It probably is. However, this could also be a first step in a process of Google creating a vertically integrated phone offering. Larry Page seems to be borrow

It probably is. However, this could also be a first step in a process of Google creating a vertically integrated phone offering. Larry Page seems to be borrowing from Apple's playbook recently - first by focusing on a set of core products and cutting away Labs and other experimental peripheral stuff, second by integrating all of Google's offerings with G+ as the hub. Adding a vertically integrated Android phone that competes directly with iPhone on design, UI/UX, build quality, etc. could be the next step in that. Google can leave Android licensing as is for a few more years, but if their vertically integrated offering succeeds in the market, they may even eventually end the licensing deals, similar to how Apple ended deals with the clone makers when SJ returned as CEO. Not saying that will happen, just observing that the Moto purchase could allow them to take that route in a few years if they so choose.