seen as Moto segregating one division that was dragging the entire company down.

Since that initial announcement in March 2008, Motorola phones have been quite successful. Along with the DROID, the company has several more Android phones scheduled for launch this year. However, Motorola has confirmed that it will go ahead with plans to spin off its mobile arm. The company has said it is aiming at the first quarter of 2011 for its planned separation.