Apple buys Quattro Wireless; Mobile ad showdown with Google set

Apple has officially acquired Quattro Wireless, a mobile ad firm that rivals AdMob, which was recently acquired by Google.

In a blog post, Quattro Wireless said:

We are thrilled to let you know that Apple has acquired Quattro. We want to share with you our excitement about this news and what it means for our customers.

We have built our business by enabling advertisers to reach the right consumers across the mobile web and in applications. We remain focused on delivering more engaging, relevant and useful ads to mobile devices, and improving the measurement and execution of digital campaigns. Together with Apple, we look forward to developing exciting new opportunities in the future that will benefit our customers.

For now, the offerings and services you receive from Quattro Wireless will not change. We will continue to operate the Quattro Wireless network across all devices and platforms. Your client and support teams will remain the same, and you can continue to expect the world-class service we are proud to deliver to our customers.

Add it up and you have a mobile advertising collision course on deck (Techmeme). Google and Apple have hot mobile devices and software and both see the appeal of vertical integration. Apple has long been known for integrating mobile hardware and software (see the iPhone). Google is coming around to that integration with its Nexus One launch on deck.

Meanwhile, both Google and Apple see a big role for mobile advertising. And oh by the way they want to control the mobile ad experience too. With Quattro, Apple is ready for its showdown with Google/AdMob. Apple was in the market for AdMob too.

As an aside, you have to wonder how long Quattro Wireless will support all devices and platforms.