GOOG bought MMI is mainly for the IP.

Google Android faces so many law suits from Apple and Microsoft. HTC has to pay $5 for each Andrio Phone. HTC also faces law suit from Apple for the patents. Microsoft also was asking Samsung to pay $15 license for each Android phone, and Apple tries to block Samsung Galaxy Tab sell in European by doing all dirty things.

Google realized the issue of making Andrioid platform further popular is its IP. Google may do things compoletely differently in terms of MMI business. They may just want to keep its IP and spin off or sell MMI hardware business. Then, Google will have no problem to continue the efforts of making Android phone further popular.

Overall Google knows how the open/free platform works because its success mainily is due to its open/free. Just look at the its search engine, its map, its voice, its email, its video and its android. It can quickly become so popular because its open and free to the individuals. Some of them may not make money for Google. Google just need to find good way to make money(like its search engine).

I don't think new CEO(larry) will change Google business model for the Android platform. If he really does, then Google's growth story is near end.