Google acquires Android controller Green Throttle's tech and talent

PandoDaily has uncovered the fact that Google has bought Green Throttle's tech and brought on two of its three co-founders. Green Throttle, as you probably do not remember, was a service for Android consoles which paired an Xbox 360-like controller to a downloadable console-like front end app called the Arena -- essentially turning any Android phone or tablet into a microconsole. Green Throttle was co-founded by Charles Huang, an original co-founder of RedOctane, which produced Guitar Hero. Gamasutra spoke to Huang about GreenThrottle a year ago as it first launched. The company discontinued its service in November, however. "Beginning November 8th, 2013, our Arena app will no longer be available on Google Play or the Amazon Appstore for Android and all backend support for the app will cease," reads a message on the company's website. Huang at some point departed the company for other startups. PandoDaily has confirmed with Google that the sale took place, although the terms have been kept private. Alongside the sale, "former Green Throttle staff -- including Crowley and Townsend, two of the three co-founders" have joined Google, PandoDaily writes. This is another likely sign that Google is working on its own Android console or set top box with console-like functionality, which has been heavily rumored for some time now.