Andy Rubin steps down from role as head of Android at Google
updated 02:24 pm EDT, Wed March 13, 2013
Rubin replaced by Sundar Pichai, moving to another project
Andy Rubin, the head of Android at Google, has stepped down from his position to start "a new chapter at Google." Though Rubin's future role within Google has yet to be revealed, he will be replaced by Sundar Pichai, someone that will be adding Android to the current list of areas he manages, which currently includes Chrome OS and Apps.
A post by CEO Larry Page on the Official Google Blog tells of Rubin's initial visit to Google in 2004 and the difficulties of developing for many different mobile phones at the time. Now, Page claims Google has a global partnership with over 60 manufacturers covering 750 million activated devices, and has seen 25 billion apps downloaded through Google Play. During Rubin's tenure as head of Android, he oversaw the shipment of the T-Mobile G1, and attacked Siri when it launched.
While no reasons have been given for Rubin stepping down from his position, he will still continue working for Google, but on other projects. "Andy, more moonshots please!" requests Page in his post. It is possible that Rubin was pressured to step down after a number of incidents, such as the public quashing of the Google retail rumors, and the continuing arguments with Alibaba over Aliyun OS.
The fact that Android and Chrome OS being managed by the same person is likely to start up rumors that Chrome OS and Android may become more alike, or even merge together completely in the future.
