Google boss defends Apple role

Posted on 12 Jun 2008 at 12:08

Google chief executive Eric Schmidt has defended his position on Apple's board, insisting there is no conflict of interest over the two companies' ambitions in the mobile market.

Schmidt explained that he occasionally has had to leave board meetings when the iPhone was being discussed, since Google is soon to release the Android operating system that will drive rival devices.

"I've only done this once or twice, so it's not as common as it sounds," Schmidt told an event in San Francisco.

Asked whether the competition between the two companies might lead to him stepping down from Apple's board, Schmidt answered that, "It has not so far".

In fact Apple and Google have shared interests in the mobile market. Apple relies on Google technology for certain iPhone features - Maps, YouTube and search for example - and in return the "vast majority" of mobile traffic to Google now comes from the iPhone.

They also both stand to benefit as the market for mobile internet access expands, a process the iPhone has started and Android my well help continue.

[photo: Eric Schmidt! WOW! Welcome Google to Argentina! =) by TheAlieness GiselaGiardino²³]

Author: Simon Aughton

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